Lloyd Kahn on his NorCal self-reliant half-acre homestead
Vložit
- čas přidán 17. 05. 2015
- At 80 years old, Lloyd Kahn is an icon of alternative housing. In the seventies he was a poster child of the geodesic dome (he published Domebook One and Two and he and his dome home were featured in Life magazine).
He got his start in publishing when Stewart Brand made him the shelter editor for the Whole Earth Catalog. The book that put him on the map as a publisher was “Shelter”, an international survey of alternative housing that he continues to sell over 4 decades later.
Kahn’s enthusiasm for shelter extends to “building every place I’ve ever lived”, including his current home which started as a dome and is now a more traditional shelter capped by a 30-foot-tall hexagonal tower (the only remnant of the dome).
His home is only a small part of his half-acre homestead where he and his wife Lesley Creed believe in doing things for yourself, when possible. Besides tending the organic gardens (and dozens of free-range chickens), Creed is a natural dyer, quilter, sourdough bread-maker and believer in the “value of actually working, not just trying to figure out how not to work”.
On our visit to the homestead, Kahn showed us his wild-caught pigeons, his seaweed harvest, well-fermented sauerkraut, home-cured olives, oatmeal grinder and workshop (where he still keeps his father’s “nuts and bolts box”). We caught Creed baking her sourdough bread (from her kitchen-harvested starter) and drying “bread seed” poppies.
Years ago the couple were pushing the boundaries of self-sufficiency to include goats and harvests of wheat, but Kahn found his limits. “With self-sufficiency you never get there, you never become self-sufficient. I mean we tried back in the seventies. We had goats and chickens and bees and I was trying to raise grain. Pretty soon I realized that if I want to raise enough wheat for the bread for a year here, it’s better left to a specialist, like I can’t be my own dentist. So you do, it’s a direction self-sufficiency. You do what you can do as much of it as you can.”
Shelter Publications: www.shelterpub.com/
Original story: faircompanies.com/videos/view/... - Jak na to + styl
"If you don't know where to start, start and things will fall into place." Good advice.
who said this?
The man in the video said it. Yes really good advice.
tomaitoe 👍👍👍👍👍
No other way to go - just get things done,
That is true 100% I know from experience, and here is another saying. " The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next time is now."
I like the attitude of not dismissing the modern world completely, but finding a balance between organic, semi self-sufficiency and modern conveniences (such as a washing machine)
I agree, very cool.
Kirsten, I found your CZcams channel about 6 months ago. I am going back through and watching some of my favorites. As a 14 year old, I now know what I want and how I want to live as an adult. Thank you!
I really like Lloyd Kahn's honesty. You cannot be completely self sufficient. You just do what you reasonably can for your circumstances.
Keeperof Themountain Yes. I agree.
Keeperof Themountain You're right....but before the radical behavior of Financiers, we didn't really consider complete self sufficiency as a necessary option. Then, by degrees it became obvious there were 2 sets of rules, and we would need to make equally as radical adaptations to our own predictable patterns of behavior.
pjamesbda The struggle of one man dominating another man is as old as Cain and Able. Whether it be a dictator, financier or the school yard bully, the result is the same. Self sufficiency is trying to balance our quest for freedom and our interdependence with other people.
Keeperof Themountain
Don't you think that desire, that is to dominate, becomes less pronounced if you live in a state of abundant consciousness, rather than poverty consciousness?
pjamesbda I find that if you avoid sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. Then try to be better in exhibiting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. When you do this, the desire to dominate others fades into the past.
Sadly most people find this to be too much work.
Pre-internet, the Whole Earth Catalog and libraries were the lifelines when I was going to school where free-thinking and creativity were not always valued. Lloyd got famous with domes and he could have hyped domes and become fixated on them; but instead he kept assessing and stayed objective. That combination of passion and integrity was a great lesson for an adolescent. Nice work, as always, Kirsten.
