Dude get an portable electric fence and a few goats and they will clear up the area fast. You may get someone to let you borrow some goats and thats free feed for them.
@@JcUDE I've been thinking about it. I really want to get goats but I think I'm going to wait until spring. The amount of work I'm going to have to put into the main house and the wood I'm going to have to get ready is already overwhelming.
@@corydriver7634 Goats have to be next season I have to figure out where exactly everything is and I'm starting to rehab the main house next week. The problem is there are young fruit and nut trees scattered everywhere and I need to mark everything out. But Goats are coming in the spring and I have to get at least one Fainting goat because they are frickin awesome! 😎 John
With this plot of land, it reminds me of the saying "ask and the land shall provide". You have the basis for an epic transformation with all the infrastructure materials and mature fruits/veggies.
The potential is endless but so is the work 😂. Had spinal fusion surgery a couple of years ago so everything takes 10X longer than it used to for me but I'll have a great Homestead eventually. Just can't wait to get all the house rehab done it's so gross inside. Heat's been miserable and doing it alone can get frustrating but I'll be able to say I did it Solo and mean it!
I've seen a few videos of people walking their property. A couple of people had drones, and they really helped with showing the place, so it made planning easier.
Gonna need an industrial weed whacker. Looks good though. When we bought our acreage there was a lot of diplomatic silence from family and friends. The tax assessor had no idea that there was a house on the property but thought it was a dump site. 25 years on it's beautiful and well loved. yours will be too.
@@bobpenner4260 Thanks for the support. For me it was ending a 13 year relationship and family members just disappeared but we're happy. Louie and I have this!
Thats an awesome place. So many things that can be revamped and repurposed. Lots of work,but just concentrate on one area at a time so its not so overwhelming. Get a tractor and maybe rent one of those skid loader that has the mulching attachment on it to clear the heavy stuff. Good luck and I will keep watching.
@@joebenjamin9840 I'm trying brother! I'm going to be making the transition to the house soon It's going to be a rough winter ❄️. I just see something in this place.... Hard to explain. I just want a simple life and all the pieces are there . Thanks for your support 🙏 James and Louie
It's so nice to see that you are renovating not only the buildings but the land. So many times land is sacrificed for modernization which is such a shame. Since you're calling it Monarch Harbor it would be nice to have a special area planted for the butterflies. Cannot wait to watch your progress.
I love it I used to live out in the country we owned a chicken farm we used to raise chickens I love the country I wish I could move back there. I'm getting ready to move somewhere and sell my property in the city. 👍👋👋👋👋🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟
@@littlefish9670 I ended up reducing the price on my house, and left everything behind. Have faith in yourself.! I won't lie it's difficult as hell. The thing is... When you see a sunset without boundaries and realize that the only thing that holds you back is you it's humbling. You create your future don't be one of those people on their deathbed say I wish I would have. That's my biggest fear! Johnathen Edward Doe
@@bearsmom42 Louie is in his happy place. He runs like he's 5 years old again! The work is immense but I firmly believe that the key to the future is sustainability. I think I may have found purpose, something I believe most people never seen in their life. I may fail but I WILL "Fall forward" Denzel Washington graduation speech. We appreciate your support 💪 John and Louie
I love your commentary lol it was so fun to watch this video! I hope you & Louis heal up really fast, can't wait to see what is to come for you guys & the place :)
Looks like a big adventure. Once you mow and clean the over growth you'll be able to see to work, I'd be so scared of snakes your brave to walk all over. I look forward to seeing what you do.
I know this area and the vegetation . That is simply not the result of long term neglect . Two years of slacking anywhere around you will result in the same condition . The good news is the ground is fertile and getting life going obviously isn't hard . Most people I know that have problems with that are the ones that spend all their time fighting against nature and their landscape instead of working with it . Best of luck and congratulations on a potentially very nice property 👍
@@Freedom_Half_Off I appreciate it. I know it will be easier in the spring. The biggest problem is all the junk all over the place. Piles of old concrete, fencing, etc and I didn't get into it until everything was hidden by the growth. I'm making progress slowly but surely. Thanks for the support. John and Louie
@@susandowdy9446 Thanks for your support 🙏. It's a huge undertaking but with a lot of work it can be a self sustainable farm that will take care of us for years to come. John and Louie
Congratulations! We just bought some land & we’re where you are - attempting to get on the land! We have bees too - in the wall of an old cabin! 😂 Removal & redirecting soon! Looking forward to your progress (& ours too)!!!
Thanks for the support. It's definitely no joke and constant problems but when you catch those moments Sunrise and the birds are singing or watching Louie laying in the Sun instead of being plopped on the couch when we had our home in the City it's so worth it!
@@lilly3628 Thanks I appreciate it. It's definitely going to be a huge undertaking. Right now I'm just trying to focus on cleanup and on the first of the month the last of the old renters in the main house should be gone so that will be a big deal to get Habitable for the winter. There's a really cool hand made, broken tile, mural floor and built-in Cob seating with a rocket heater/stove! Stay tuned! John and Louie
I would start by mowing paths and then clean up all the rubbish that is easily accessible from the paths and then work further into the wilderness then you can clean up everything section by section. I must say it is a beautiful area if you can get it running. good luck with this beautiful adventure
Thanks for the vote of confidence. Just grinding away at it. Starting the inside of the main house in a few days on the first so that's going to be the main focus and getting prepped for winter 🥶
What a fantastic property and amazing opportunity. One hell of a lot of mowing and strumming to be done!!! Good luck. Looking forward to the updates!!! 🇬🇧
@@antonyowen5563 Thank you. It's going to take a while. I should be posting a video on the inside of the main house and start rehab on it the first of next month. I have to Start getting prepped for winter I plan on heating only with wood. We appreciate your support 🙏 John and Louie
@@7018bluegrass Thanks 🙏, It's definitely been an adventure so far. After undergoing Spinal fusion surgery a couple of years ago I'm finally walking again and slowly picking away at the cleanup. It's slow but I'll get there! We really appreciate your support! John and Louie.
Mother Nature just bides her time & when the humans stop playing she takes over once again! Wonderful place! The adventures begins!! Take care & be well!
