Why I live in a shed | Times Reports

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
  • Priced out of the housing market, Catrina Davies lives in a Cornish shack - and couldn’t be happier.
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  • @keithoades5516
    @keithoades5516 3 ปีที่แล้ว +166

    Lived in a tent for over a year, cooked over an outside fire and washed in the creek, even in winter.
    I remember being very happy there.

  • @rensha8635
    @rensha8635 3 ปีที่แล้ว +160

    I love her little shed. She looks so healthy too - beautiful glowing complexion. A sign of happiness and plenty of fresh air.

  • @alanaalbarado2357
    @alanaalbarado2357 3 ปีที่แล้ว +498

    The definition of poor is not this woman! She lives how she wants to and there’s nothing “richer” than having that freedom-it’s a blessing!

    • @Qrtuop
      @Qrtuop 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Yes, it's poverty. Stop glorifying it.

    • @jimjiminyjaroo300
      @jimjiminyjaroo300 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      It’s not poverty. If anything it’s rich parents with a plot of a land and out house for their adult daughter.

    • @auroramothergoddess
      @auroramothergoddess 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Oh honey that’s poverty and it’s a miserable life

    • @avid2112
      @avid2112 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      shes poor

    • @ravequeenellisd2680
      @ravequeenellisd2680 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@auroramothergoddess She has a home, food, independence & freedom, how is it miserable?

  • @yellowbird5411
    @yellowbird5411 3 ปีที่แล้ว +447

    I loved this clip. I wish more of us could practice "enoughism," which sounds like one step away from minimalism. What this kind of living does is it focuses us on what is important, what is lovely, what is needed and what is not. It relieves us of the stress of lack of money, and the stress of having to kill ourselves just to pay the rent and pay bills. Voluntary poverty as she calls it is not spiritual poverty. It is spiritual enhancement. We become more attuned to nature, to simplicity, to contentment. Looking outside of ourselves to material things for contentment never works.

    • @ElleAshterra
      @ElleAshterra 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Well said 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

    • @pesto12601
      @pesto12601 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Very poetic.. however - 99% of folks would rather be lounging on a yacht in the Caribbean vs squatting over a bucket in the yard during the winter! There is "enoughism" and then there is not knowing if you are going to eat tomorrow.

    • @avalondreaming1433
      @avalondreaming1433 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Well said. Poverty is living in fear and desperately trying to get more. She has everything she needs and that brings peace of mind.

    • @Limogi
      @Limogi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Minimalism, i found, is very expensive. One gadget, but THE best. With enoughism, it only has to do the job, function over form.

    • @storagebox1793
      @storagebox1793 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Whose definition of enough should one follow? Also, should mental health issues be factored in?

  • @tonja4824
    @tonja4824 4 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    3/4 of the way into the video I realized that I had been smiling the whole time. ☺️

  • @NO-ib1ip
    @NO-ib1ip 3 ปีที่แล้ว +614

    It’s a disgrace that people are priced out of the market and it’s startling how often this happens.
    She is very fortunate to of had this option and it’s great she’s safe and happy.
    Many people, men and women, have little to no options for housing so are homeless. Actually - no one should be homeless, particularly in a wealthy country like the UK.

    • @BigBoom92
      @BigBoom92 3 ปีที่แล้ว +50

      Its even more shocking how those with property are indifferent to those who struggle to have a basic need. Sad considering the whole property market is based on supply and demand and requires some to be without so those with property can keep increasing there "asset" value

    • @stuffandnonsense8528
      @stuffandnonsense8528 3 ปีที่แล้ว +60

      Homelessness is one of the worst crimes of humanity.

    • @alexanderSydneyOz
      @alexanderSydneyOz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@BigBoom92 What else is the property market to be based on?

    • @135Ops
      @135Ops 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      @@BigBoom92 The property market doesn't require some to be without that's a very simplistic inacurate and misleading statement.

    • @quentincrisp6933
      @quentincrisp6933 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Isn't Socialism working in the U.K.? I thought that was the cure all?

  • @bekkyjohnson6935
    @bekkyjohnson6935 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I really enjoyed her memoir 'Homesick'. Her garden looks lovely, what a nice way to live

  • @vyvienvp3413
    @vyvienvp3413 3 ปีที่แล้ว +175

    What a delight. It's taken me years to reach the same conclusion, the little things have value, nature, peace of mind, friendship, everything else is veneer.

    • @sambish1981
      @sambish1981 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Mindfulness 🙂

  • @fredbarney3558
    @fredbarney3558 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You are so precious. No matter what the world thinks, you are greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved.

