Couple shares how they built dream off-grid yurt in the forest and pros and cons of living there

Jill and Charles have spent over eight years working to create their dream home: an off-grid yurt nestled on a forested hillside in Vermont.

The homestead is built sustainably, using solar power, a rainwater collection system, and a rocket mass heater.

Their project reflects a deep dedication to eco-friendly living and a closer connection to nature.

A vision for an off-grid lifestyle

Jill and Charles’s journey began with a desire to live off the grid. Charles grew up in the country and had long dreamed of building a self-sufficient homestead.

“Living in a city was just a means to an end—to get back to the country. It’s much more peaceful, and I don’t want to be dependent on any incoming services,” he explained.

Jill, too, was drawn to nature and the opportunity to live more independently. “I wanted to hear birds instead of city noises, and I wanted to get to know my backyard,” she said.

They moved to Vermont eight years ago, initially purchasing 20 acres, with plans to work in Dallas for five years before relocating.

However, they bought 10 more acres, which set their timeline back another year. Despite the delays, the couple remained committed to their off-grid vision.

Building the off-grid yurt: from concept to reality

The off-grid yurt, a 30-foot structure, was built from a kit and sits on a platform designed to accommodate the land’s uneven terrain.

It features 700 square feet of living space, including a spacious, open-concept interior. Charles crafted a deck around the yurt, making it possible to raise the structure on piers and beams.

The yurt is fully insulated with PVC vinyl and bubble wrap to ensure warmth in the colder months.

The couple installed solar power, using a 6kW, 20-panel solar array, which they set up themselves with help from family.

They also established a rainwater collection system, gathering water from the yurt’s gutters into three underground storage tanks, which provide enough water to sustain them for months.

Charles, known for his hands-on approach, built much of the yurt, adding a wind and snow kit for structural support.

“Anyone putting up a 30-foot yurt should be aware they’ll need help and ideally scaffolding,” Jill advised, noting that the roof material alone weighed nearly 400 pounds.

The heart of the off-grid yurt: a functional kitchen

The yurt’s kitchen is the heart of the home, providing a balance of modern convenience and off-grid functionality.

Jill and Charles designed the kitchen with practicality, incorporating key elements like efficient storage, energy-saving appliances, and a functional layout that fits the yurt’s open design.

The kitchen includes modern appliances, such as a refrigerator, microwave with a built-in exhaust fan, and a stove.

They use propane, a reliable fuel source that ensures they can still cook meals without relying on the grid.

The water system is powered by propane, providing hot water for the kitchen and bathroom.

One of Jill’s proudest achievements is building custom cabinets from tongue-and-groove siding, adding to the rustic and natural aesthetic of the yurt while creating essential storage space.

The kitchen also includes open shelving for easy access to cooking utensils and ingredients.

Though compact, the kitchen provides everything they need for cooking, cleaning, and organizing their off-grid lifestyle.

Heating and sustainability: a self-sufficient home

The yurt’s heating system is another example of the couple’s commitment to sustainability.

While they use a mini-split heat pump for mild weather, their primary heat source is a rocket mass heater.

This heater burns wood, spreading heat evenly through the floor and cob mass.

The design ensures that the heat is distributed efficiently throughout the home, making it particularly important during Vermont’s long winters.

Additionally, they heat the floor with glycol-based antifreeze connected to the propane water heater.

This system is highly energy-efficient, keeping the yurt warm without excessive energy.

To enhance comfort and reduce heating needs, the couple installed additional insulation throughout the yurt, including on the roof and floor, making it cozy even in extreme cold.

The insulation and rocket mass heater allows them to stay warm and reduce their carbon footprint.

The plumbing system is another key feature of the yurt’s sustainability. The couple established a rainwater collection system, which collects water from the roof’s gutters and channels it into three underground storage tanks.

These tanks provide enough water for all their needs—drinking, cooking, cleaning, and showering—without municipal water sources.

They have backup filters and UV treatment systems to ensure the water remains safe and clean.

The couple also relies on solar energy power for their essential needs, including lighting, devices, and small appliances.

While they’ve managed to keep their power usage low, the system is designed to provide enough energy to meet the demands of their off-grid lifestyle.

The bathroom: function and privacy

While the kitchen is central to the yurt, the bathroom is carefully designed for functionality and privacy.

Unlike many other yurt designs, Jill and Charles ensured the bathroom was fully enclosed to help control moisture and preserve the structure’s integrity.

The bathroom includes a regular flush toilet, a bathtub, and a skylight that provides natural light.

Behind the bathroom is a closet and utility space, housing the hot water tank, plumbing, and additional storage.

The plumbing is protected by an insulated basement built beneath the yurt, ensuring the system remains intact even in freezing temperatures.

This thoughtful design helps minimize potential issues with pipes freezing in the winter months, a common concern in colder climates.

The future: more improvements and sustainable living

Jill and Charles’s life in their off-grid yurt has given them the freedom they sought. With no utility bills and limited expenses, they now live a simpler life, free from the demands of city living.

Their next steps involve expanding their homestead by planting fruit and nut trees, building a covered porch, and possibly constructing a passive solar home on the hill above the yurt.

Though the yurt was initially seen as a temporary home, the couple finds it surprisingly comfortable. It plans to make it their long-term living solution—for now.

With a strong commitment to eco-friendly living, their off-grid yurt perfectly embodies their values and vision.

Here is a quick tour of Jill and Charles’ off-grid yurt:

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