@@BuckJones1909 You are so right. I just said earlier today to the one long term lessor on the property... " We're just visiting this place and everything as far as our imagination can reach will be here long after we are gone." I just have High hopes that I can leave "Her", a little bit better off than I found her. I sincerely appreciate it 🙏 Johnathen
I just subscribed. Where is this.? I help my uncle in WI clear out our old hippie communion and it was much more than we thought. Don't want to scare you but this is a lot to do and a lot of money. Best wishes and I'll be pulling for you.
@@lawrencelipon8673 I appreciate it! Yeah it can really be epic with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. The price to pay is well worth it for the security. I don't have to worry about food, power, water, etc. Big change from city life. Thanks for your support John and Louie
@@robertspencer5219 I appreciate it brother. Been weed eating all day barely a dent but I'm making progress. Can finally see my other tractor! I'm posting a video later showing it! John and Louie
@@stevesahr1752 Definitely a huge project. Just trying to get a little done every day. The main house will be my focus on the first of the month as long as the renters are out. Thanks for your support John and Louie
Like many, I just stumbled across and subscribed! What a great piece of property with so much potential and it sounds like you have a great plan for it. Will definitely be following your progress!!!
@@scottpierce3969 Thanks for subscribing. The big projects are going to start next season. This was not planned at all 😂. I was actually Vanlife-ing it and camped on the property and decided to buy it. The house video will be coming tomorrow. First Walk Through! There were a couple of renters inside but they are finishing up moving out so tomorrow will start the cleanup! We appreciate your support 🙏 James and Louie
@@patriciadenapole3263 I've definitely got the slow part down pat! Steady I'm trying to attain. It's definitely a big project but it just feels right. My life in the city was going nowhere and it truly felt like I had no purpose. Well I asked for it now I have way too much purpose going on! 😂 We appreciate your support 🙏 John Doe and Louie
@@Roblavoie401 Thanks for the Support. I'll be posting videos daily moving forward. Tons of work to be done here and slow going at 50 years old after spinal fusion but it's worth it. At least I never have to purchase veggies, fruit, or eggs for the rest of my life. John and Louie
I just stumbled across this video, I’m glad I did. Very interesting piece of property, I can see why you like it. It blows me away what slobs some people can be. Consider getting a grapple for your tractor, it would substantially reduce your clean up time. And a plumbing torch for lighting a lot of junk piles. Good luck!
@@alanthompson9291 Thanks 🙏 It's a slow process but I'm just taking it one day at a time. Should be in the house in a weekish??? That in itself will help a lot. Don't get me wrong I'm thankful for my RV bed but I'm really looking forward to a "Normal" Bed. We appreciate your support. John and Louie
@@russellpetrie119 It's going to be a slow process. Right now just trying to knock down weeds where I can but the house should be vacant on the first so that rehab project will be priority number one getting ready for winter.
@@russellpetrie119 I have a hard time getting around after spinal fusion surgery so I'm just going to be focusing on the house and immediately area for the rest of this season. Going to the gym every day and trying to get my leg and back strengthened back up. I imagine if I can keep it up by spring I'll be getting along much better just trying to take it slow and heal up.
You shouldn't put goats in there because they will also eat your trees. It is best to place a long bamboo stick next to the trees. If necessary, you can give the heads a little color with a spray can so that they stand out better. then you can see them when you mow. I bought a newly planted piece of land in the Ardennes of 42 hectares, approximately 103 ac, and three of us spent nine days marking all the trees. When we mowed, I discovered that we had still missed several trees. there are around twelve thousand trees there
@@aukebij3193 That's what I've been worrying about. I believe that the Goats should be contained to the area between the two barns. It's definitely going to be next year before I even consider going down that road. I most certainly don't want young fruit trees or nut trees getting 'Fkd" up. Congrats on your property! Are you doing a fully sustainable farm as well? John and Louie
@@MonarchHarbor we are now busy building a swimming/relaxing pond, there will be an animal cuddly farm, a barefoot path, actually all kinds of things to relax and experience, there will be forty-eight chalets where people can stay with their supervisors
@@jamessimpson3061 Sorry there are a couple of permanent campers right by the Cobin and I was shooting video on Sunday morning early. I did get a short video of the Cobbin up today.
Oh man can I get a spot? Ha ha ha its my dream to find a property and build a community that works together to be self sustainable. Im excited to see the videos of your place being made beautiful. So much potential!!! Great job!!!
@@mrtbuilds702 Thanks for the support. If I can keep on track I should be opening up for long term camping next summer. Keep watching for updates! John and Louie
Did they leave a bushhog for the tracktor to pull around to mow ? An I would that the tracket using the front in loader to pick up a lot of the stuff to place stuff in sepport pils for wood pallets , water contaners , junkand extray . to help find what you need when you need it . An also put water containers next to buildings to catch rain water from the gutters .
@@Kro_man_tx No they are all good. Been utilizing a few already. There is one on the porch of the main house to catch that roof water. One of the "next year" projects is to gutter the two Barns for catchment! Thanks for the support. John and Louie
A good endeavor to give purpose and pleasure in accomplishment. Best wishes you and Louie ! One thing we knew going into our farmstead adventure was that an extended family or close friends / co-laborers would be an essential ingredient. Still looking for that ingredient. Seems that the demands of mainstream city existence keep most people from getting to the land and having time & energy to expend on it. I think commune type situations decline gradually wherein the responsibilities for maintaining various areas are abandoned one at a time. The remaining members only have time and energy to maintain their own area . That's why you see those various collapsing shelters and dump sites. The folks in the house must have been one of the last inhabitants. One key to maintenance is to have rotating group workdays in each area. But even that isn't enough when the group head count declines too much.
You need animal's to eat down all the forage. Mobile electric fencing would work well. And can be processed this fall/ winter to get you started. Once you get to lower choice grasses you could put out chicken tractors. Your grain costs would be cheap for the chickens & muscovy ducks. Cattle and sheep would do well and maybe pigs in the wooded area. That would give you cheap help to get the forage under control and then you can come back and remove the garbage/junk. It would also fertilize the ground to make your land better. And a meat source to get you started. This would speed up the clean up and locate equipment & junk/garbage faster than next spring. Rotational grazing is wonderful for your land improvement. That's the size acerage I would love to have and what I would do to clean it up faster but not waste the free resources and multiple my efforts. I could be cleaning up the garbage while the animals were cl earing the next areas for me. And I wouldn't be using gas/fuel to get it done. Just my thoughts. Sorry I went overboard. LOL good luck with your new adventure.