  • @starababa1985
    @starababa1985 3 ปีที่แล้ว +357

    If standard insulation is not an option, you could make large quilts to hang over the the walls or windows in the winter. Just gather up some scrap fabric from old clothes, yard sales or thrift shops and stitch in your spare time, using library books for inspiration/instruction.
    Where batting is too expensive, leave it out and simply add an old sheet for a liner. Using duct tape, seam the edges of flattened cardboard boxes together, attach to your walls with removable wide painter's tape (the blue stuff) and hang the fabric over it as a decorative cover. A long piece of 1x2 run through a stitched-on rod pocket top makes the fabric look neat and is easier to hang.
    I lived in uninsulated rentals years ago, and quilts or fabric covers over cardboard are a good way to add some warmth without altering the structure or straining your wallet. Old machine quilted bedspreads can also make for a quick no-sew solution by themselves, or as a thrifty substitute for the batting and backing.

    • @marlenegold280
      @marlenegold280 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      People in the 1930s here used shredded newspaper, straw, sawdust in the wall cavity, then covered with some type of wallboard. Layers of wallpaper would add to the insulation.
      This was after immigrant-made sod homes when they first arrived; mostly in the prairies. Winters were brutally cold and isolating, summers were harsh with no relief.
      One sudden hail storm could wipe out your crops in 5 minutes flat … then you starved.
      At least she has a support system if something went wrong.

    • @blueskies386
      @blueskies386 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      I thought that buying used carpet of a reasonable thickness, on the walls would make it warmer. You can occasionally buy used carpet from offices that have closed, advertised in newspapers etc.

    • @jtothew4201
      @jtothew4201 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      There is tons of insulation options these days especially stuff for vehicles that are cheap and easy. But if she's happy she's happy I suppose.

    • @blueskies386
      @blueskies386 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      @@jtothew4201 No, she's cold.

    • @fedupto68
      @fedupto68 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      No thanks I need room at least for a small wash up space . And using the bathroom .

  • @The-Portland-Daily-Blink
    @The-Portland-Daily-Blink 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a lovely woman. She's absolutely lovely... I'm happy knowing that are people who can live like this and prosper and be happy...

  • @georginan4703
    @georginan4703 3 ปีที่แล้ว +160

    Bloomin’ good show! We said to each other ‘brace yourself’, expecting a rich person’s ‘shed’, but you are doing the real thing and are a great example of how to live ‘lightly’. Well done.

    • @jeffreybobeck9809
      @jeffreybobeck9809 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep. I'm tired of seeing "trendy" $500/sqft tiny homes, built by people who are just virtue signalling.

  • @caterinas6863
    @caterinas6863 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    She wrote a wonderful book called Homesick, Why I Live in a Shed. I loved it and I’m so happy I found this video so I could see what the shed looks like.

    • @Sweetie8387
      @Sweetie8387 ปีที่แล้ว

      It’s a really good book isn’t it

  • @thomvogan3397
    @thomvogan3397 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Sadly the people who need this the most can't afford it. I can build a tiny house out of scrap for next to nothing but living on a tiny pension I can't afford to buy land to put it on. Not many have family that will give them a piece of land

    • @hempmaiden
      @hempmaiden 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      True. It’s all well and good, but the shed is on land that appears to be owned by the family - making it viable. Most poor people can’t just go and put up a shed and live in it, although of course many would if they could. It’s OK for some who have the money and the legal means them, is all I’m saying.

    • @emmaphilo4049
      @emmaphilo4049 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      So true! I know what you mean!

    • @johnmiller5018
      @johnmiller5018 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@hempmaidendon’t forget the council will want its money too, just for living with a roof over your head.

  • @OneTrueWord1988
    @OneTrueWord1988 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What a beautiful, peaceful video. God bless you! 😻♥️😊

  • @sorscha1308
    @sorscha1308 3 ปีที่แล้ว +110

    I love this. Just simplicity. That's what frees you and allows for happiness really. People living beyond their means and grasping for more 'stuff' can only ever be good for corporations and business, not for the individual 'consumer'. I don't live in a shed but i live WELL within my means, in a small home filled with things that are useful or hold meaning for me. I don't buy stuff just to keep up with the Jones'. Most of my furnature and white goods are more than 10 years old or were bought second hand and then had my stamp put on them. My TV is over 10 years old and was second hand then, it still does everything i need it to. My stereo is about 25 years old - it still works perfectly. I'm happy with what i have - that is peace.

    • @allaboutmycats454
      @allaboutmycats454 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      The apostle Paul in the book of Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

    • @fredgillespie5855
      @fredgillespie5855 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      My house is 200 years old and my cook cum dishwasher is pushing eighty.

    • @free22
      @free22 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Your 10 year old tv is probably not spying on you so there’s that.

    • @davidleigh443
      @davidleigh443 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You get it.

  • @stevenmccallan9202
    @stevenmccallan9202 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    "Small things in life that matter and one of those things is coffee". Boy, did you nail it. How much pleasure is derived from a cup of coffee? Lots!

