Living Free in Tennessee - Nicole Sauce Finding the IDEAL Homestead Property - EP 1067
Today, we discuss how to navigate all the options out there as you seek your ideal homestead property. We also cover our usual Monday segments.
Featured Event
August 9: Foraging on the Farm at Strong Roots Resources
Sponsor 1
Long-term food storage supplies that won’t break the bank.
Sponsor 2
Helping entrepreneurs, homesteaders, and freedom-minded folks handle taxes the smart way. Surprise Guest JOHN WILLIS - Buy his cool tactical gear here.
Tales from the Prepper Pantry
- We topped off green bean canning for the year — another seasonal task checked off the list. We're also setting up long-term canned goods storage at Basecamp so it’s easier to rotate and access what we’ve put up.
- While I was away, Tactical survived thanks to the stash of homemade convenience meals we’d prepped in advance. Proof that a little forethought goes a long way.
- And this week, we’re finally getting seedlings started for the fall garden — about a week later than planned, but they’re going in.
Frugality Tip
If you’ve got a spare room sitting empty, it might be time to put it to work. We brought in $150 this week just by renting out a bedroom on Airbnb — just a clean space, a good description, and letting the system do its thing. Sometimes the easiest money is already inside your house.
Operation Independence
We’re gearing up for a trip to Polyface Farm to see Joel Salatin’s systems in action. The goal? Learn what we can, adapt what fits, and scale up operations here at the Holler. Always learning, always building.
Main Topic of the Day: Finding the Ideal Homestead
Everybody wants the perfect homestead. Creek in the back, rich soil, gentle slopes, friendly neighbors, no codes, low taxes, a vast homeschooling network, hospital that is close but not TOO close…Oh — and under $200,000, please.
Today, we're digging into how to actually find the IDEAL land for your homestead — starting with the real questions, not the fantasy map.
- Where to go in the state
- How to choose land
- Where the best community is
- Regulatory environment
- To rent or to own?
What does ideal mean? WHY ARE YOUR DOING THIS?
- What does your ideal day on your land actually look like?
- Is this about freedom? Fear? Feeding your family?
- Are you chasing a dream… or running from a disaster?
Zac Bauer of An American Homestead’s thoughts on water
List what is important to you:
- Family
- Hospitals?
- Entertainment
- Supplies
- Church
- Crime/Safety
- Kid stuff
- Tax regulations
- Cultural mix
HERE IS THE TRUTH THOUGH
: the ideal property? It’s either taken or priced much higher than you will expect - and those super nice properties also have hidden problems. That’s the problem we’re really solving today — what do you do when your dream and your budget don’t match?
That is when you have to prioritize = prioritize what you truly need in a piece of land as Zac pointed out.
In Fact the best homesteaders I know didn’t start with perfect property. They started with a good enough place and made it work.
EXAMPLES
- John Willis, Rock Quarry
- The Eversoles (bare land)
- Kerry Brown (off grid)
- Ryan & Steve (local partners)
- Shawn Mills (off grid)
They didn’t find a unicorn property — they built a life anyway.
Don’t forget — Self-Reliance Festival tickets are still available, but the price goes up soon. If you’ve been thinking about joining us in Camden this October, now’s the time to grab your pass and make a plan. Details are at SelfRelianceFestival.com.
Make it a great week.
GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.
Community
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- Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
- Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
- Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b
Resources