Off grid living in an aircraft on the South Downs

Completed by one man in 20 weeks, the aim was to create a heated / insulated luxury first class Sleep Cabin with the contrasted "exposed" galley and lounge. Both sectioned separated by a deck with built in shower.

Target being 100% materials, sourced from all over the world for as cheap as possible.

The end result was 100% upcycled, handmade kitchen from scrap metal, shower glass as the main window, fire retardant Rolls Royce lining (2nds from Germany), 67 wooden pallets, jet engine shower, facebook free sofas (modified) and log burner, doors and mirror frames for the pergola, skipped solid oak flooring.

The outdoor space has been jurassic'd up using free plants and exotic foliage. With a rustic design, pathways and composting toilet made from pallets. It has a bbq made from a jet engine and a homemade heated hot tub created using a livestock feeding tank and a seam welded submersible log burning water heater.

Many a day was spent sourcing all materials whilst using every skill I have learnt to put it all together. From welding to joinery, upholstery to solar or landscaping to design. All work was carried out by myself within the 20 weeks.

In and out this is solar powered with 14 day storage on the 250ah batteries. Gas powered for the shower / hot water, hob and fridge.

We have homegrown veg and a local farm providing fresh meat. We have 5 dogs, 5 cats and a goose, all roaming the 3acre woodland plot this sits in.

With no noise, street lights or any light pollution for miles, sitting in the tub stargazing has become a new peaceful escape.

The cost of living and mental health crisis, we have struggled with both as does everyone. I was hoping to create awareness (awareness that our government should promote) to fixing things ourself, growing our own vegetables, forward planning. It will sound easy to say from me, the land owner with the ability to do this. But it all started from nothing, working and trading my way here, something that isn't promoted in this country either.

We are grateful and proud to have a small plot of land with our cottage, this aircraft build was a proof of concept that anything can be done, from literally nothing.