  • @regplasma7906
    @regplasma7906 3 ปีที่แล้ว +87

    Catrina looks healthy and happy and that's a great base for enjoying life.I wish her well.

    • @kulturfreund6631
      @kulturfreund6631 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Already her father doesn't seem to have been a rat racer himself.
      Cool people have cool offspring.

  • @annemariekekelders8120
    @annemariekekelders8120 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Beautiful ,the harmony and peace shines of your face.
    Al in balans that is what the world needs.
    Sorry for any mistakes in my english it is not my language
    I am dutch.
    All the best.
    Theo

  • @txspacemom765
    @txspacemom765 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I so relate to the coffee comment. It's part of my daily soul routine. Love this!

  • @nikaa4237
    @nikaa4237 3 ปีที่แล้ว +202

    While it is sad that she has been priced out of the market, she has created a life for herself that she is content with and is grateful for and I admire her for that. I have had the misfortune of working with people (in suburban Canada) who have numerous properties, drive Mercedes and Porsches, exploit people for every penny and are still miserable and complain about the price of broccoli. They disgust me and I wish I could spend time around people like her who understand what's important in life.

    • @TinkersTales
      @TinkersTales 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      nothing sad about it

    • @phoenixman8569
      @phoenixman8569 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Im priced out of the market in b.c canada, starting in 2015 when the vacancy rate dropped below 3% In B.C, Real estate companies took advantage peoples desperations and prices for homes and rentals went though the roof, homes that were 250 to 300 thousand are now going for a million or more, So my income is far to low for house down payment and small condos are even $500,000.00 even with the small sum my late dad left me in his will i cannot even afford to buy a used mobile in a mobile in a quiet park and am forced to dig in dads funds each month to makes ends meet.

    • @kateg9302
      @kateg9302 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I know some of those people and it makes me sick too. Most of us, including myself have more than we need but the people that go to such extravagant extents and have no self-awareness about it... wow it is just unreal how far removed from reality they can be.

    • @jakephillips4453
      @jakephillips4453 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @Mr. Shlock You're the one who sounds angry.

    • @andreablsph
      @andreablsph 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Another advantage of buying instead of renting

  • @skullingtonfly
    @skullingtonfly 3 ปีที่แล้ว +109

    Beautiful story. I love ‘making do’ a lot, gardening,craft and swimming in the sea. Swapping plants recycling and chatting with friends over coffee. The simple things are always the best 🥰

    • @rebeccawilliams2410
      @rebeccawilliams2410 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I wish life was more like this. I would definitely be happier xx

    • @Crimsoth
      @Crimsoth 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@rebeccawilliams2410 It's totally possible no matter your budget. My father in law built a cabin from scrapwood and other salvaged materials. The only thing you might have to pay for is a wood burning stove, but you might be able to find one for cheap if you look in the right places. Get a small plot of land somewhere away from the city. That way if everything all goes to hell and you lose everything, you'll still have something. Then you'll realize, what was the point of it all? ^_^

    • @breeze_japanese
      @breeze_japanese 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Crimsoth If everything really did all go to hell, i.e. a complete infrastructure collapse, then your cabin in the woods will be useless without a sufficient food and energy supply. Even if you had that, it would be a matter of weeks, maybe months, before people came and challenged you for your property. Individualism is not the answer.

    • @Crimsoth
      @Crimsoth 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@breeze_japanese I don't see how if I legally purchased that land. What, entitled intruders? Better not if you value your lives. lol. I also live by 'dead men tell no tales', challenge me and the results won't be very good. You think I would be unarmed out there or something? LOLOLOLOL!!! You sound kinda salty btw, must be a liberal who hates the idea of self sufficiency. I ain't sharing anything with you communist hippies. You are probably a prominent member on r/antiwork huh? In before you spatter out some sharing is caring garbage or that I am republican trumper/nazi or whatever.

    • @jakephillips4453
      @jakephillips4453 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Crimsoth I don't even see where you said individualism is the answer. Anyway if society did collapse I could easily see small land owners banding together to defend their properties. If I owned land close by, I would definitely come and help you defend your property.

  • @MsRightio
    @MsRightio 3 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    I grew up in a little home just like this from ages 4 - 15. It was a lovely childhood. Tropical Australia, so not too cold.

    • @laughingalien
      @laughingalien 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Those were the times. Just look at the cost of housing now, Justine. I recently looked at a simple apartment in Sutherland (NSW) and it was 750k (add stamp duty to that and it's all over).

    • @joannadorothy
      @joannadorothy 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      she said she doesn't make any money , so how she pays for her car expensses ? like fuel . insurance etc . ?

    • @tomellis4750
      @tomellis4750 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@joannadorothy Watch again, you missed it.

