New member introduction

[tortminder]

Hello all;
I did a search and see there is no current place to introduce yourself as a "newbie" so I thought I would start such a thread.

I am currently living in a suburb of Chicago but have just purchased 7 acres (more or less) in southern Tennessee with the intention of building there and retiring. The land is almost as if I had put in a custom order and had it delivered. It is 1/3 cleared and 2/3 wooded with a gentle slope to the land. There is a pond and a spring-fed creek on the property and the previous owner has installed a line to the county water, (which I will use until I can rework the spring to provide water), a power drop from the local TVA, (which I will also use until I can install solar) a good gravel based driveway and a 30'X40' concrete pad which already has utility races provided. The only major expense that will be immediate is a septic system.

I am now researching the type of shelter I want for the place and that has led me here.

I am into self-sufficiency so will contribute what I can but I am here mostly to learn... and I have much to learn.

I look forward to participating.

[rick91351]

First off Welcome 

Wow it sounds as if you have found your own piece of heaven here on earth!

How long of a drive are you looking at to visit your property? 

If we can be of help just ask!  There are lots of people here that will help, plus there are a lot of people here that will learn a thing or two from you as well. 

[peternap]

Welcome to the forum!
Be sure to check the other forums. There is a wealth of information and talent. Check out John's plans also. He's a masterful architect and very helpful.

[tortminder]

Thanks to both of you for the kind welcome

My new "homestead" is about 10 hours by interstate from where I currently live, (18 hours via back roads).

There is both turkey and white tail deer on the property, (at least that's what the scat sign tells me), and I have found that in Tennessee you are not required to have a license if hunting on your own land.

I will take some time over the long weekend to "nose" around the site and learn.

Again, thanks for the welcome.

[glenn kangiser]

tortminder.  Your place sounds great.  Sounds like you are one of our type - we all enjoy sharing knowledge and learning.

[Redoverfarm]

As others have said  tortminder.  Sounds as if you have hit "pay dirt".

[OlJarhead]

 

I still consider myself a newbie   Glad you joined us.  Sounds like your land is excellent!  And if ONLY WA State left land owners alone like that -- but I always say "The King asks a high price to hunt his deer in WA State".

[StinkerBell]

:welcome

It's all Glenn's fault.

[glenn kangiser]

Possibly but you still love me anyway, in spite of my faults....

[Windpower]

welcome

I live near Chicago too

we are planning to go a bit further north (west of Madison WI) for our 'retirement home'

Sounds like a great piece of land

[tortminder]

Thanks again for the warm welcome. Spent the long weekend re-researching various building/shelter options including cobb building; rammed earth; earthship as well as stick built and modified shipping containers. I have managed to totally confuse and frustrate myself, but will keep on keepin' on.

Most likely I will move something temporary onto the place for shelter and take my time in building the permanent place.

The first project will be next spring when I begin putting in a small fruit tree and nut orchard and some raspberry canes and grapevines, (thinking along the lines of planting some other "no maintenance" crops like amaranth; bamboo; sunflowers and Jerusalem artichokes).

I also need to assess the wooded part of the parcel and see if there is anything there that a lumber operation might be interested in, (possibly trade the trees for processed lumber)

Anyway... lots to think about. Daddy always used to say measure twice, cut once in this case I want to have a clear idea of what I am trying to accomplish before I rush out and just begin doing stuff.