Charlie, a man drawn to the ocean’s siren call, has spent a quarter of a century living a life many only dream of.
His home, a self-crafted floating haven, sits in a secluded channel on the west coast, a place where civilization’s touch is light.
It’s a world where Charlie and his wife are the only permanent residents, their neighbors being the occasional fishermen and the boundless wilderness.
Their cedar-built abode, once a humble cabin, has grown over the years into a two-story dwelling spanning 900 square feet.
Despite its unconventional location, their floating home lacks nothing in terms of comfort.
It’s a fully equipped house, complete with a laundry room, a well-stocked kitchen, a cozy living room, and a welcoming dining area.
The house shelters three bedrooms, with the master suite tucked away downstairs.
The clever design of the house, with the living and dining rooms merging into one open space, gives it an air of spaciousness.
A generous 12-foot deck encircles the house, offering ample space for outdoor leisure and dining.
Charlie’s deep connection with the ocean is reflected in his choice of building materials.
He has amassed a significant collection of driftwood, which he skillfully transforms into furniture and decorative pieces.
The house also features a covered porch, a sheltered haven from the elements.
The front deck has become a cherished spot for Charlie and his wife, a place where they unwind and reflect on their day.
The floating home stands on a foundation of styrofoam, a material considered top-notch when the house was built.
Beneath the house, the ocean teems with life, creating a natural aquarium for the residents.
Schools of fish find sanctuary under the house, safe from aerial predators.
A boathouse, constructed after the main cabin, shelters their boats, an essential part of their life in this remote location.
Living off-grid doesn’t mean living without.
Charlie and his wife make the most of the amenities offered by nearby communities.
They can go up to six weeks without needing to replenish their supplies.
Their self-reliance is further boosted by their garden, which yields a bounty of vegetables during the summer.
They also have a crab trap, which provides them with a steady supply of fresh Dungeness or red Rocky crabs.
Their power comes from a 2000-watt solar system, which meets their needs during the sun-drenched summer months.
In winter, they supplement their power with a generator.
Their water supply is sourced from a creek that flows from a small lake behind the cabin.
The water undergoes multiple filtrations before it is deemed fit for drinking.
Their waste management system includes a composting toilet, recycling, and composting.
The house is warmed by a wood-burning stove, which also heats their hot water.
Charlie sources the wood from driftwood he finds and brings home.
He has set up a workstation for processing the wood into firewood.
The salt content in the wood necessitates replacing the stove every ten years, a reality Charlie accepts as part of their off-grid lifestyle.
Life in this remote location comes with its own set of challenges.
The weather can be unpredictable, with fierce winds and no wave activity inside the channel.
At times, they have to wait for up to a week before they can venture into town due to adverse weather conditions.
They also have a satellite phone, which keeps them connected to the outside world.
Despite the challenges, Charlie and his wife find their off-grid lifestyle rewarding.
However, they acknowledge that as they age, their ability to maintain this lifestyle will wane.
They have recently acquired another house elsewhere, recognizing the physical demands of their current lifestyle.
Yet, their emotional bond with their floating home remains unbroken.
Their off-grid lifestyle has been a fulfilling adventure, a unique experience they hold dear.
Watch the video below to get a tour of the incredible floating home!
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