@@denisewilson8367 I completely get where you are coming from and I have utilized chicken tractors in the past they are incredible! I just have an extremely hard time getting around. Spinal fusion and a bum leg. The remainder of this year is going to be focusing on the house and its rehab. By spring it will be a whole different scenario. But I completely agree with everything you wrote. Keep shooting towards the future land ownership and self-sustainability is the key to the future in my humble opinion. Johnathen
Johnathen I understand limitations. I live off grid in my motorhome on rented ground after my divorce. I'm 63 and I have 1 working arm and my other hand. Bad back & hips & feet, a bum left leg too. I have a tiny solar system and I haul in my water for now but I'm building an outdoor kitchen/laundry sink with water catchment and natural filter above it. I've gardened & had animals all my life. Most of them have become food. Hunting & foraging are a part of my life. I preserve what I don't eat fresh. I haul out my garbage and waste. I mow a section around my storage barn. Set up my picnic table under the only good shade tree. Smoking/grilling are two of my favorite way to cook. Open campfires is another. I understand where you want to be. Sustainable is the only way to be.
@@ronw9848 Thanks for your support. It's a ton of work but I'm making a little progress every day. I'm going to be posting Videos daily moving forward. We're going to be doing all kinds of cool stuff. I should be in the main house on the first of August the previous rentor should be out. Tons of trash to clean out of there but it's really cool inside. The floor is even done with broken pieces of tile to create murals so stay tuned! John and Louie
@@grandfatherrabbit Thanks for the words of encouragement! It will get there. Just slow going. I'll be starting the renovation on the house on the first. Old renter will be out Hopefully! Wait until you see the floors inside it has a hand made tile floor depiction of a tree and a built in Cob couch and rocket stove. I'm going to try to get out a video every day moving forward. Thanks again John and Louie
Wow, don’t humans just create such a scar and mess in the landscape. All the best in trying to fix it up and make it look good and be functional for you.
@@tom8357qld It's a little difficult to see it so neglected. I've made a few trailer loads to the dump but have quite a few more ahead. I'll tell you what though when I walk out there in the morning when the sun comes up and watch the rabbits cruise everywhere and hear the birds you can't help but feel better every day. Something that always eluded me in the city. Thanks for your support 🙏 John and Louie
It's on the list ☺️. Just choosing battles on the financial side and I'm starting the house in a few days so I know that's gonna suck up a few bucks! The Walk behind is awesome I've rented a few but it's definitely something I'm going to have to invest in here with this much area.
Thank you. Lots of work but it's always been my dream to have a small homestead and be completely self sustainable. I literally walked away from my life to do this so I really appreciate the support. James and Louie
That place is going to definitely take some work but it will pay off in the end! We just bought some land as well and it is definitely work yet it is beautiful at the same time. Can’t wait to see how it comes along!
@@RealOutdoorLiving Thanks for the kind words. It's definitely no joke! How big is your place? I was really shooting for 50 acres and this place is only 14.8 but I just fell in love with it. Post some videos or pictures of your place I'd love to see it. People are starting to get fed up and see that sustainable living might be the answer to many of our problems! John and Louie
@@MonarchHarbor we have 10 acres. We’d love more though. We have been documenting our journey on our RUclips page. And yes getting off grid and living life the way you want to live is the ultimate dream. Our family has never been closer. Cutting out all the hustle and bustle, enjoying day to day life. Hard work still but knowing it’s for what you want is the best feeling!
@@RealOutdoorLiving It's crazy though... Did you guys have a hard time decompression as well? I found that's the hardest part. It's counterintuitive but the slower I go it seems the more I can accomplish likewise the stress has been dissipating but it's definitely a slow process. Personally I've never been happier!
@@MonarchHarbor it took a bit to decompress, settle and get into the groove of it all. Not counterintuitive in my opinion because it’s your own and you can work at your own pace. I love it that way. You can take the time, enjoy yourself, family, plan and just enjoy the simpler way of living. We look forward to continue watching your progress. Any tips tricks or advice is always welcome.
@@phillipray9457 Thanks for your support. We're in Illinois. I was planning on going to Tennessee but I ended up falling in love with the place. John and Louie
@@chrisroccaforte3934 I really appreciate the support. It's been pretty tough so far but it's well worth it. Just being out of town was a really hard adjustment. Then to boondocking Van Life then to this! All during the course of 4 months. Well the adventure continues at least I have plenty to eat! 😁 Best wishes John and Louie
Get yourself a skid steer or a tractor with a Browns tree cutter and it will go through that stuff like a hot knife through butter... A friend of mine always wanted to go to Belize, don't know if he ever made it.. Well i won't bother you, you've got plenty to do...
@@russellpetrie119 We're building a really nice 4 season bathroom from Cob. The main focus for the remainder of the season is going to be rehabbing the main house. The renter should be out on the first and I'll post a walk through of it. It's really bad but awesome inside. Slow going but we'll get there. Thanks for the support John and Louie
@@MonarchHarbor ideal for personel use to with alot of work going on need to be comfortable three birds with one stone worth building and pay back clean clothing and body get you set for the next day
Wow you are a lucky man to be able to own such a property. Very sorry you and louie were attacked by 2 Pitbulls . whoever the owner of the pitbulls is, should have been prosecuted and those pitbulls should be put down. How could the owner let those dogs run free like that, knowing that they attack people and other dogs. I have heard too many stories of young children being attacked and killed by pitbulls. Hope you and louie recover soon it must have been terrifying for you both. Enjoy your new farm and home it will certainly keep you busy to get everything the way you want it. God bless you.🙋🇮🇪🙏🇺🇸👍❤️😁🌳🏞️
@@toddjohnston4788 How's it going with you Todd? We're doing good. The Back is holding up but I'm pretty much crapped out by around 3:00 daily. Plenty of exercise here at the new property. Always projects to do and will be starting on the Main house on the first hopefully if the old renter is out. Just trying to make a little progress every day hopefully I can get enough done to open up for camping next summer. I'm trying to get settled into a routine and post a video every day moving forward. John and Louie
@@toddjohnston4788 The surgery for me was rough I was rushed in for emergency surgery L4, L5, S1 Fusion but the really bad part was when I came to afterwards my right leg hardly worked and I had drop foot. I couldn't control my foot at all so rehab took forever. If you go through with it be sure to exercise every day not just physical therapy but I'm not gonna lie it was no joke. I wish that I would have had some time before the surgery I most definitely would have gone on a diet first. You know we don't really take very good care of ourselves when we get older. It would have made rehab much easier but I've dropped a hundred pounds now back down to 195 and going to planet fitness every day rehabbing myself!