Lloyd's books were a major inspiration for my own off grid cabin and lifestyle choices. I was honored to have him contact me a few years back and ask to include my cabin in his book 'Tiny Homes Simple Shelter'.
Since the we have stayed in contact and he is a a sponsor for a contest I am running for Off Grid Homes On Wheels.
Lloyd is 80 now and still going strong inspiring people and his books should be on every homesteader and off grid cabin builders book shelf.
I like these people. They are honest, genuine and have the wisdom, experience and common sense to learn and say what has worked and what has not and then been willing to accept it and adapt and create in other areas. They did not get hung up on not being able to be 100% self sufficient they were honest with themselves and others and did their best. You can tell they have a personal philosophy of living that has really worked well for them and allowed them to live and age healthily. I hope you can do more videos with these people they seem like great experienced teachers.
Kirsten this is the best interview of Lloyd and Lesley that's ever been done. You have the knack and you have amazing editing skills. I'm going to sit down and watch every one. You are building a valuable video library for future generations and I'm deeply grateful.
Adorable couple with a beautiful life.
This not a house, this is a home. Amazing construction. Less artificial light and more warmth.
The wisdom of these people is so astounding! They've been there, done that, and seem to have struck the balance of modern living and craftsmanship they talk about. Very encouraging.
There is no way to be self-sufficient ALONE-- it takes a village. Communities of people like this working together can achieve great things.
they seem so lovely, this is my dream to live like this.
Same :D
"If you don't know where to start, start. And things will fall into place."
In my opinion, this is the most inspiring of your documentary series yet.
These people are so inspirational. What a nice video. Thanks!
This video was really well done. The family is incredible.
I can totally see myself living like this.
a full acre or 2 would be nice
This has been my favourite video in quite some time, the spirit these people have is amazing. The worthwhile balance between the value of old and new technologies in their lives is fantastic.
Admiration, admiration, admiration. This is the kind of life I dreamt of living when I was a kid. I always admired the story of Robinson Crusoe.
"It was a Dwell Magazine person"
That was perfect.
Thank you so much for this video. Simply wonderful people,and I love his words "...if you don´t know where to start,start. And things will fall into place."
Old hippies. I remember him. He's been around sense the 70's.........living off the land.......Cool guy, we talked about him back in school 40 years ago.
This dude is 80 years old??? Holy shit I hope I look that good at that age!
my father was a school teacher and a farmer at weekends, he got poisoned by accident and died at age 91. My mother is a village woman also died from carer's negligence at age 96. They both eat their own organic crops.
Ave !
Life is a learning experience and sometimes takes a lifetime to realize Living this way is REAL LIFE LIVING! Wished i had realized that when i was younger.
+D Christopher lol thank God it only took me 38 years....
mainHERO88 wow he look so young
this is one of those videos I wish was a lot longer, thanks for making and sharing.
I love your house, thank you for giving us a tour, its beautiful. I would rather live in your house with the finishing nails and all rather than these houses that are made today. We moved from the city to the country 2 years ago and are loving it! Best family decision we ever made. Learning as we go and will never turn back or go back to the city! What an inspiring video, great information! Subscribed and will come back often to learn more! Wish you lived closer to me so I could learn first hand!
When I was 3 years old I was told my dad left my mom alone with six kids I dint get to learn how to build a house but I learned what a ass he was nice video you two look really happy I love you're house but I love how you love what you do .
Kirsten, I love your videos...and I love the people you choose to interview, in fact I fall more in love with these people every time I watch; their ideals, values, ethics warm the heart. Thank you..xo
lotusblossomed
I totally agree. The people she features are always so interesting and genuine.
***** Me, too..
Totally agree. Yes, y es, y es.
This makes me so happy. I love this. They're great.
This is a very inspiring way of living. In the past 4 years I left the city with my family and moved to a farm in Uruguay, close to Colonia. Now I'm starting a road that I hope goes very much like Lloyd's, with the addition of a couple of tiny houses we built and we rent for tourists who want to enjoy the countryside. Thank you Kristen for taking the time and effort and for sharing these stories with us.
