In a bold step away from suburban life, Brock and Anna have embraced a unique and challenging lifestyle in the Rocky Mountains, living off the grid with their three young sons. The couple, aged 28 and 31 respectively, operate a social media account, Wild North Family, where they document their experiences of mountain homesteading and the new skills they are acquiring along the way.
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Brock and Anna’s journey towards off-grid living commenced long before they were even married, sparked by childhood aspirations in North Carolina. Their vision of a family-centric, outdoors lifestyle took shape during their college years, when they first began dating. Six years and three children later, their dream has materialised into a daily reality in a modest 1,000-square-foot cabin.
The family’s new home operates on renewable energy, utilizing solar power and rainwater collection. Their primary focus revolves around nurturing self-sufficiency while enjoying the vast wilderness surrounding their home. Transitioning from a 2,500-square-foot suburban house, the family faced significant changes, both practically and emotionally, particularly with their youngest child being just four months old at the time of the move.
Before embarking on this new chapter, Brock and Anna dedicated years to planning their lifestyle change. This involved living frugally, paying off debts, and positioning Brock’s engineering career to allow for remote work. “We envisioned a lifestyle grounded in simplicity,” Anna recounted. “One that would see us collaborate as a family in our daily lives while bringing up our children away from societal pressures.”
When the opportunity to buy a cabin in the Rockies arose, the couple seized the moment, choosing to conceal from friends and family the full scope of their plans to live off the grid. “We anticipated people would try to dissuade us from taking this leap and express doubts about our ability to succeed,” Anna explained.
Despite their considerable research into various sustainable practices, such as solar energy and rainwater harvesting, Brock and Anna found that much of their knowledge came from hands-on experience. “We learned as we went along,” Anna remarked. “Living off-grid has significantly enhanced our skills and problem-solving abilities. We relish the challenges this lifestyle presents.”
Brock’s engineering background has been instrumental in overcoming the technical challenges of homesteading. He has designed and constructed the family’s solar power system and installed a rainwater filtration setup that helps provide for their household needs. Anna praised her husband’s dedication, stating, “His work ethic is unmatched, and I couldn’t imagine anyone more adept at resolving issues than Brock.”
Managing their water supply has been one of the most significant challenges the family faced. Instead of relying on conventional sources like wells or municipal services, they have taken up the task of collecting rainwater and snowmelt from their cabin’s roof. The couple has calculated that even one inch of rainfall can yield approximately 623 gallons. With an average yearly precipitation of 22 inches in their area, they have the potential to gather thousands of gallons annually.
Their existing storage system holds around 2,200 gallons of water, with the family consuming around 110 gallons weekly. Anna highlighted the efficiency of their system, stating, “A single inch of rain can sustain our family for over a month and a half.” However, setting it up proved challenging as they had to repair and disinfect existing tanks that came with the property.
While the couple’s life is filled with intentionality, they do not always find it peaceful. Brock and Anna often wake by 5 am to maximise their day, managing household projects alongside the spirited activities of their three boys. This daily routine has instilled physical demands that resonate with the couple’s background as former Division I athletes. They seek not just leisure in nature but also want to cultivate practical skills that they believe will benefit their children for generations.
Despite the sacrifices made in terms of space and convenience, Brock and Anna assert that their new lifestyle has brought a profound sense of purpose to their lives. They express that their previous living situation felt uninspired in comparison. “Our home now reflects our values and passions,” Anna noted.
The couple has also discovered a supportive community among their neighbours in the Rockies, where mutual aid and friendship flourish. They share their off-grid life through various social media platforms, attracting over one million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, offering an insightful glimpse into their distinctive lifestyle.
Reflecting on their motivations, Anna conveyed, “If our aim had simply been comfort, we would have stayed in the suburbs. We believe this off-grid lifestyle provides far greater advantages for our family.” By constructing treehouses for their sons and tackling challenging projects together, Brock and Anna cherish ordinary moments while striving to build a legacy that honours their late friend Todd, who helped facilitate their dream home.
“In everything we do here, we aim to honour his legacy,” Anna concluded, emphasizing her and Brock’s commitment to their remarkable journey in the mountains.