Richard Proenneke was an amateur naturalist who lived alone for nearly thirty years in the mountains of Alaska in a log cabin which he built with his own hands near the shore of Twin Lakes. Proenneke hunted, fished, raised and gathered his own food, and also had supplies flown in occasionally. He documented his activities in journals and on film, and also recorded valuable meteorological and natural data. The journals and film were later used by others to write books and produce documentaries about his time in the wilderness.

Sam Keith, a close friend of Dick Proenneke, wrote: One Man’s Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey – Paperback

Bob Swerer produced the video “Alone in the Wilderness” in 2003. Bob edited more of Dick’s previously unseen footage to create this film of Dick and his adventures in Alaska.

Bob Swerer produced the video “Alaska Silence & Solitude” in 1998. In 1997 Bob Swerer and Bob Swerer Sr flew to Twin Lakes to visit with Dick Proenneke and explore the Twin Lakes region.

Bob Swerer produced the video “The Frozen North” in 2006. Dick Proenneke shot over 3000 feet of 8mm movie film. Bob edited the film and added sound to create this fascinating film of one man living alone in the Alaska wilderness.

Bob Swerer produced the video “ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS PART II” in 2011 after Dick’s brother Raymond discovered more old footage that had never been seen before, which includes more building and carving, canoeing and outstanding wildlife footage.

After serving in the Navy during WWII, Proenneke succumbed to his love of nature and Alaska and moved there in 1950. Proenneke became a well-respected mechanic gaining a reputation as an intelligent, hard worker while employed in the Alaska Fish & Wildlife Service. Saving his money, he retired early and decided on Twin Lakes for his retirement home.

Harvesting logs from a group of Spruce trees nearby his camp, Proenneke set out to build his log cabin alone, by hand, and, he did so in one year’s time. Bone-chilling cold and ghostly silence were enemies that initially pushed back against this endeavor; but Proenneke endured.

Nestled on 30 acres of The Cedars, the ancestral home of renowned artists Hans and Nora Heysen, nine new cabins by the tiny-house company Cabn offer a secluded retreat with stunning, gallery-worthy views. The property in Hahndorf, just a 25-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD, is steeped in artistic history, once the muse for Hans Heysen’s award-winning bushland paintings and his daughter Nora’s groundbreaking portraits. The eco-friendly cabins are built with minimal environmental impact, featuring solar electricity and additional planting to enhance biodiversity. Guests can wander through the property without encountering others, exploring trails like The Artist’s Walk, which meanders through the very landscapes immortalized in the Heysens’ work.

Opening in August, the cabins range from traditional tiny homes to more spacious Cabn X cottages, accommodating up to 26 people across all nine units. Each cabin offers modern comforts such as showers, Weber barbeques, indoor fireplaces, and outdoor firepits. The Cabn X houses, in particular, boast luxuries like king beds, indoor and outdoor baths, and saunas with panoramic views of the landscape. These cabins blend rustic charm with local touches, featuring products from nearby businesses like Beerenberg and Ambleside Distillers. Since its founding in 2017, Cabn has expanded its presence in South Australia, with these new additions bringing the total number of properties to 39.

If you’ve ever daydreamed about downsizing to a compact tiny home, you’re not alone. According to a study conducted by the Fidelity National subsidiary IPX1031 in 2020, 56% of Americans would live in a tiny home. For those ready to turn this dream into reality, Amazon is offering a fully functional tiny home for under $40,000. Currently available for just $35,000, this cozy cabin-style tiny house is designed to be easily dismantled and moved, making it a versatile option for those seeking flexibility and mobility in their living arrangements.

The cabin-style tiny home features a traditional exterior with a sleek modern interior, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and electricity, ready to ship within days of ordering. Unlike many other tiny homes, this model offers customizable floor plans, exterior colors, and finishes, catering to various lifestyles, particularly outdoor enthusiasts and those wanting to live off the grid without sacrificing amenities. Its modular design and sustainable materials ensure easy setup and low maintenance. Additionally, it boasts impressive safety features, being fire-rated class A, wind-resistant up to level 11, and seismic-rated up to level 9, making it a secure choice even in extreme weather conditions. While $35,000 may seem steep, it’s a competitive price compared to traditional housing options, and with a 30-day easy return policy, it’s an option worth considering for those looking to embrace the tiny home lifestyle.