So true. And sad. She said, "For us, all of people our age, that tradition was cut off a generation or two ago, the value of actually working, not trying to figure out how not to work."
you are shockingly pretty
This homestead has so much personality!
Another great piece of journalism
Wow what a beautiful place and a wonderful way of life and stress free it really is a work of art and thank you for sharing
I wanted to see ya'll dig into that bread. It looked delicious .
Bunch of dang hippy' s, next year I will be taking three shipping containers, burying them in a hillside and living in them.
Ohh dear I have become one of them, and my fathers worst dream. It has only taken 61 years
Loved this video in fact I have loved all of the uploads.
Thanks for your efforts
XD
Only took me 48 (;
Hilleary BROWN+=WELCOME, MY FRIEND YOUR FATHER WOULD BE PROUD!!
Only took me 15 :)
Sure, but you had internet for most of the time of your life :D
This whole house is amazing but I especially love those handmade rugs and blankets.
This was the best out of all the video, well sized home with good self efficient people.
well designed kitchen.
HOW can anyone give this video a thumbs down?
Lloyd and Lesley are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing their story.
Dude that fricken place!@I built it from scrap wood'... how humble. He's just like 'yeah, aint no thang!'
Brilliant.
That dude is pretty spry for 80. High five on the homestead, Lloyd.
what an amazing house. absolutely beautiful. all the little details. gorgeous, just gorgeous.
Thank you so much this made my morning!! God bless you and the people who are out there trying to make there dreams come true.
Loved this one. Learned so much from these inspiring people. Will watch again! Thank you, Kristen!
I've purchased a couple of Lloyd's books, said "Hello" at one of the local (SF) Expos, and he's always been an inspiration! Thanks for your work and vision, Lloyd!
I love these two...I like their honesty, self reliance...and they are happy !!
This couple is amazing! Great video.
Unbelievable, this guys knowledge is amazing. Something you only get through so much experience. Looks good for 55 let alone his actual age. His wife too.
I already wanted to hang out with Lloyd, but now I want to visit his place even more! Thanks for the great video.
Really enjoyed this video. I love the simplicity of life and yes, we can be so much more to be frugal and self sufficient. Its the experience.
Glad I have found this. Be as sufficient as you are able. Great view.
Its incredible that he is 80 years old. I know many people in their 50's and 60's who are not as alert and mobile as he is. WOW his lifestyle and diet are proof of that. They are an inspiration!
I love your way of life, & I respect how much work do every day to keep things going. My grandparents lived this way in Eastern Europe any decades ago.
I absolutely love love love this couple and their homestead! Beautiful in every way.
This is the wisdom our world needs. Practical, realistic, and effective. I need to find this kind of balance in my life.
Lloyd, is an epic example of living in action. Saw him the other day on a skate board rolling down the streets of Bolinas... what a superhero
Loved this video. I enjoyed seeing and hearing how they have come to this point in their lives. They seem pretty content and active. It's incredible to me with what they have done with half an acre. I think I can try to do much better with my backyard.
Notice how much healthier these two are in their age simply from supplementing their diet with REAL food.
***** And working for it instead of sitting in a home waiting to die.
And they're probably a lot happier than most people.
Well I wouldn't say supplementing.... I would say the mainstay of their diet is Real Unprocessed food, not supplementing. And they walk, and garden and find value in living.
I LOVE that kind of housing and living. Rustic housing with lots of windows and growing natural veggies, etc. However, still being close to the city is the right balance for me. What a cool couple!
Lloyd and Lesley have such an enviable array of knowledge. Hope to get there someday.
These people are an inspiration. I wish I lived close to them to learn as much as possible. I take my hat off to them.
"do what you can"
Well said!
I tried this for a retreat from civilisation in a remote part of West Virginia and spent two summers and one very desperate winter there but I did it. Everybody should try it at least once in their lifetime. It is a tremendously fulfilling and rewarding education.