@@bertandbuckscott7808 Thanks I'm going to need it 😂. Crazy endeavor but I just have a feeling about this place. With the state of the world that we live in now being self-sustaining seems to me is the best bet. It's not easy but it's worth it! We appreciate your support. John and Louie.
@@kenfox22 Actually I've got the black wasps with nests in the ceiling! Sprayed them down really hard again yesterday so we'll see how it goes tomorrow. Going to be taking the tractor around and mow out the field paths so I'll have another video tomorrow.
@@GetToTheFarm Thanks! I'm not going to lie I do question my sanity at times taking this on at 50 with a bum leg but at the end of the day it just feels right. We appreciate your support 🙏 John and Louie
@@hopeinhim9269 I tried unfortunately the last one is MIA. Not sure if it was a coyote or the feral cat's running around. I'm just going to wait until spring and build a secure coop and try again. God's will... Right now the main focus is getting the house to a point that I can survive the winter 🥶. It's going to be a long haul but I know I can do it. Probably going to be a lone survivor thing going on but at least I didn't give up or give in! Faith people don't understand it anymore. We drop to our knees asking for help, answers to questions, and reason for our sorrow but never just bend a knee and give Thanks 🙏. Our ancestors had it tuff we've become fluff! Thanks for your support James and Louie
@@hotelcampestreelpantano3667 I'm right at 14.8 acres. I originally wanted more acreage but now I'm kinda happy that it's less! 😂 So much work but it will get there. I'm going to be starting on the main house on Thursday and do a walk through video. Can't wait to be out of the RV and get into the process of renovation and prepping for winter. We're going to be doing lots of canning, dehydrating, and even going to make Mead from all of our honey straight from the farm so stay tuned. John and Louie
Great farm. I share your vision and wish you progress and prosperity. Curious if you would be willing to share general proximity of the property and average cost per acre in that area. Thank you! p.s. I have a 71 Westfalia/ VW bus too.
@@treasuretom13 It's hard to say. I originally was just going to PermaCamp here for the summer and do an engine swap on the VW Campmobile and head down to Tennessee but I just fell in love with the place. Keep watching. Wait till you see the Cob house and the inside of the Main house it must have been EPIC back in the hay day the 70's. We appreciate you. John and Louie
recommend buying a tracked 360 back hoe with thumb fog digging diths holes clearing rubbish into dumpsters and moving stuff trimming back cutting back once you got one youl never be without
Dude get an portable electric fence and a few goats and they will clear up the area fast. You may get someone to let you borrow some goats and thats free feed for them.
@@JcUDE I've been thinking about it. I really want to get goats but I think I'm going to wait until spring. The amount of work I'm going to have to put into the main house and the wood I'm going to have to get ready is already overwhelming.
@@MonarchHarbor Pigs and sheep are also great land clearers. Next spring lol.
Yeah, I need some goats too. Maybe cheaper than diesel to run the tractors to clean up our property too.
@@MonarchHarbordude is not wrong!!!! Cheaper that way. Plus the goat guy provides fencing.
@@MonarchHarbor Find someone who owns goats and ask him if he will let his goats roam designated areas of your property to clear.
One word…Goats. There are people that actually rent goats to cleanup properties like this. They’ll make quick work of it.
@@corydriver7634 Goats have to be next season I have to figure out where exactly everything is and I'm starting to rehab the main house next week. The problem is there are young fruit and nut trees scattered everywhere and I need to mark everything out. But Goats are coming in the spring and I have to get at least one Fainting goat because they are frickin awesome! 😎 John
With this plot of land, it reminds me of the saying "ask and the land shall provide". You have the basis for an epic transformation with all the infrastructure materials and mature fruits/veggies.
The potential is endless but so is the work 😂. Had spinal fusion surgery a couple of years ago so everything takes 10X longer than it used to for me but I'll have a great Homestead eventually. Just can't wait to get all the house rehab done it's so gross inside. Heat's been miserable and doing it alone can get frustrating but I'll be able to say I did it Solo and mean it!
I've seen a few videos of people walking their property. A couple of people had drones, and they really helped with showing the place, so it made planning easier.
How many acres?
@@larrykoroush6995 I think he said about 14.
Gonna need an industrial weed whacker. Looks good though. When we bought our acreage there was a lot of diplomatic silence from family and friends. The tax assessor had no idea that there was a house on the property but thought it was a dump site. 25 years on it's beautiful and well loved. yours will be too.
@@bobpenner4260 Thanks for the support. For me it was ending a 13 year relationship and family members just disappeared but we're happy. Louie and I have this!
Thats an awesome place. So many things that can be revamped and repurposed. Lots of work,but just concentrate on one area at a time so its not so overwhelming. Get a tractor and maybe rent one of those skid loader that has the mulching attachment on it to clear the heavy stuff. Good luck and I will keep watching.
He HAS a tractor.
@@joebenjamin9840 I'm trying brother! I'm going to be making the transition to the house soon It's going to be a rough winter ❄️.
I just see something in this place.... Hard to explain. I just want a simple life and all the pieces are there .
Thanks for your support 🙏
James and Louie
It's so nice to see that you are renovating not only the buildings but the land. So many times land is sacrificed for modernization which is such a shame. Since you're calling it Monarch Harbor it would be nice to have a special area planted for the butterflies. Cannot wait to watch your progress.
I love videos like this, watching the improvements to a new property. This looks as if it will be an amazing property.
