Thoreauvian simple living: unelectrified, timeless tiny home

Seven years ago Diana and Michael Lorence moved to a 12-foot-square home without electricity in the coastal mountains of Northern California. 
They're not back-to-the-land types- they're not growing their own food, nor raising animals-, but, like Thoreau, they were looking for a place where they could get away from the noise of society and focus on their inner lives.
For nearly 30 years they have lived in tiny houses, often in guest homes, though their current abode is the smallest and most fitting their needs. It was designed by Michael based on their experiences living in nearly 20 tiny homes across the country before finally settling here. 
They don't have electricity nor any other type of alternative energy (i.e. solar power). They don't have a refrigerator so they eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. 
There's also no oven, but Diana says she doesn't bake anyway and she cooks their meals with their one cast iron pot over the fire. The fire is also their source of hot water, heat and light (in addition to candles).
The Lorences are a private couple, but recently they have begun to speak out more about their lives in hopes of showing others that options such as theirs exist.
Until now, the couple has turned down requests appear on video, not wanting to be categorized as simply another couple choosing to live in a tiny space. So I was pleasantly surprised when Diana and Michael agreed to let me visit their home with my camera.

Original story here: http://www.faircompanies.com/videos/v...

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  Howto & Style

[pad padmadfan]

I felt my blood pressure lower as I watched her house...somehow it just seemed apparent to me that the things we think are indispensable, like our entertainment, our computers, our T.V....are really not our lives, they're distractions that keep you from real life. It seems so evident when you hear her speak. Life is about this one moment and being content with it...everything else is just a distraction.

[Christopher H]

I bet you that if more people started living this way the government would make it illegal because companies would be losing money.

[Berryflowers]

This is awesome! I live her! I'm headed to this way of life.

[Boom Han]

No,I think this is all real. She has all the time in the world to spend on her house. In fact, everything is perfect. It seems she has the right amount of items in her home that enables her to keep it clean while maintaining it daily; even the windows are nice and shiny.

[Richard Rose]

I'm surprised at the number of negative comments. Living small doesn't have to be grubby, and fireplaces can be cleaned daily. One of the better qualities of a small house is that as there is less house-work, it can be done to a higher standard. Congratulations on your choice of lifestyle.

[mikecat23]

A prison cell

[bemr79]

The kitchen sink is pristine and new - like an unused one you'd see in a store display.

The fireplace is far too clean for one that is supposedly used as a sole source of heat and cooking.

The woman in period clothing is just plain phony.

[Dennis Emery]

Gotta say it, Micheal and Diane are absolute legends!!

It's a pity that more wasn't learnt on how the building took shape and some of the processess. Yep it's a shame, but I gotta say, that I too would have lost myself in the magic they have created. Congrats people, Well done:)

[Preston Alfred]

Nice little house but what a fake setup, the women that claims to live there is clearly an actress and comes across disingenuous and I agree the house is either someone's weekend cabin or this is completely staged. Anyone that has had a fireplace in their home can tell that one has not been used as "there sole source of heat". Keep it real guys, the homes are beautiful and will sell themselves.

[Chester Copperpot]

That little house has all the signs of an un-lived in home.. a weekend cabin.

[leelanjoy]

cool !

yes, empty and fill are the same

[Liberty Treebud]

This vibe and the house is the perfect 'zen' space. I could embrace this in a big way and even if only for awhile, I would love it and I would be better for it. Charming, indeed.