New FYI Series: ‘Unplugged Nation’

In each episode of Unplugged Nation, a reality show on the FYI network that premieres Wednesday, July 29, a family accustomed to urban life will have the opportunity to test-drive an “unplugged” property. They’ll harvest their own food, tend to livestock, generate their own power and even pump their own water. After a four-day trial period, the families will have to decide if they’re ready to pack up their city life and make a permanent lifestyle change, or if they need to plug back in. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the participants and their test houses.

Family Fun

Participants: The Saint Pauls, a family of four from Baltimore, Maryland: Brian (dad), Zoe (mom), Humannot and Selam (children)

Why unplug: Zoe, who grew up on a farm, feels the need to return back to that lifestyle. She believes that living in a remote location will help her family spend more time interacting with one another than with the TV or video games. Both she and Brian feel it’s important to become less reliant on city services and teach their children to be more self-sufficient.


About the Property

Location: Bursville, North Carolina
Environment: Woodland lodge in a secluded, mountainous area
Home size: 1,170-square-foot (108.7-square-meter) log cabin
Property size: 2 acres
Unplugged features: The property includes a 900-square-foot (83.6-square-meter) well for fresh water. Power comes from a 5,500-amp generator. The 2 acres of land include garden-rich soil for growing fruits and vegetables.


Group Home

Participants: A group of four young adults, some of whom have never met before: Becca Shim from Washington, Ryan Barnhart from New York, and Katie and Daniel Trembley from Maryland

Why unplug: The five young adults share common progressive, political beliefs — one of which is to maintain a self-sustainable home environment.


About the Property

Location: Speedwell, Tennessee
Environment: Forested and cultivated mountain-hollow property with one main home and one smaller home
Home size: Main home: 1,000 square feet (92.9 square meters); smaller home: 600 square feet (55.7 square meters)
Property size: 115 acres
Unplugged features: Both structures are set up for solar power, with the main heat source fueled by propane tanks. The water system is fed directly from a creek on the property. The group members must maintain their own sewage system. Also on the 115 acres is a working farm complete with livestock.


About the Host

The families aren’t completely left to fend for themselves. During the four-day test-drive, they’ll be visited by mountain man and outdoors enthusiast Jay Gruen. As a former mountain rescue technician, an avid fisherman and a landscape designer, Gruen can guide those new to remote living. He’ll provide tips and tricks to help the participants live successful, self-sustained lives in their potential new homes.


Share Your Thoughts and Experiences

Do you think you have what it takes to leave the comfort of modern conveniences in high-tech society and live a remote, unplugged and off-the-grid life? If this is your everyday life, what are some words of wisdom for those looking to make the change?

More
Dreaming Of: A House in the Woods
10 Great Ways to Unplug and Tune In to Nature

URL: New FYI Series: ‘Unplugged Nation’ http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-26576.html