Many of us have dreamed of escaping the grind and living off the land, but one homeowner has actually done it.
A TikTok video from Beloved Cabin (@belovedcabin) showcases an incredible "debt-free, DIY, off-grid home," proving that with patience, resourcefulness, and a little DIY spirit, homeownership can look very different from the traditional path.
@belovedcabin Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was our home. We didn't start out debt-free—we bought a rent-to-own shed and made monthly payments for a while. Eventually, we saved up and paid off the rest. In the meantime, we lived in a tiny, run-down camper on a hunting lease while converting the shed into a house. It took a year to get the basics done—plumbing, electrical, insulation—and now, 13 years later, our shed is settled on our own little piece of land in the woods. Dreams take time and a lot of effort! #hometour #decor #thrifted #eclectichome ♬ original sound - A - Ajinn.🏐
"Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was our home," the homeowner shares in the caption. It took a full year just to get the basics done — plumbing, electrical, insulation — but now, 13 years later, their home sits on their own piece of land in the woods.
The video shares a converted shed, which is outfitted with everything needed for self-sufficient living, as well as an abundance of plants and animals.
The video reveals how the couple saved money every step of the way by salvaging materials, dumpster diving, thrifting, reusing, recycling, and repurposing — all while doing most of the renovation work themselves.
Beyond looking great, these debt-free, DIY, off-grid homes offer benefits to both those living in them and the environment.
By ditching traditional utilities, homeowners slash energy and water bills while reducing their environmental impact. Off-grid living means resilience in extreme weather, energy independence, and a significantly smaller carbon footprint. For example, adopting solar panels in off-grid homes can reduce carbon emissions by up to 100 tons over the lifetime of the system, per Solar Emporium.
People in the comments were awestruck by the creativity and resourcefulness of the project.
"How does it feel to live my dream?! My gosh I am so jealous!" another user said.
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Heck yes 👍 "This is what I consider successful! Kudos to you, and your home is beautiful!" one TikToker added.
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"Absolutely amazing," commented another user. "A dream to aspire to."
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