    • @mg8642
      @mg8642 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@joannadorothy she said she makes a little bit of money but she isn't chasing a high income or more stuff

  • @susandoerr3896
    @susandoerr3896 5 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    "Necessity is the mother of invention," the old saying goes. I took on an old cabin/house. You get creative and resourceful having to fill so many needs. I am glad you have that sweet space to help your garden grow. Thank you for sharing and to the Times, nice.

    • @momentosvirales2023
      @momentosvirales2023 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Nice video content! Sorry for butting in, I am interested in your thoughts. Have you thought about - Mahorrla Wooden Paradise Method (erm, check it on google should be there)? It is a good one off guide for building better sheds and woodworking without the normal expense. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my cooworker finally got cool success with it.

    • @bossdog1480
      @bossdog1480 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@momentosvirales2023 Stop the Bots.😖

  • @sematagi9291
    @sematagi9291 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for sharing. I was reminded of my time living under a railway bridge for nine years on a mezzanine floor, freezing cold winters, stuffy summers, a park to one side of me and a truck yard on the other. I found an old door that opened to the park and it was transformative.

  • @dryland30
    @dryland30 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I didn't know there was a word for it. I've been living in a one bedroom cabin for years. I've always thought about it as trying to maximize free time and minimize consumption rather than trying to maximize income.

  • @busterkeatonsbriefs
    @busterkeatonsbriefs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Sad thing is that if her father didn't already own the shed, she couldn't afford it either because you have to purchase the site first then build upon that and that isn't cheap.

  • @rita4998
    @rita4998 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I adored Catrina’s memoir “The ribbons are for fearlessness” that I read a few years back. I still think about it from time to time. And today to my surprise YT recommended this video! I’m glad to see her living her truth. And I really hope that she’s still writing.

    • @jamesjameson4566
      @jamesjameson4566 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lolololol what's it about

    • @rita4998
      @rita4998 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jamesjameson4566 May I know why so many lols? 😂 It’s about her travels around Europe in a van

    • @jamesjameson4566
      @jamesjameson4566 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rita4998 I dunno my radar is going off, don't ask which one 😆

    • @rita4998
      @rita4998 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jamesjameson4566 😂😂

    • @jamesjameson4566
      @jamesjameson4566 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@rita4998 have you read the great railway bazaar? I recommend that to you.

  • @davidleigh443
    @davidleigh443 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Catrina Davies you are an inspiration. Never be ashamed of being poor. I grew up in the U.S. middle class; I have been in various stages of the financial existences from Middle Class, Working class, Poor. I am no longer poor. I do not regret any time. My parents when they retired bought a mobile home in Florida. My Dad called it their tin house. It seems you basically have a tin house just smaller than my parents. If you have the basics, food (something to cook your food on), water, a bed, a toilet, somewhere to bathe, you have what you need. Please keep enjoying your life.

  • @charliensam
    @charliensam 3 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    What a lovely message. Living with "just enough" seems to be the recipe for a wonderful life filled with nature, self care, and no damaging habits. This healthy lifestyle shows in your beautiful smile. Thank you for sharing your story :)

  • @anythingrandometc3567
    @anythingrandometc3567 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    She's independent and self-reliant. God Bless her always!

  • @lyndonlives638
    @lyndonlives638 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    I feel like a great many people out there would be more than happy with a small, quiet rustic space like this as long as it was private and they had a sense of genuine ownership of it. Unfortunately society tends to make this very difficult for the vast majority to feel as though this is something that can be achieved.

    • @lpanayi6954
      @lpanayi6954 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree entirely. For me it's not the space, but feeling secure and having that sense of ownership I crave.

    • @cocoabane3577
      @cocoabane3577 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      People could repopulate small ghost towns in the Midwest United States for next to nothing if they just made a meager living online, which many people now can

    • @cocoabane3577
      @cocoabane3577 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I don’t understand why people feel glued to cities. Is it take out dinners? 😂 serious question

  • @Someone_Else_00001
    @Someone_Else_00001 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for sharing. You’re a complete inspiration.

  • @Chris.from.1950
    @Chris.from.1950 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    A wise woman. Wonderful to have been brought to see her and to hear her story.

  • @jorjarayne6514
    @jorjarayne6514 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is such a beautiful video, the sense of peace radiating from this is everything

  • @captnodge
    @captnodge 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Lovely story and what a lovely wise lady who also plays music
    I'm in a similar position myself only it all went downhill after having leukaemia. I'm still in hospital after 8weeks things are looking positive after treatment and seeing story's like this inspires me to be positive about life

    • @ingoelds
      @ingoelds 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      May God be with you and heal you

    • @soniaharrison1016
      @soniaharrison1016 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @John of Arc, I will remember you in my prayers, wishing you a speedy recovery.

    • @captnodge
      @captnodge 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks both for your kind words
      I've just read recently catrinas book homesick .why I live in a shed
      Really well written

  • @tinyapothecarykitchen
    @tinyapothecarykitchen 3 ปีที่แล้ว +757

    I love her home! What a treasure! I've been "living small" for years on very little income. Everybody seems to want more, but I'm always looking around my tiny home to see what I can get rid of.
    I've just ordered her book. She is rich indeed!

