Because of the pandemic, a lot of people have been forced into a more solitary lifestyle and spending more time in our homes.
But, for one couple, their lives didn’t change much during the coronavirus. Namely, they live 10 miles north of Tofino in British Columbia off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Wayne Adams and Catherine King live on a sustainable and floating compound which they named Freedom Cove.
For them, this is a labour of love and a hand-built home from salvages and recycles. For the past 29 years, they been living happily and isolated from most people.
Although it’s just 25 minutes by boat from the closest town, it’s an oasis that you don’t want to leave.
Believe it or Not, It Looks Stunning
The whole structure weighs a million pounds and it’s the size of two city lots and floats freely on the ocean.
This sustainable island fortress has lines that tether it back to shore; however, it’s not anchored to the floor of the ocean.
When you get there, the bright magenta buildings with turquoise trims will immediately attract you and the whale bones on the archway will welcome you in.
And, you have everything you can think of here- a dance floor, a candle factory, an art gallery, solar panels, four greenhouses, and a small waterfall.
They Installed their Own Waste Management System
The couple worked so hard on their home that they even installed their own system for waste management. This is something people often ask them about and where their inspiration comes from.
As artists, King and Adams say nature was always their inspiration. Namely, Adams is a carver and he uses elements from nature like bones and feathers to make stunning things.
Kind is a dancer, artist, and a natural healer. She has studies homeopathy.
Why Did They Decide to Go Off Grid
Adams said he wanted to become a successful and wealthy artist to live in Tofino and have a studio in the wilderness like any other good and rich artist should do.
He hoped to make more money as an artist; however, they could never buy real estate so they had to make their own.
After staying at a cabin of their friend’s in Cypress Bay, a large storm blew wood onto the property. Adams and King collected it and built the bones of what would become their home.
They collected a lot of stuff from fishermen and loggers in the town. He would trade them for what they had in their backyard.
For the couple, this property is more than only a home-it’s an ongoing process of learning, growth, and change.
King begins her day with sweeping and shaking out their carpets due to a lot of dirt and dust in the wilderness. Then, she continues her day by watering her plants and veggie garden.
Adams collects firewood to ensure the house is heated.
Their nearest human neighbours are located miles away; however, they do have some resident crows and seagulls.
King says they’re grateful to live uniquely and differently than any other person in the world.
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