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A Simple Life: Living Off Grid in a Wooden Cabin in France
In September 2020, Mary-Jane and Michael Houlton moved into an off-grid wooden cabin in rural France. They were already used to a simple life, having spent the last three years living on their boat in France for the summer seasons, and returning to the UK and their caravan for the winters. This tiny cabin would now be their new home for the winter months, taking them a step further along the road to self-sufficiency. They had no electricity, no kitchen, no bathroom or bedroom and the loo was a bucket in a shed, but the property came with five acres of field and woodland.
From now on their lives would be simple, pared back to the basics, but they found that an off-grid lifestyle was by no means an uncomfortable experience. Responsibilities didn’t disappear but they changed, becoming less onerous. There was more time to think, and to appreciate the natural world around them. Living in such rural isolation, each day brought something new to marvel at: deer browsing in the field at dusk, salamanders on the doorstep, owls calling by night.
If their own world felt increasingly magical, the outside world was far from it. They had moved to a foreign country at an historic time, living through a pandemic and adapting to the day-to-day implications of Brexit.
A Simple Life doesn’t just follow Mary-Jane and Michael as they settle into their new lives, it also raises questions about what really matters to people. What makes us happy? How does it feel to have few possessions? Will life become unbearable without a flushing toilet?
Thought-provoking and amusing, this book opens a window onto a different way of living. Mary-Jane shares a wealth of information and, if you have ever found yourself longing for a simpler life, this might tempt you to take those first tentative steps on the journey.
From now on their lives would be simple, pared back to the basics, but they found that an off-grid lifestyle was by no means an uncomfortable experience. Responsibilities didn’t disappear but they changed, becoming less onerous. There was more time to think, and to appreciate the natural world around them. Living in such rural isolation, each day brought something new to marvel at: deer browsing in the field at dusk, salamanders on the doorstep, owls calling by night.
If their own world felt increasingly magical, the outside world was far from it. They had moved to a foreign country at an historic time, living through a pandemic and adapting to the day-to-day implications of Brexit.
A Simple Life doesn’t just follow Mary-Jane and Michael as they settle into their new lives, it also raises questions about what really matters to people. What makes us happy? How does it feel to have few possessions? Will life become unbearable without a flushing toilet?
Thought-provoking and amusing, this book opens a window onto a different way of living. Mary-Jane shares a wealth of information and, if you have ever found yourself longing for a simpler life, this might tempt you to take those first tentative steps on the journey.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2021
About the author
Mary-Jane Houlton
9 books13 followersHow do you describe who you are? I find it impossible as we are all so many things. I have worked as marketing executive for a large multi-national company, but also run my own business as a landscape designer. I have had many different careers but most enjoyed being a Pilates instructor and a travel writer. Some of my ventures have been successful, some less so.
The best years of my life were spent on a small-holding in Wales, but then I gave it all up for an even better life on a boat in France. I have reached the slightly terrifying age of 64 and I am now happier than I have ever been.
The one passion that has been a constant throughout my life has been writing and so perhaps that is who I am at heart - a writer.
If you would like to keep up-to-date with our travels I publish a blog. You can follow me, and contact me at The Olivia Rose Diaries, which is the name of our boat.
The best years of my life were spent on a small-holding in Wales, but then I gave it all up for an even better life on a boat in France. I have reached the slightly terrifying age of 64 and I am now happier than I have ever been.
The one passion that has been a constant throughout my life has been writing and so perhaps that is who I am at heart - a writer.
If you would like to keep up-to-date with our travels I publish a blog. You can follow me, and contact me at The Olivia Rose Diaries, which is the name of our boat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 11, 2022
From Tasmania
I took my time to read and enjoy your story. You have "touched a nerve " with me
And I now see how far I have allowed myself to slide back into the stressful world after successfuly turning my back on it in mid life
Thank you
I took my time to read and enjoy your story. You have "touched a nerve " with me
And I now see how far I have allowed myself to slide back into the stressful world after successfuly turning my back on it in mid life
Thank you
October 27, 2022
A thought provoking look at how to live away from the rat race. At a time in my life where I am considering finishing work, earlier than is conventional, to lead a simpler life myself, I found this a very interesting read. I particularly liked Amanda’s thoughts on this in the final chapters One of my personal luxuries in life will always be the peacefulness of an empty head, no thoughts of all the things that need to be done whizzing around, bashing into each other like dodgems at a funfair, but just a quiet, calm space. This quote I have saved as I waiver between financial comfort or more time, I do realise this is a fortunate choice to have and Amanda’s book helped clarify this. I liked the way she detailed the simple and everyday aspects of living off grid. I will be reading her other book on the more nomadic aspects of her life. For people interested in alternative ways to spend your limited time on earth, this is a thought provoking and nicely worded read.
A thought provoking look at how to live away from the rat race. At a time in my life where I am considering finishing work, earlier than is conventional, to lead a simpler life myself, I found this a very interesting read. I particularly liked Amanda’s thoughts on this in the final chapters ‘One of my personal luxuries in life will always be the peacefulness of an empty head, no thoughts of all the things that need to be done whizzing around, bashing into each other like dodgems at a funfair, but just a quiet, calm space.‘ This quote I have saved, to help gather my thoughts and resolve as I waiver between financial comfort or more time. I do realise this is a fortunate choice to have and Amanda’s book helped clarify this. I liked the way she detailed the simple and everyday aspects of living off grid, alongside the reality and difficulties. Wanting to be more nomadic, at least for parts of the year, myself; I will be reading her other book on the more nomadic aspects of her life. For people interested in alternative ways to spend your limited time on earth, this is a thought provoking and nicely worded read.
