Our Homestead Vision: What We’re Building in 2025
Our Homestead Vision: What We’re Building in 2025
As we step into 2025, our family is filled with excitement and determination to bring our homestead vision to life. This year, our primary goal is to lay the groundwork to make the property more livable while we plan for the construction of our barndominium. Although we already have a builder and a few ideal building plans in mind, we believe it’s crucial to first focus on preparing the land for sustainable and comfortable living—especially with the intense Texas summers in mind.
Prioritizing Shade and Water Solutions
Texas summers are undeniably brutal, and shaded areas will be essential for creating an enjoyable outdoor environment. Our first task is to focus on planting trees strategically to provide shade, reduce heat, and create a natural cooling effect around the property. To support the growth of these trees and other plants, we’ll need to establish a reliable water irrigation system.
We’re exploring both rainwater collection systems and drilling a well as viable options. These systems will not only sustain our future landscaping but also help us conserve water—a critical resource in Texas. This infrastructure will be the backbone of our efforts to nurture the land and support the ecosystem we’re building.
Growing Our Own Food and Medicine
One of our dreams is to cultivate a thriving garden filled with fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. This isn’t just about self-sufficiency; it’s about building a deeper connection with the land and fostering a healthier lifestyle for our family. To ensure the soil remains fertile and nutrient-rich, we’ll be implementing a composting system. This will allow us to recycle organic waste back into the earth, supporting a diverse and sustainable ecosystem.
Our vision includes an abundance of fresh, homegrown produce—imagine the joy of harvesting peaches, tomatoes, and basil right from our backyard, or crafting herbal remedies from our own garden!
Preparing the Land for Practical Use
Making the property functional is another significant focus for 2025. Clearing brush, trimming overgrown trees, and managing the cactus population are high on our to-do list. We’re also planning to carve out walking trails to explore the property and create a definite driveway that’s accessible for heavy machinery and trucks delivering supplies.
This part of the project will take time, especially since we plan to handle much of the work ourselves. However, it’s a necessary step to ensure safety and practicality as we move closer to building our permanent home.
Committing to the Dream
While the tasks ahead are daunting, they’re also deeply rewarding. We’re committed to pouring our time, energy, and love into this property because it represents so much more than just a place to live. It’s our dream of freedom, sustainability, and a simpler way of life that aligns with our values.
By the end of 2025, we hope to see significant progress—a property that is not only functional but also teeming with life and potential. It’s not just about what we’re building; it’s about the foundation we’re laying for generations to come.