    • @TheChaselg1
      @TheChaselg1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      I've just subscribed to your channel Jana. I liked your comment and I think you should have at least one subscriber!

    • @stephengreen6338
      @stephengreen6338 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Book?, what where? tell me more

    • @AngelaPickles1929
      @AngelaPickles1929 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Homesick: why I live in a shed.

    • @stephengreen6338
      @stephengreen6338 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@AngelaPickles1929 thankyou

    • @itsmeGeorgina
      @itsmeGeorgina 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yes, what a glorious day it will be if you manage to get through life with ... nothing.... like Ghandi

  • @waydegardner7373
    @waydegardner7373 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    There is beauty in simplicity. Small things like a good cup of coffee and the flickering of the fire seem to connect with a lot of us more than a 65” big screen. 😂

  • @mohamedlambat3966
    @mohamedlambat3966 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    A genuinely happy and content person living her passion with a sincere sense of purpose and gratitude. This clip was meaningful and really touched my heart. Good bless you Mam!!

  • @CHrisG-ol3ei
    @CHrisG-ol3ei 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I love her concept and her catch phrase “ if you don’t have money you do so much less damage than if you had loads of money” which when you think about it is so true -- Catrina, ive just ordered your book and I want to say to everyone, show your support for this great woman , and buy her book , Homesick living in a shed “

  • @vernabryant2894
    @vernabryant2894 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    The small things in life is what matters.I love your home.

  • @PalacinkyPDX
    @PalacinkyPDX 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It's nice when you can film someone living like this on a sunny, temperate day, but it doesn't show the reality of surviving through winter, long rainy months or having a child to take care of.

  • @jamesshamley6577
    @jamesshamley6577 3 ปีที่แล้ว +68

    Ive lived in a shed for 3 years and I love it. Solar panels, water tanks, gas stove and oven. Everyone would have a roof if more people could get by living a simple and cheap life.

    • @jeandubois8810
      @jeandubois8810 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I used to live in a caravan in the north of England. Now I have a mansion in a leafy suburb of Paris, trust me, it is better.

    • @jamesshamley6577
      @jamesshamley6577 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jeandubois8810 Thats nice.

    • @w3w3w3
      @w3w3w3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      its not that... it is the fact that every peice of land you stand on is owned by someone. Everyone would have a home if they could find some open land and build their own house/shed or whatever... but no, that is not allowed.

    • @jamesshamley6577
      @jamesshamley6577 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@w3w3w3 Good point. We can't do that now days.

    • @w3w3w3
      @w3w3w3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@jamesshamley6577 It will only get worse as countrys get over populated and housing crises gets worse... its BS tbh. I would love to just find some land and build my home and do whatever i want but they want you to work like slaves instead.

  • @harryfritter8266
    @harryfritter8266 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a high paying job but I've never been materialistic. I'm just really good at something in high demand. I left the city and bought some land in the mountains. I bought a shed from home depot and insulated it and bought a solar kit from Amazon and a wood burning stove. My shed is so well insulated that most of the time a couple light bulbs heat it enough that I only use the stove in the coldest months. I have an outhouse and solar heater shower. I have a garden that's about 2 acres and can a lot of the vegetables for winter. So I hardly ever go to the grocery store. I get heckled a lot for living this way and my prius, but I'm so happy here. I wake up every morning to deer or elk, sometimes moose eating from the garden I planted for them. The absolute silence and the millions of stars. With some hard work and a little money I created a heavenly place :-)

  • @farmboyuk1315
    @farmboyuk1315 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    What a level-headed lovely lady

  • @davidjoseph6539
    @davidjoseph6539 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Well done. You are keeping things simple . When life is simple, you have more time for yourself and nature. Continue your peaceful journey

  • @flowersafeheart
    @flowersafeheart 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    "Enoughism," low on guilt. If you're happy with it, and it isn't hurting anyone, that basically means it's working!💚🌿

  • @ChrisInToon
    @ChrisInToon 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I love how pragmatic Catrina is, I think I saw her on a program about Cornwall this year, it is sad that on the other hand how this lady is cooped up in this small space when other people barely use their holiday home and are not local, albeit this woman is seeing to this life challenge more than admirably which is more than can be said for most in our society, so good on Catrina.

  • @dougquaid
    @dougquaid 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    What a lovely, sensible down to earth girl, we need more like this.

  • @pamelahall9459
    @pamelahall9459 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fabulous. I lived ina shed for a couple of months and it was the best time ever… I treasure all my memories of there.

  • @jedics1
    @jedics1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Most of the developed world could do with some 'enoughism', the day I realised I had enough was a relief, one of the reasons is that it meant there were a whole bunch of things I didn't have to do anymore that I deeply hated. Time became mine again to spend as I pleased, there is not much I value more now.