I love it I used to live out in the country we owned a chicken farm we used to raise chickens I love the country I wish I could move back there. I'm getting ready to move somewhere and sell my property in the city. 👍👋👋👋👋🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟
@@littlefish9670 I ended up reducing the price on my house, and left everything behind. Have faith in yourself.! I won't lie it's difficult as hell. The thing is... When you see a sunset without boundaries and realize that the only thing that holds you back is you it's humbling. You create your future don't be one of those people on their deathbed say I wish I would have. That's my biggest fear!
Johnathen Edward Doe
Enjoyed your property looks nice and promising for RV Park. I am looking forward to your property development . All the best 👍
Welcome to Tennessee! You have a new adventure ahead of you. How exciting! Looking forward to see what you do with the property.
I can't imagine how much work you have ahead of you! Im sure Louie is loving it!
@@bearsmom42 Louie is in his happy place. He runs like he's 5 years old again! The work is immense but I firmly believe that the key to the future is sustainability. I think I may have found purpose, something I believe most people never seen in their life. I may fail but I WILL "Fall forward" Denzel Washington graduation speech.
We appreciate your support 💪
John and Louie
Great property going to take a lot of work but will be worth it in the long run good luck the goat idea is pretty good
What a treasure! This looks like a place in Missouri that I was eye balling earlier this year. 😊 It had an old trailer and barn as well...
I love your commentary lol it was so fun to watch this video! I hope you & Louis heal up really fast, can't wait to see what is to come for you guys & the place :)
Just a thought let van dwellers stay in exchange for helping clean the place up. There are lots of van groups.
What adventures will fill your days❤
Looks like a big adventure. Once you mow and clean the over growth you'll be able to see to work, I'd be so scared of snakes your brave to walk all over. I look forward to seeing what you do.
I know this area and the vegetation . That is simply not the result of long term neglect . Two years of slacking anywhere around you will result in the same condition .
The good news is the ground is fertile and getting life going obviously isn't hard . Most people I know that have problems with that are the ones that spend all their time fighting against nature and their landscape instead of working with it .
Best of luck and congratulations on a potentially very nice property 👍
@@Freedom_Half_Off I appreciate it. I know it will be easier in the spring. The biggest problem is all the junk all over the place. Piles of old concrete, fencing, etc and I didn't get into it until everything was hidden by the growth. I'm making progress slowly but surely.
Thanks for the support.
John and Louie
Pretty cool,this is exactly what me and my daughter and her kids are looking.This is amazing!
@@susandowdy9446 Thanks for your support 🙏. It's a huge undertaking but with a lot of work it can be a self sustainable farm that will take care of us for years to come.
John and Louie
Congratulations! We just bought some land & we’re where you are - attempting to get on the land! We have bees too - in the wall of an old cabin! 😂 Removal & redirecting soon! Looking forward to your progress (& ours too)!!!
Thanks for the support. It's definitely no joke and constant problems but when you catch those moments Sunrise and the birds are singing or watching Louie laying in the Sun instead of being plopped on the couch when we had our home in the City it's so worth it!
@@MonarchHarbor It’s definitely another world!!! 😊
Wow John this place is great.
A lotta of work but I'm picking away at it one day at a time. It beats my old life sitting in my house in the city! I'll get there 😄
Glad I got in at the beginning, this should epic! Good for you taking this on.
@@lilly3628 Thanks I appreciate it. It's definitely going to be a huge undertaking. Right now I'm just trying to focus on cleanup and on the first of the month the last of the old renters in the main house should be gone so that will be a big deal to get Habitable for the winter. There's a really cool hand made, broken tile, mural floor and built-in Cob seating with a rocket heater/stove! Stay tuned!
John and Louie
I would start by mowing paths and then clean up all the rubbish that is easily accessible from the paths and then work further into the wilderness then you can clean up everything section by section. I must say it is a beautiful area if you can get it running. good luck with this beautiful adventure
Thanks for the vote of confidence. Just grinding away at it. Starting the inside of the main house in a few days on the first so that's going to be the main focus and getting prepped for winter 🥶
What a fantastic property and amazing opportunity. One hell of a lot of mowing and strumming to be done!!! Good luck. Looking forward to the updates!!! 🇬🇧
@@antonyowen5563 Thank you. It's going to take a while. I should be posting a video on the inside of the main house and start rehab on it the first of next month. I have to Start getting prepped for winter I plan on heating only with wood.
We appreciate your support 🙏
John and Louie
Monarch Harbor will be a beauty!
I loved listening to your joy and excitement about your place!
Congratulations and Best Wishes for your future..
@@7018bluegrass Thanks 🙏, It's definitely been an adventure so far. After undergoing Spinal fusion surgery a couple of years ago I'm finally walking again and slowly picking away at the cleanup. It's slow but I'll get there!
We really appreciate your support!
John and Louie.
Mother Nature just bides her time & when the humans stop playing she takes over once again! Wonderful place! The adventures begins!! Take care & be well!
@@BuckJones1909 You are so right. I just said earlier today to the one long term lessor on the property... " We're just visiting this place and everything as far as our imagination can reach will be here long after we are gone." I just have High hopes that I can leave "Her", a little bit better off than I found her.
I sincerely appreciate it 🙏
Johnathen
@@MonarchHarbor We will follow your adventure!
I just subscribed. Where is this.? I help my uncle in WI clear out our old hippie communion and it was much more than we thought. Don't want to scare you but this is a lot to do and a lot of money. Best wishes and I'll be pulling for you.
👍👍👍👍👍👌Has the bones, for a good spot for your future plans, one step at a time!!
@@lawrencelipon8673 I appreciate it! Yeah it can really be epic with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. The price to pay is well worth it for the security. I don't have to worry about food, power, water, etc. Big change from city life.
Thanks for your support
John and Louie
Good luck, hippies don't maintain things very well. You're going to have lots of work. Best of luck!
@@robertspencer5219 I appreciate it brother. Been weed eating all day barely a dent but I'm making progress. Can finally see my other tractor! I'm posting a video later showing it!
John and Louie
You got yourself a project. Good going!
@@stevesahr1752 Definitely a huge project. Just trying to get a little done every day. The main house will be my focus on the first of the month as long as the renters are out. Thanks for your support
John and Louie
Like many, I just stumbled across and subscribed! What a great piece of property with so much potential and it sounds like you have a great plan for it. Will definitely be following your progress!!!