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Mullagrach Island, the most northerly of Scotland’s Summer Isles, has been put on the market for £500,000, offering the ultimate remote getaway. This secluded island spans 88.7 acres, featuring lush greenery, beaches, cliffs, and caves perfect for exploration. Located two hours from Inverness and a 35-minute boat ride from the mainland, it provides an unparalleled escape from modern life. Marketed by Galbraith in the Highland capital, the island was purchased 18 years ago by its current owners, who have focused on conserving its sensitive plant species and diverse birdlife, including geese, kittiwakes, and fulmars. The island’s single building, a Swiss-made log cabin, is designed to withstand the rugged Scottish weather, complete with solar panels, box beds, a kitchen, a wood-burning stove, and an outdoor composting toilet.

Constructed with sustainability and comfort in mind, the cabin features a heather-clad roof that blends seamlessly into the landscape. Although the rainwater collection system is in place, drinking water must be brought in bottles. The island includes a landing stage and ground tackle for mooring, with the option to purchase a boat separately. Mullagrach Island’s rugged beauty and commitment to wildlife conservation make it an exceptional opportunity for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature. Viewings are limited due to weather conditions and accessibility, requiring prospective buyers to be physically fit to travel by boat and climb ladders to the island. This unique property promises an extraordinary retreat for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts alike.

Designed by Portugal’s Madeiguincho, the Brava tiny house is a masterful blend of timber craftsmanship and efficient space utilization, perfect for a cozy dwelling for two. Measuring just 12 square meters, this compact abode is a testament to Madeiguincho’s deep-rooted expertise in woodworking, honed over years by a family of carpenters. Situated on a picturesque farm in the Portuguese countryside, the Brava serves as a tranquil retreat for an artist and her daughter. Despite its small footprint, the Brava is thoughtfully designed with a space-saving layout that maximizes functionality without compromising comfort. The exterior boasts a charming wooden finish and a small porch area, extending the living space and providing a delightful spot for outdoor dining and relaxation.

Inside, the Brava continues to impress with its rustic yet elegant decor. The interior features a combination of plywood finishes and distressed furniture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements its rural setting. Entered through double glass doors, the ground floor includes a multi-functional raised double bed that doubles as a day bed, equipped with integrated storage to optimize space. The compact kitchen, adjacent to the bed, is efficiently designed with a sink, cabinetry, and basic cooking facilities, seamlessly connected to a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower. Additionally, a storage-integrated staircase leads to a loft-style bedroom with a low ceiling and a double bed, typical of tiny home designs. While the Brava’s pricing remains undisclosed, its meticulous design and craftsmanship make it an ideal small-scale home.

In a stroke of serendipity, Gemma and Nick Warren stumbled upon a relic of architectural history nestled in the serene wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. Despite its modest dimensions and rustic amenities, the Bolt-Together House captured their imagination with its enchanting simplicity and unique backstory. As they sipped coffee under the tropical sun in Tulum, Mexico, their minds wandered to the scent of forests, the melody of streams, and the allure of a tiny haven in upstate New York. After years of yearning for a retreat in the Catskills, fate intervened when Gemma, scouring real estate listings, unearthed a listing for a quaint cabin in Delancey. With an asking price of $65,000, the dwelling may have lacked modern comforts like central heating and indoor plumbing, but its allure lay in its history and idyllic setting.

This Bolt-Together House, a gem from the pages of Family Circle’s 1970s DIY series, embodied a bygone era of eco-conscious design and adventurous living. Crafted from humble materials and ingeniously designed for mobility, it stood as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its era. As the Warrens delved deeper into its history, they found themselves captivated by its charm and legacy, seeing beyond its weathered exterior to the promise of a tranquil escape amid nature’s embrace. Undeterred by competition and fueled by determination, they took a leap of faith, placing a bid from afar, eager to make this rare gem their own. And though their initial offer may have been met with skepticism, fate smiled upon them as their steadfast commitment ultimately secured them the keys to their dream retreat, nestled amidst the whispering pines of the Catskills.