At 80 years old Lloyd couldn't look or sound better. Great video, Kirsten.
I absolutely love your house!!! Oh my, it really talks to my heart. Wonderful job!!!!!
This guy is such an inspiration. I wish i could have what he has. Its like the third time ive watched this video and keep coming back.
Kirsten, this is a wonderful interview; I hope you go back again and spend another day visiting Lloyd and Leslie. What a wonderful partnership they have!
this is the life of my dreams. Just didn't know how, like he said "if you don''t know how just start". I could watch this all day . Thank you so much for bringing these wonderful people into my life and the lives of we like minded people.
they are both so humble and very knowledgeable in so many things! such magical beings
This couple is such a treasure. So nice to see real hippies. I was married to one for almost eight years. Thanks for sharing this.
Out of the many incredible videos posted to this channel over the last several years, this might be my favorite. What a great house / homestead. Thank you Kirsten for the continued work of bringing these living spaces and lifestyles to us.
I love all the videos but this couple might be my favorite. 😊
That bread, looks quite good.
Just keep doing what you do Kirsten! I adore these stories, these human stories. My grandfather was like these people and I miss him terribly!
I love their story. I've re-watched this I don't know how many times.
This is a wonderful philosophy for most of us. This way of living would reduce stress and nourish more kindness and good health. I love it.
What a wonderful expression of life. I loved your honesty, approach and wisdom. Thank you for doing your video.
This was amazing to watch! Thank you for this!
I've been watching your videos for a few months now. I really appreciate what you are doing. This is my favorite video so far. Thank you!
This is such a beautiful place. It spills over in love and attention for nature. It makes my heart very happy. Hope I am in this position when I am 80, God willing. I work everyday toward this type of life. Not there yet but everyday it gets a little closer. These guys are an inspiration. Put a seed in the dirt, that is how it all starts.
Hello from Bulgaria and the beginner homesteader. I got just a little under half an acre and planning to grow as much food as possible. I started with the usual cats and 2 dogs then added the rabbit, now will come a male and female goats and then, next year come more rabbits and 10 chickens. Life will be fun.All the best to you and keep healthy and stay happy. You are an inspiration to me! I am glad I decided to quit my job and do this
It is much more satisfying.
Wow this couple really complement each other. I admire that.
Charming house design :) And looks cozy. Still blown away by how much they've fit on their half acre and all the work...
Very nice to see the Kahn's doing so well and that they continue to inspire and be inspired! Thank you Kirsten and crew too and namaste to all! :-)
what a lovely couple...and so wise! their home, garden and lifestyle are inspiring..thank you
Incredible couple! I just love their honesty about what their thoughts are on self-reliance and I believe they've done an incredible job on that piece of land.
Fantastic! Lovely, wise souls.
This must be my favourite video. I keep coming back to watch it.
What a beautiful homestead and two such amazing people. It is so cool to see how they have created so much and are living in a really sensible manner.
These people live an amazing life. They do more in a day than I do in a year. One day, I dream.
Very nice, You people are really blessed.
One of the best videos on youtube, I keep watching this once in a while. Lots of inspiration and wisdom, wish there was more!
I collect metal objects screws nuts bolts so on... I love making bread too. This will be my retirement, nothing else makes sense... Priceless!
I love their philosophy! Find the balance...
Great interview, great filming, wonderful Lloyd, so insightful, his wife all with great awareness about their approach. Delightful good ending!
I just love their attitude, they seem like really awesome people. I'm sure I could learn tons of stuff from.
Beautiful place! Thanks for sharing your lifestyle and philosophy. I aspire to build a home someday soon using recycled and green building materials. Thanks for all the inspiration!
I've watched this a few times now.. It still inspires.
I love this! This home and property are so warm and inviting. Beautiful.
wow this couple they are amazing i am inspired thank you for video
Truly very inspiring and beautiful to watch what they have built. Thank you.