@@scottpierce3969 Thanks for subscribing. The big projects are going to start next season. This was not planned at all 😂. I was actually Vanlife-ing it and camped on the property and decided to buy it. The house video will be coming tomorrow. First Walk Through! There were a couple of renters inside but they are finishing up moving out so tomorrow will start the cleanup!
We appreciate your support 🙏
James and Louie
Congrats on your purchase. Lots of work ahead, can’t wait to see the progress. ❤
WOW! Just stumbled onto your video, so glad I did. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Keep the videos coming, we'll be watching!
@@patriciadenapole3263 I've definitely got the slow part down pat! Steady I'm trying to attain. It's definitely a big project but it just feels right. My life in the city was going nowhere and it truly felt like I had no purpose. Well I asked for it now I have way too much purpose going on! 😂
We appreciate your support 🙏
John Doe and Louie
Beautiful property can't wait to see the transformation....new sub here watching from Rhode Island
@@Roblavoie401 Thanks for the Support. I'll be posting videos daily moving forward. Tons of work to be done here and slow going at 50 years old after spinal fusion but it's worth it. At least I never have to purchase veggies, fruit, or eggs for the rest of my life.
John and Louie
I just stumbled across this video, I’m glad I did. Very interesting piece of property, I can see why you like it. It blows me away what slobs some people can be. Consider getting a grapple for your tractor, it would substantially reduce your clean up time. And a plumbing torch for lighting a lot of junk piles. Good luck!
@@alanthompson9291 Thanks 🙏 It's a slow process but I'm just taking it one day at a time. Should be in the house in a weekish??? That in itself will help a lot. Don't get me wrong I'm thankful for my RV bed but I'm really looking forward to a "Normal" Bed. We appreciate your support.
John and Louie
@@MonarchHarbor Yes, I’m sure a normal bed will be appreciated. Where is your farm located?
look forward to watching the progress
@@russellpetrie119 It's going to be a slow process. Right now just trying to knock down weeds where I can but the house should be vacant on the first so that rehab project will be priority number one getting ready for winter.
@@MonarchHarbor get camp site going get an income rolling fund house and clear up
@@russellpetrie119 I have a hard time getting around after spinal fusion surgery so I'm just going to be focusing on the house and immediately area for the rest of this season. Going to the gym every day and trying to get my leg and back strengthened back up. I imagine if I can keep it up by spring I'll be getting along much better just trying to take it slow and heal up.
@@MonarchHarbor sorry to hear that
You shouldn't put goats in there because they will also eat your trees.
It is best to place a long bamboo stick next to the trees. If necessary, you can give the heads a little color with a spray can so that they stand out better. then you can see them when you mow. I bought a newly planted piece of land in the Ardennes of 42 hectares, approximately 103 ac, and three of us spent nine days marking all the trees. When we mowed, I discovered that we had still missed several trees. there are around twelve thousand trees there
@@aukebij3193 That's what I've been worrying about. I believe that the Goats should be contained to the area between the two barns. It's definitely going to be next year before I even consider going down that road.
I most certainly don't want young fruit trees or nut trees getting 'Fkd" up.
Congrats on your property! Are you doing a fully sustainable farm as well?
John and Louie
@@MonarchHarbor no, this will be a rest campsite for autistic people, mentally disabled people and severe ADHD patients
@@aukebij3193 That's amazing what a great way to help!
@@MonarchHarbor
we are now busy building a swimming/relaxing pond, there will be an animal cuddly farm, a barefoot path, actually all kinds of things to relax and experience, there will be forty-eight chalets where people can stay with their supervisors
Finally the cool part and then, “I’ll do a separate video on that.”
@@jamessimpson3061 Sorry there are a couple of permanent campers right by the Cobin and I was shooting video on Sunday morning early. I did get a short video of the Cobbin up today.
Absolutely love the place. My idea of heaven.
Get some electric fence and some pugs. They will root up all the stuff you don't want. Obviously not the food forest but the jungle.
Pigs not pugs. Got to love AI spellchecker.
Oh man can I get a spot? Ha ha ha its my dream to find a property and build a community that works together to be self sustainable. Im excited to see the videos of your place being made beautiful. So much potential!!! Great job!!!
@@mrtbuilds702 Thanks for the support. If I can keep on track I should be opening up for long term camping next summer. Keep watching for updates!
John and Louie
wow goats could do some damage! great spot!
Did they leave a bushhog for the tracktor to pull around to mow ? An I would that the tracket using the front in loader to pick up a lot of the stuff to place stuff in sepport pils for wood pallets , water contaners , junkand extray . to help find what you need when you need it . An also put water containers next to buildings to catch rain water from the gutters .
If those water tanks dont leak you could harvest rain water for use on plants.
@@Kro_man_tx No they are all good. Been utilizing a few already. There is one on the porch of the main house to catch that roof water. One of the "next year" projects is to gutter the two Barns for catchment!
Thanks for the support.
John and Louie
A good endeavor to give purpose and pleasure in accomplishment. Best wishes you and Louie !
One thing we knew going into our farmstead adventure was that an extended family or close friends / co-laborers would be an essential ingredient. Still looking for that ingredient. Seems that the demands of mainstream city existence keep most people from getting to the land and having time & energy to expend on it.
I think commune type situations decline gradually wherein the responsibilities for maintaining various areas are abandoned one at a time. The remaining members only have time and energy to maintain their own area . That's why you see those various collapsing shelters and dump sites. The folks in the house must have been one of the last inhabitants.
One key to maintenance is to have rotating group workdays in each area. But even that isn't enough when the group head count declines too much.
You need animal's to eat down all the forage. Mobile electric fencing would work well. And can be processed this fall/ winter to get you started. Once you get to lower choice grasses you could put out chicken tractors. Your grain costs would be cheap for the chickens & muscovy ducks. Cattle and sheep would do well and maybe pigs in the wooded area. That would give you cheap help to get the forage under control and then you can come back and remove the garbage/junk. It would also fertilize the ground to make your land better. And a meat source to get you started. This would speed up the clean up and locate equipment & junk/garbage faster than next spring. Rotational grazing is wonderful for your land improvement. That's the size acerage I would love to have and what I would do to clean it up faster but not waste the free resources and multiple my efforts. I could be cleaning up the garbage while the animals were cl earing the next areas for me. And I wouldn't be using gas/fuel to get it done. Just my thoughts. Sorry I went overboard. LOL good luck with your new adventure.