    • @charlesleblanc6638
      @charlesleblanc6638 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I love that saying ... The day I realized I had enough !

    • @anitam7547
      @anitam7547 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have been going out shopping - looking to treat myself. I couldn't find anything I wanted to own. Turned out I need silence, peace. I'm tired of stuff 'owning' me - it's like trying to spin plates whilst on a merry-go-round.

    • @bossdog1480
      @bossdog1480 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@anitam7547 I can't understand people buying boats if they don't fish everyday. Boats are black belt wallet drainers.

  • @robinflory6109
    @robinflory6109 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I bought 40 acres in the middle of nowhere. Put a small off grid cabin on it last year. Has a year round creek. I love what your doing!

  • @trevaperes5343
    @trevaperes5343 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I just loved this! Well done Catrina, what an awesome little home! Thank you for sharing.

  • @maxduietwiler2929
    @maxduietwiler2929 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    You’re probably living a healthy happier life than people in beautiful expensive homes they can’t afford. I applaud you.

  • @WanieB
    @WanieB 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I grew up for much of my childhood living in small campers with my parents. I find myself wanting to fall back into that lifestyle because its simpler & less of a burden. And having that good cup of coffee becomes more priceless the older I get.

  • @kathrynhopkins
    @kathrynhopkins 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I get tired of being viewed as poor or a lesser person because I chose nature over earning large sums of money. Being in nature every day feels like a constant holiday, always discovering something new. Since making the change to value nature I'm the happiest I've ever been and will never go back to wanting more and then more and then more which is actually exhausting..

  • @GretaWargh
    @GretaWargh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Catrina, I just ordered your book, ‘HOMESICK - Why I Live in a Shed’ looking forward to read your book! Big warm hug to you - all the way from Sweden ❤️

  • @elsabiebezuidenhout4734
    @elsabiebezuidenhout4734 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love it ....nothing can give me more peace ....you go girl .... love the garden .....one word ....peace on earth .love coffee...watching you from South Africa....be proud on yourself

  • @jamesfleming6773
    @jamesfleming6773 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    What a lovely happy person👍🇬🇧

  • @pattimiller9157
    @pattimiller9157 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I lived in a shed 14 years ..now I'm grateful for small things ..and yes coffee is one 😋 🙏❤

  • @Prometheushighaf
    @Prometheushighaf 4 ปีที่แล้ว +357

    Just because you don't have a house doesn't mean you are homeless. She certainly has a home

    • @mannyechaluce3814
      @mannyechaluce3814 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Homeless are the people who camps out by the highway, and close to Walmart and Expensive towns :D at least those are the Homeless in the US :D

    • @maximodelacruz963
      @maximodelacruz963 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      ❤️😀❤️

    • @135Ops
      @135Ops 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@mannyechaluce3814 Two happy smiling faces talking about homeless people, really.

    • @kcb5336
      @kcb5336 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      She’s living in her parents shed for crying out loud!

    • @gdronfield
      @gdronfield 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@kcb5336 It happens to be a old asbestos garage, no wonder it's cold in winter even with the burner she has in there, the heat escapes out of the walls and the roof,..it's just like living outside except shes not living in a plastic tent, a cardboard box is warmer than that garage........

  • @kiamichikan5896
    @kiamichikan5896 3 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    As an off gridder in a small cabin, I can relate. The only thing that really bothers me is being alone.

    • @mmc1086
      @mmc1086 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      The most important of all points that wasn’t even obliquely mentioned in this vid

    • @kiamichikan5896
      @kiamichikan5896 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @PrisonBlock Canada I live in a small community of land owners. We have a fire hall that kinda serves as communal center. Unfortunately most here are oblivious of each other.

    • @kiamichikan5896
      @kiamichikan5896 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @Bob So true. Man, or woman was never meant to be alone. We were designed by God to have a partner

    • @kiamichikan5896
      @kiamichikan5896 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@mmc1086 I can understand why. When I first moved here, I was content with being alone. I needed that time to heal myself

    • @sammyvictors2603
      @sammyvictors2603 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      off gridder with internet access? I guess you can't go by these days without computers or cell phones.

  • @maryxm1
    @maryxm1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Shed is gorgeous and so is Catrina,...I'm going to look up her book and buy it.

  • @trevoraindow2440
    @trevoraindow2440 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Truly amazing! I admire you completely . . . Having the gumption to do such a thing with endless 'peice of mind,' and no doubt cometely rich in happiness!!

  • @rachelhudson8362
    @rachelhudson8362 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'd love to meet her. She never said she was poor or needy, she didn't brag about her tiny home, usually on parents land. I'm guessing though that this tin shed is on her parents land, however its just perfect

  • @fred20247
    @fred20247 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A wonderful story as well as a wonderful outlook.

