Back in 2017, I managed to get this property on a lease-to-own deal. At the time, I was working both day and night jobs, determined to make it happen. Five years later—by some mix of grit, stubbornness, and luck—I made the final payment the very same week my doctor put me out on disability. Not exactly the order I expected life to follow, but here we are.
I thought by the time the land was mine, I’d have a decent stack of funds to start building. Instead, a hiccup with the survey cost me 18 months before the property could officially transfer over. That stretched the journey into a long six-and-a-half-year wait. But honestly? I’m grateful I got it when I did. Before the real estate world went wild, I was able to secure 13.8 acres for a very reasonable price.
There was already a culvert and driveway in place, with a small clearing that branches into a Y-shaped roadway leading into the woods. I could build right up front near the road—plenty of sunshine, plenty of visibility… and plenty of people stopping in when I’m not around. You see where I’m going with that.
The property has 190 feet of road frontage, and once you head about an acre in, it widens to nearly three acres across. It stretches just over four acres deep at the furthest point. And back there, tucked away from the world, is Acre 13—the spot where I’ll be quietly working away, turning this woodlot into something meaningful.
You’ll see me tinkering, shaping trails, clearing brush, and piecing together the future one small project at a time. For the heavier jobs, I’ll have help from family and friends. The plan includes a timber-frame cabin and rebuilding my 15-foot geodome—the one my talented wife originally crafted a heavy vinyl cover for. Unfortunately, that dome didn’t win its battle with a falling branch during a wicked winter storm a couple of years back. But it will live again.
I don’t have a timeline. I’m out on disability now, dealing with neuropathy and degenerative disc issues. Some days my hands can’t even hold a coffee mug. So this project will push me—physically, mentally, probably spiritually too. But that’s part of the journey.
My goal for Acre 13 is simple:
To build out several kilometres of walking trails that wind through the property, leading to natural features, gardens, and quiet places to breathe — and maybe, someday, add a few small off-grid cabins.
This is where the forest becomes home. And I’m just getting started.
