Martina and Mike are a young couple who chose to leave the chaos of city life behind to live in a completely autonomous and sustainable way in the woods of Umbria. Together, they are renovating a house at 800 metres above sea level, without utility connections, aiming for self-sufficiency. Their journey, while not without challenges, is rich in rewards and deeply connected with Nature.

An Alternative to the Hustle and Bustle

In recent years, a growing number of people have begun questioning the fast-paced, consumer-driven lifestyle of urban areas. Climate crisis, pollution, stress, and the alienation of modern city life have prompted many to seek more sustainable alternatives in harmony with Nature.

This movement, known as off-grid living, has inspired many who are drawn to rediscovering values like simplicity, autonomy, and resilience. Increasingly, individuals are embracing slower rhythms, rejecting the pressures of consumerism, and choosing lifestyles that respect both their mental health and the planet.

Martina and Mike’s Story

Martina and Mike met eight years ago during a European volunteer project. She, an Italian from Padua, worked as a graphic designer for the European ecovillage network. He, a Swede from Stockholm, was a web developer. From the beginning, they lived together, sharing the dream of a simpler, more autonomous life.

In 2021, spurred by the pandemic, they decided to take a leap of faith: moving to an isolated house in the Umbrian mountains, in the municipality of Nocera Umbra. The structure, approximately 300 square metres over two floors, was entirely unfinished and lacked basic utilities. They purchased it with the intention of gradually renovating it to be fully off-grid.

Despite their inexperience, Martina and Mike embraced the project with enthusiasm, treating it as a new philosophy of life. Their journey has not only led them to learn new skills but has also transformed their understanding of what comfort and well-being truly mean.

A Simple Life in Nature

The couple began living in the unfinished house, gradually adapting to a minimalist lifestyle. They created temporary facilities such as a washing area using rain and well water, an outdoor shower with a bucket, and a composting toilet with a panoramic view.

A cornerstone of their life is the vegetable garden, cultivated using permaculture principles. Martina proudly shares that, during the past summer, they managed to eat solely from their garden, occasionally buying only rice and pasta. Growing their own food has been a deeply fulfilling experience and a significant step toward self-sufficiency.

To light their home, they initially relied on candles and battery-powered lamps but soon implemented more efficient solutions. They installed LED lightbulbs powered by a temporary electrical system set up by Mike, running on a generator and soon to be supplemented by solar panels. This process brought them closer to the idea of minimalism, prompting daily reflection on what is truly essential for a serene and fulfilling life.

Ecological Renovation

Martina and Mike are renovating their home using natural materials and eco-friendly techniques. They are experimenting with hemp as an insulating and building material. They have purchased several tonnes of hemp hurd, the woody core of the plant, which they mix with lime to create plaster and filler.

Their goal is to create a closed-loop system where organic waste is composted, and resources like water and wood are used in a circular way. For instance, wood is not only used for heating but also for building furniture and other structures needed for their home.

The Challenges of Off-grid Living

Living so simply is not without its challenges. Martina and Mike recount early struggles, such as washing with cold water and adapting to unfinished spaces. Winters are especially tough, with freezing temperatures and the necessity to ration generator power.

Their relationship has also been tested. Striking a balance between personal aspirations and shared goals is not always easy, but working together on such an ambitious project has strengthened their bond.

However, the hardships are outweighed by the joy of small, daily victories: the scent of freshly baked bread, the awe of untouched Nature, and the satisfaction of seeing their dream take shape one step at a time.

In a Nutshell

Martina and Mike’s story proves that the dream of an alternative and sustainable life is achievable, far removed from the consumerism of modern society.

In their house nestled in the Umbrian mountains, they live in self-sufficiency, cultivating a permaculture garden, harvesting rainwater, and heating with wood. Amid challenges and meaningful accomplishments, their journey inspires us to reconsider our way of living and rediscover the hidden beauty in life’s little things.