  • @kinoko510
    @kinoko510 4 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    Beautiful inspirational lady. And a published author! I’ve read her book years ago ( really enjoyed it ) and then saw her in a documentary on the decline of Cornwall recently. Haven’t realised who she was. Anyways, she knows what matters in life! ❤️

    • @defenderjack349
      @defenderjack349 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      What's the title of the book?

    • @kinoko510
      @kinoko510 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@defenderjack349 ‘Ribbons are for fearlessness’. It’s about her travels and busking around Europe.

    • @josiecamilo7098
      @josiecamilo7098 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cornwall 🤔 maybe the duchess of Cornwall needs to do something about the housing? Future wife of a king and all.

  • @guygranger7894
    @guygranger7894 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A person will notice with the simple life that everything is a GIFT.

  • @andyconway5638
    @andyconway5638 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    This is a beautiful life story. We can all learn something from this. Total respect to this wonderful member of the human race.

  • @bertiewooster3326
    @bertiewooster3326 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I lived in a garage for 6 years it was great having bought the plot for £10k . Then out of the blue I was asked by a developer if he could buy as it would give him the only access to a backland development project I agreed for £290k then bought another garage!

  • @mimi1o8
    @mimi1o8 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    She has a beautiful calming energy.

  • @pascalsavy1306
    @pascalsavy1306 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Such a beautiful concept and it gives me great happiness to see this. I just hope her local council doesn’t stop her and I can’t help but wonder how she’s getting away with it. There’s usually always someone acting through jealousy, stopping beautiful things like this. Good luck to her and long may it continue. I wish everyone could live like this ❤️

    • @Jennifer-hw6vt
      @Jennifer-hw6vt 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I wondered the same

    • @nickcoppard5335
      @nickcoppard5335 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      After 4years lawful use certificate , though you would then have to pay council tax I guess at the lowest rate

  • @debbiekoortzen1154
    @debbiekoortzen1154 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This beautiful woman is truly inspiring.

  • @A.girl.and.her.dog_
    @A.girl.and.her.dog_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are brilliant and my new hero. You are doing what I've wanted to do for years.

  • @markeddowes1467
    @markeddowes1467 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Good on you girl, sincerely you have it so right.

  • @artbarrett469
    @artbarrett469 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow. We are about to embark on the same journey.. Im really happy for you! We have been downsizing our lives from Chicago and Brisbane and getting rid of everything. I fired my employer 2 years ago and wherever i go and wherever i work, i will pay then.. That is how we want to live. I think your Awesome! love and hugs. Best wishes to you!

  • @MrAllan9
    @MrAllan9 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Beautiful home, simple and cozy.. work on getting a bit of insulation, make it winter cozy as well.👍

  • @ekaterinas.1330
    @ekaterinas.1330 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is what I want to do soon, as I don't want to own any property apart from something about this size. I will insulate my place really well as I can't stand being cold. Can't wait to say goodbye to my big house. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and inspiring video.🤗♥️

  • @mikeyazel8725
    @mikeyazel8725 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Simplicity is a beautiful thing, when my father passed away I found a little book in his things of house plans for the building boom following WWII. None of the house designs in it were much more than tiny cottages by todays standards 750-1100 square feet. One of the pages was marked and was the house my dad helped his brother build. Now everyone seems to want a huge house and they price themselves right out of what they can afford soon becoming a slave to working all the time to pay for a house you never get to really live in.

  • @Joewalshe38
    @Joewalshe38 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am glad I came across this video. Refreshing really. I'm an Architect who happily lives in a small home albeit with a good-sized garden where I spend much of my time. I have to detach myself from my views when designing for people who want 4 or 5 bedrooms and other rooms in their homes even though they will never use them.

  • @CatonaWall175
    @CatonaWall175 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I hope things go well for you. God Bless you.

  • @JacobW567
    @JacobW567 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hats off! I got nothing but respect and admiration for this woman!

  • @leethompson4817
    @leethompson4817 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    This is so lovely

  • @gedhuffadine5796
    @gedhuffadine5796 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love your home. I love corrugated tins. Just covered my shed with tins

  • @yusraiqbal2153
    @yusraiqbal2153 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I love this lady's mindset. Actually, I have been thinking the same thing; I've always wondered what living in a shed would be like. Especially with a yard big enough for a garden, just as hers. I feel like small living can solve many financial problems of a lot of people, but unfortunately many of us fail to see that. Especially if someone who has a bit of money but has a down-to-earth mindset, as in helping out those in need, one would be more able to do so if they cut on luxuries a bit.
    A word of advice for her: if she does not have running water, it would be very beneficial to somehow build a well. As for insulation, she can use fiberglass or hay (long grass that dries up in the summer). Hay is a natural insulator that one can harvest for free if they cannot use fiberglass.