@@denisewilson8367 I completely get where you are coming from and I have utilized chicken tractors in the past they are incredible! I just have an extremely hard time getting around. Spinal fusion and a bum leg. The remainder of this year is going to be focusing on the house and its rehab. By spring it will be a whole different scenario. But I completely agree with everything you wrote. Keep shooting towards the future land ownership and self-sustainability is the key to the future in my humble opinion.
Johnathen
Johnathen I understand limitations. I live off grid in my motorhome on rented ground after my divorce. I'm 63 and I have 1 working arm and my other hand. Bad back & hips & feet, a bum left leg too. I have a tiny solar system and I haul in my water for now but I'm building an outdoor kitchen/laundry sink with water catchment and natural filter above it. I've gardened & had animals all my life. Most of them have become food. Hunting & foraging are a part of my life. I preserve what I don't eat fresh.
I haul out my garbage and waste. I mow a section around my storage barn. Set up my picnic table under the only good shade tree. Smoking/grilling are two of my favorite way to cook. Open campfires is another.
I understand where you want to be. Sustainable is the only way to be.
Good luck !! Will be a awesome property...looking forward to the videos....
@@ronw9848 Thanks for your support. It's a ton of work but I'm making a little progress every day. I'm going to be posting Videos daily moving forward. We're going to be doing all kinds of cool stuff. I should be in the main house on the first of August the previous rentor should be out. Tons of trash to clean out of there but it's really cool inside. The floor is even done with broken pieces of tile to create murals so stay tuned!
John and Louie
Best wishes to renovating this awesome property
@@grandfatherrabbit Thanks for the words of encouragement! It will get there. Just slow going. I'll be starting the renovation on the house on the first. Old renter will be out Hopefully! Wait until you see the floors inside it has a hand made tile floor depiction of a tree and a built in Cob couch and rocket stove. I'm going to try to get out a video every day moving forward.
Thanks again
John and Louie
Wow, don’t humans just create such a scar and mess in the landscape. All the best in trying to fix it up and make it look good and be functional for you.
@@tom8357qld It's a little difficult to see it so neglected. I've made a few trailer loads to the dump but have quite a few more ahead. I'll tell you what though when I walk out there in the morning when the sun comes up and watch the rabbits cruise everywhere and hear the birds you can't help but feel better every day. Something that always eluded me in the city.
Thanks for your support 🙏
John and Louie
look into getting a walk behind brush mower...we have one and it goes through the high thick stuff.. plus you can get close to the fruit trees...
It's on the list ☺️. Just choosing battles on the financial side and I'm starting the house in a few days so I know that's gonna suck up a few bucks! The Walk behind is awesome I've rented a few but it's definitely something I'm going to have to invest in here with this much area.
What an awesome endeavor!!! 🐾🙏🏻✌🏻
You brought a farm YES, You brought a lot of hard work.YES, You have no "IDEA" what you got yourself into.
@@sandblast5636 Well last time I did something crazy I started a chicken farm in Belize! We'll see how this goes 😁
Fabulous property
Thank you. Lots of work but it's always been my dream to have a small homestead and be completely self sustainable. I literally walked away from my life to do this so I really appreciate the support.
James and Louie
That place is going to definitely take some work but it will pay off in the end! We just bought some land as well and it is definitely work yet it is beautiful at the same time. Can’t wait to see how it comes along!
@@RealOutdoorLiving Thanks for the kind words. It's definitely no joke! How big is your place? I was really shooting for 50 acres and this place is only 14.8 but I just fell in love with it. Post some videos or pictures of your place I'd love to see it. People are starting to get fed up and see that sustainable living might be the answer to many of our problems!
John and Louie
@@MonarchHarbor we have 10 acres. We’d love more though. We have been documenting our journey on our RUclips page. And yes getting off grid and living life the way you want to live is the ultimate dream. Our family has never been closer. Cutting out all the hustle and bustle, enjoying day to day life. Hard work still but knowing it’s for what you want is the best feeling!
@@RealOutdoorLiving It's crazy though... Did you guys have a hard time decompression as well? I found that's the hardest part. It's counterintuitive but the slower I go it seems the more I can accomplish likewise the stress has been dissipating but it's definitely a slow process. Personally I've never been happier!
@@MonarchHarbor it took a bit to decompress, settle and get into the groove of it all. Not counterintuitive in my opinion because it’s your own and you can work at your own pace. I love it that way. You can take the time, enjoy yourself, family, plan and just enjoy the simpler way of living. We look forward to continue watching your progress. Any tips tricks or advice is always welcome.
@@RealOutdoorLiving Thanks guys.
❤
you need secure locking shed for equipment like the brushcutter bloody thieves everywhere peace
Congratulations on your new home. Looks like a lot of work but sounds like it will be a labor of love. What state is it located in?
@@phillipray9457 Thanks for your support. We're in Illinois. I was planning on going to Tennessee but I ended up falling in love with the place.
John and Louie
WOW that's a fantastic property! I like the mini Cooper to❤
First thing I'd do is get a bunch of goats! Get that overgrowth cleaned up rather quickly.
Hope you have lots of help and money.
@@karenr67 What kind of adventure would it be if I had help and money? Thanks for the support!
John and Louie
Maybe a scouting job for the local boy scouts. They could help you with the clean-up. Good luck sir.
@@chrisroccaforte3934 I really appreciate the support. It's been pretty tough so far but it's well worth it. Just being out of town was a really hard adjustment. Then to boondocking Van Life then to this! All during the course of 4 months. Well the adventure continues at least I have plenty to eat! 😁
Best wishes
John and Louie
Adventurous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A lot of recycling that can be done. Money to be made.
Get yourself a skid steer or a tractor with a Browns tree cutter and it will go through that stuff like a hot knife through butter... A friend of mine always wanted to go to Belize, don't know if he ever made it.. Well i won't bother you, you've got plenty to do...
cool video i want to get like 15+ acres as well, i love videos like this
alot of mowing needed.
