Benn Berkeley, a 38-year-old filmmaker from St Ives, Cornwall, experienced a significant upheaval during the COVID-19 pandemic when his freelance film work came to an abrupt halt. With his career on pause, Benn found himself questioning his current lifestyle.
At the time, he was living in a £500-a-month house share, struggling with uncertainty and a desire for change. Determined to pursue a simpler and more sustainable way of life, Benn made the bold decision to leave behind the conventional housing setup.
This choice led him to an unexpected opportunity—renovating a dilapidated caravan into an eco-friendly, off-grid home. His resourcefulness and determination not only gave him a fresh start but also allowed him to embrace a more affordable, self-sufficient lifestyle.
A fresh start on a farm
In August 2020, Benn’s brother offered him a unique opportunity to live in a static caravan on a farm he had recently taken over. Although the caravan was in a state of disrepair, Benn saw it as a chance to make a fresh start. Despite having no prior experience in construction or renovation, Benn took on the challenge of transforming the run-down 10ft by 44ft space.
Learning and building from scratch
Over the next four months, Benn dedicated himself to learning new skills through YouTube videos. From gutting the walls to installing a log burner and solar panels, he meticulously renovated the derelict caravan. His hands-on approach allowed him to transform it into a cosy, off-grid log cabin. With a solar-powered energy system and gas bottles for cooking, Benn created a sustainable and affordable living space.
Off-grid living success
Today, Benn enjoys the benefits of an off-grid lifestyle, with nearly zero living expenses. His eco-friendly cabin provides him with all the essentials, proving that a dream home doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. He estimates that purchasing a property in the same area would have cost him at least £100,000, but his DIY renovation kept costs to a minimum.
Benn’s inspiring journey from struggling filmmaker to off-grid homeowner shows how adversity can lead to new opportunities. His story encourages others to explore simpler ways of living and discover unexpected fulfilment in the process.