  • @marneymacleod2463
    @marneymacleod2463 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was extremely refreshing,having lived in a shed myself..

  • @jbradshaw4236
    @jbradshaw4236 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Her book is inspiring and beautiful.

  • @Jackmack365
    @Jackmack365 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Lovely to finally meet you Catrina, I read your book (Why I live in a Shed) quite awhile ago. Initially I thought it would be about some rich girl living poor to see how ‘we’ live, I was wrong, the more I got into the book the more I admired your honesty about your life. I guess we are incredibly rich living where we do in this beautiful county of Cornwall. Thank you for sharing some of your beautiful and interesting days with us. 🙏🏼❤️

  • @chrishellize
    @chrishellize 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I had a friend who did exactly this for about 15 years until the shed was sold out from under her. She dealt with the insulation problem by layering newspapers and any bits and pieces within the frame, covering it all with cardboard much like you would use gib or dry wall, and then plastering with paper mache, which she then painted. It looked really cool, but I did always worry that it wasnt quite warm enough. Although this is a lovely way to live if you have the character for it, you can wind up like my friend. No home, no real income or savings and trapped as a renter for the rest of your life starting on the back foot in middle age. A scary prospect.

    • @imalrockme
      @imalrockme 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's not the cold that scares me, it's how flamable those layers of paper are!

    • @mtnshelby7059
      @mtnshelby7059 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree. These videos all seem very beautiful but as someone who lives in a very rural location I wonder about sources of water, wood, food storage if any.

  • @lovefitsustogether9914
    @lovefitsustogether9914 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    She looks so at peace with herself. Less is best♻️....I love the fact that she is so in tune with nature💕🌿🌱🐦🦋🥬🥕🥗🎼📚

  • @10AntsTapDancing
    @10AntsTapDancing 3 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    I have an actual house but it's old and scruffy. I recently upgraded the bathroom and laundry because the floor had rotted out but I did it for the fraction of of the 'normal' cost by having a strict budget. I didn't know I was practicing voluntary poverty because my friends tell me I'm mean with money. In the upcoming recession I will still have my house because I have very little debt and my life won't change much. Catrina is really living the dream and her home looks great. I'd get it insulated though, I hate the cold, lol.

    • @marlenegold280
      @marlenegold280 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Your money, your choice

    • @JackieOdonnel
      @JackieOdonnel 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I would insulate it as well, haha. But hearing her talk about her stove, you could sense the happiness in that.

    • @kagigebiquillboxes8565
      @kagigebiquillboxes8565 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You struck a cord with me when you wrote "mean with money" . . I got a similiar reaction when I became interested in minimalism and would talk to friends about my reluctance to buy ANOTHER jacket . . . I'm also a recovering alcoholic - - my friends' responses to ideas about living more simply sounded a lot like talking to others about quitting drinking over drinks.

  • @garytibo
    @garytibo 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's nice to see people like you ...Thank you

  • @bernie6956
    @bernie6956 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What a beautiful thought process or attitude, love it.

  • @huckfin1100
    @huckfin1100 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Simple life is a happy life and the money you earn is your own, I love it !

  • @bossdog1480
    @bossdog1480 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Good on you Catrina, you're my sort of girl.
    I believe in living life as simply as possible too. You don't need tons of room and oodles of possessions to live a good life.
    I like that you have a garden to grow food as well.
    I live similarly except I was lucky enough to purchase a very cheap 'rustic' house that's on the verge of falling down in a small town in Queensland. Luckily I am handy and can do all the repairs myself.
    I also grow my own veggies and live frugally.
    Good luck with your lifestyle, you are still young and life has many more chapters for you yet.😁

  • @arctodussimus6198
    @arctodussimus6198 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I lived in a barn on top of a mountain for many years. The wood stove was my best friend 😉

  • @rayclam8079
    @rayclam8079 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Solutions to the housing affordability crisis:
    1. Massive 80% rent control.
    2. Massive taxation on empty properties to fund housing benefit for those who need it.
    3. 80% House price caps and limit how many homes and land someone can own.
    4. Ban foreign realestate speculation.
    5. Tax the hell out of foreign owns land and homes.
    Housing shouldn't be a mere commodity, or an investment, or used for money laundering and tax avoidance.

  • @stephaniebird3412
    @stephaniebird3412 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love what you are doing. Bravo, in our culture, poverty is a 'state of mind' Xxx.

  • @vickiehodges7333
    @vickiehodges7333 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I would love living in a shed,growing my own food.love it so happy for you.

  • @petercowan6361
    @petercowan6361 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am a 73 year old man. Happily married. Live in a medium home with all the modern comforts. Retired, worked my but off. Kids have grown up left home have, families of their own and living happily. My wife loves city life. I don't. You, my dear are RICH. Never change. You have a life that I dream of. I think there are many more people who dream for the simple things in life.