Roam Ranch, a testament to Baldridge Architects’ innovative prowess, emerges as a harmonious blend of modern design and rustic charm amidst the sprawling landscapes of rural Texas. Nestled on a working ranch just outside Fredericksburg, this 4,362-square-foot abode not only reflects the contemporary aesthetic but also pays homage to its surroundings. Collaborating once again with Baldridge Architects, the visionary clients sought refuge from urban rigors, envisioning a sanctuary that seamlessly integrates with their sustainable agricultural pursuits on the ‘Force of Nature’ ranch. Beyond mere living quarters, the dwelling needed to accommodate their entrepreneurial endeavors, including podcasting and educational events. Guided by this dynamic vision, Baldridge Architects embarked on a journey to craft a space that not only honored Roam Ranch’s heritage but also facilitated modern functionality.

Intricately weaving together the old and the new, the architects orchestrated a symphony of design elements that resonate with both tradition and innovation. The resulting architectural marvel pays homage to the timeless Central Texas ‘dog-trot‘ house while embodying contemporary sophistication. With meticulous attention to detail, the team navigated logistical challenges, ensuring uninterrupted occupancy during construction, even with the arrival of a newborn. From the unified roofline to the raw stone hearth seamlessly integrated into the floor, every aspect of Roam Ranch reflects a thoughtful synthesis of form and function. As daylight filters through the corrugated polycarbonate panels, illuminating the space within, the dwelling stands as a testament to Baldridge Architects’ unwavering commitment to creating spaces that are not only visually stunning but also deeply rooted in their context and purpose.

Liz Gilson embodies a lifestyle that defies conventional notions of space and comfort. From her early days in a stately home in England to her adventures sailing around Australia and living in a van, Gilson has always sought out snug quarters with unparalleled enthusiasm. Her latest abode, a former barbershop in Glencoe Mill Village, North Carolina, epitomizes her affinity for compact living. With a mere 345 square feet of space, Gilson has ingeniously maximized every inch, converting the limited area into a cozy haven that reflects her nautical past and resourceful spirit with only $367-a-month mortgage.

Despite the modest size of her home, Gilson has crafted a retreat that exudes charm and functionality. Through thrift shop finds and woodworking endeavors, she has curated an interior that resonates with her love for the sea, while also catering to her practical needs. The addition of a hot tub and patio in the backyard further enhances her living experience, providing ample space for social gatherings in the close-knit community of Glencoe Mill Village. Gilson’s unwavering pride in her unconventional dwelling is evident, as she eagerly shares her story with visitors and revels in the simplicity and contentment her tiny home affords her, proving that true fulfillment transcends the confines of size and extravagance.

Purple Heart Manor by Acorn Tiny Homes stands as a testament to the intersection of bespoke craftsmanship and individuality in the realm of Tiny Homes on Wheels. Envisioned by a homeowner with a profound love for Medieval literature, the color purple, and her feline companion, this 43-foot-long tiny home is a masterpiece that redefines comfort and luxury in compact living. The unique sweeping W roof line not only adds an aesthetic touch but also facilitates improved rainwater collection, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail in the design. The interior of Purple Heart Manor is a symphony of exquisite features and thoughtful design elements. From the custom-made solid mahogany arched out-swing door adorned with a stained glass insert to the lime-washed wall paneling and rustic purple pine ceiling, every aspect exudes a sense of sophistication.

The kitchen boasts off-grid retro appliances, including a solar fridge and D/C powered gas range, complemented by a 36-inch wide purple cast iron sink. The bathroom, a luxurious spa retreat, features a 5-foot slipper tub, a rain-fall shower, and a Japanese toilet with bidet and heated seat. The living room is furnished with a custom-made purple velvet chesterfield couch, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a dedicated gaming station, while the bedroom offers a queen-sized lift-up storage bed and stained glass bedside sconces. The loft, accessible by extra-wide stairs, serves as a versatile space with a built-in desk, nightstand, and even a cat door for access to the Catio. With sustainable materials like ethically harvested Ghostwood siding, solar panels, and hydronic in-floor radiant heating, Purple Heart Manor is a harmonious blend of luxury, functionality, and eco-conscious living, priced at $370,000 CAD ($274,000 USD).