@@rallyscoot Yeah and I broke the PTO on the tractor 😩 just what I needed another expense lol!
Love the idea
build bathroom laundry together to operate for campers aswell so its got an income
@@russellpetrie119 We're building a really nice 4 season bathroom from Cob. The main focus for the remainder of the season is going to be rehabbing the main house. The renter should be out on the first and I'll post a walk through of it. It's really bad but awesome inside. Slow going but we'll get there.
Thanks for the support
John and Louie
@@MonarchHarbor ideal for personel use to with alot of work going on need to be comfortable three birds with one stone worth building and pay back clean clothing and body get you set for the next day
Looks like a lot of WORK
@@rongrose3746 It's ridiculous how much work there is but just taking it one day at a time.
Thanks for your support
John and Louie
Wow you are a lucky man to be able to own such a property. Very sorry you and louie were attacked by 2 Pitbulls . whoever the owner of the pitbulls is, should have been prosecuted and those pitbulls should be put down. How could the owner let those dogs run free like that, knowing that they attack people and other dogs. I have heard too many stories of young children being attacked and killed by pitbulls. Hope you and louie recover soon it must have been terrifying for you both. Enjoy your new farm and home it will certainly keep you busy to get everything the way you want it. God bless you.🙋🇮🇪🙏🇺🇸👍❤️😁🌳🏞️
Thanks for sharing, hopefully no more pit bulls. I know you got a back fusion..how are you getting along? Pain.? Exercise?
@@toddjohnston4788 How's it going with you Todd? We're doing good. The Back is holding up but I'm pretty much crapped out by around 3:00 daily. Plenty of exercise here at the new property. Always projects to do and will be starting on the Main house on the first hopefully if the old renter is out. Just trying to make a little progress every day hopefully I can get enough done to open up for camping next summer. I'm trying to get settled into a routine and post a video every day moving forward.
John and Louie
@John_Doe_Show great to hear John, a little at a time ! They want to do a fusion on me(spinal stenosis) ...we will see. Take care
@@toddjohnston4788 The surgery for me was rough I was rushed in for emergency surgery L4, L5, S1 Fusion but the really bad part was when I came to afterwards my right leg hardly worked and I had drop foot. I couldn't control my foot at all so rehab took forever. If you go through with it be sure to exercise every day not just physical therapy but I'm not gonna lie it was no joke. I wish that I would have had some time before the surgery I most definitely would have gone on a diet first. You know we don't really take very good care of ourselves when we get older. It would have made rehab much easier but I've dropped a hundred pounds now back down to 195 and going to planet fitness every day rehabbing myself!
Good luck.
@@bertandbuckscott7808 Thanks I'm going to need it 😂. Crazy endeavor but I just have a feeling about this place. With the state of the world that we live in now being self-sustaining seems to me is the best bet. It's not easy but it's worth it! We appreciate your support.
John and Louie.
This prophas so much potential. Oh Gosh o wos i could be part of this.
Be prepared for yellow jackets
@@kenfox22 Actually I've got the black wasps with nests in the ceiling! Sprayed them down really hard again yesterday so we'll see how it goes tomorrow. Going to be taking the tractor around and mow out the field paths so I'll have another video tomorrow.
You need a bobcat and a shredder
That looks like way more than 14.8 acres.
❤❤
Welcome to the Homestead!
@@GetToTheFarm Thanks! I'm not going to lie I do question my sanity at times taking this on at 50 with a bum leg but at the end of the day it just feels right.
We appreciate your support 🙏
John and Louie
amazing ty good luck
Can you put the chicken in somewhere at night to be safe?
@@hopeinhim9269 I tried unfortunately the last one is MIA. Not sure if it was a coyote or the feral cat's running around.
I'm just going to wait until spring and build a secure coop and try again.
God's will... Right now the main focus is getting the house to a point that I can survive the winter 🥶.
It's going to be a long haul but I know I can do it. Probably going to be a lone survivor thing going on but at least I didn't give up or give in!
Faith people don't understand it anymore. We drop to our knees asking for help, answers to questions, and reason for our sorrow but never just bend a knee and give Thanks 🙏.
Our ancestors had it tuff we've become fluff!
Thanks for your support
James and Louie
How much is the total area of your farm? Huge potential!
@@hotelcampestreelpantano3667 I'm right at 14.8 acres. I originally wanted more acreage but now I'm kinda happy that it's less! 😂 So much work but it will get there.
I'm going to be starting on the main house on Thursday and do a walk through video. Can't wait to be out of the RV and get into the process of renovation and prepping for winter. We're going to be doing lots of canning, dehydrating, and even going to make Mead from all of our honey straight from the farm so stay tuned.
John and Louie
Love yout voice
Great farm. I share your vision and wish you progress and prosperity. Curious if you would be willing to share general proximity of the property and average cost per acre in that area. Thank you! p.s. I have a 71 Westfalia/ VW bus too.
Your video would be easier to watch if you would move the camera at a slower rate.
I'll try!
Wow that barn looks old, how old is it?
@@treasuretom13 It's hard to say. I originally was just going to PermaCamp here for the summer and do an engine swap on the VW Campmobile and head down to Tennessee but I just fell in love with the place.
Keep watching. Wait till you see the Cob house and the inside of the Main house it must have been EPIC back in the hay day the 70's.
We appreciate you.
John and Louie
hope you got it cheap mate, money is going into it
Do you need volunteers 🙋♀️
Yes, a real food forest!
Goats.
Goats and a chicken tractor.
Get yourself a brush cutter and get or rent a mini excavator to pick up all the trash.
recommend buying a tracked 360 back hoe with thumb fog digging diths holes clearing rubbish into dumpsters and moving stuff trimming back cutting back once you got one youl never be without
alot of puntures with the rubbish burn the wood a skip for metal plastic recycling
🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
water is life
Goats
A lot of junk to get rid of, where do you take it too? you got your work cut out for you. but it's a nice area. have a great time !
What happened to the old commune? Looks like it was a bustling place at one time
where is this
@@jessicaroberts8180 Illinois Iowa border. Just off the Mississippi River.