A thought provoking look at how to live away from the rat race. At a time in my life where I am considering finishing work, earlier than is conventional, to lead a simpler life myself, I found this a very interesting read. I particularly liked Amanda’s thoughts on this in the final chapters ‘One of my personal luxuries in life will always be the peacefulness of an empty head, no thoughts of all the things that need to be done whizzing around, bashing into each other like dodgems at a funfair, but just a quiet, calm space.‘ This quote I have saved, to help gather my thoughts and resolve as I waiver between financial comfort or more time. I do realise this is a fortunate choice to have and Amanda’s book helped clarify this. I liked the way she detailed the simple and everyday aspects of living off grid, alongside the reality and difficulties. Wanting to be more nomadic, at least for parts of the year, myself; I will be reading her other book on the more nomadic aspects of her life. For people interested in alternative ways to spend your limited time on earth, this is a thought provoking and nicely worded read.
December 9, 2021
Lovely book
It is a matter of considerable mortification to me that deciding I should read "Just Passing Through", the book before this one, as I finished it I discovered I had read it less than a year ago!
However, this is in no way a reflection on Mary Jane Houlton s writing which is very good indeed. Having realised that given the horrors of Brexit, they needed to have a pied à terre In France, they had the good fortune to buy their tiny off grid home for a derisory price given that it included 5 acres of land. The description of establishing their new life is interesting, informative and often beautifully descriptive. Furthermore for those in a position to follow suit, it concludes with masses of detailed information on how to set up an off grid life, together with all the ramifications of living in France.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can recommend it.
It is a matter of considerable mortification to me that deciding I should read "Just Passing Through", the book before this one, as I finished it I discovered I had read it less than a year ago!
However, this is in no way a reflection on Mary Jane Houlton s writing which is very good indeed. Having realised that given the horrors of Brexit, they needed to have a pied à terre In France, they had the good fortune to buy their tiny off grid home for a derisory price given that it included 5 acres of land. The description of establishing their new life is interesting, informative and often beautifully descriptive. Furthermore for those in a position to follow suit, it concludes with masses of detailed information on how to set up an off grid life, together with all the ramifications of living in France.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can recommend it.
June 24, 2021
A Simpler Life?
I loved this account of circumventing the absurdities of Brexit by buying a wooden cabin (Le Shack) with five acres of land between Pau and the Pyrenees . The descriptions of trying to live a pared-down life are both honest and amusing. Years of living on a boat obviously helped - there seems to be no task which daunts or depresses them. Even tackling French bureaucracy is faced with gritty determination- and Mary-Jane generously provides a checklist for other people to work through.
I loved this account of circumventing the absurdities of Brexit by buying a wooden cabin (Le Shack) with five acres of land between Pau and the Pyrenees . The descriptions of trying to live a pared-down life are both honest and amusing. Years of living on a boat obviously helped - there seems to be no task which daunts or depresses them. Even tackling French bureaucracy is faced with gritty determination- and Mary-Jane generously provides a checklist for other people to work through.
August 16, 2023
To Thoreau or not to Thoreau, that is the question
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to quit your job, escape the city and rat race, this is the book for you. The author and her husband, after doing just that, lived and worked on a small holding for a while, then lived on a canal boat traveling around, then purchased Le Shack in rural France right before the lockdown. It's a light, humorous, enjoyable read with a lot of great information for anyone who's imagined doing the same.
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to quit your job, escape the city and rat race, this is the book for you. The author and her husband, after doing just that, lived and worked on a small holding for a while, then lived on a canal boat traveling around, then purchased Le Shack in rural France right before the lockdown. It's a light, humorous, enjoyable read with a lot of great information for anyone who's imagined doing the same.
October 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. At first I was a bit wary as I discovered it was likely a self publish but it didn't really disappoint and contained useful and practical information to back up the writing of the simple life - many of the things people leave out - they don't tell you how they did something or got there but this book has all the practical information which is very useful and informative.
March 26, 2022
The chasse
This book appears to have been written by a tourist with little interest in
joining French society beyond the legal requirements for residency. The lack of understanding of the roots of the hunting tradition amazed me. The author appears unaware of the right of the common man to feed his family, bestowed upon him for eternity at the time of the Revolution.
This book appears to have been written by a tourist with little interest in
joining French society beyond the legal requirements for residency. The lack of understanding of the roots of the hunting tradition amazed me. The author appears unaware of the right of the common man to feed his family, bestowed upon him for eternity at the time of the Revolution.
June 20, 2022
a simple life says it all
I enjoy peaceful books, calming books and books that let me see how others live. This book did all of those things, plus it’s amazing what you will find you don’t know about crickets and moles. I would not have thought I really cared but actually found it quite interesting.
I enjoy peaceful books, calming books and books that let me see how others live. This book did all of those things, plus it’s amazing what you will find you don’t know about crickets and moles. I would not have thought I really cared but actually found it quite interesting.
June 23, 2023
Right living...with Nature
The easy style and down to earth matter and zig zag going from to back, the book is a very good read and enjoyed. Many of
the authors own approaches are also recommendations from Hindu scriptures...for spiritual progress. Good, god has blessed them both with mental and physical fitness to pursue what they wanted.,👍
The easy style and down to earth matter and zig zag going from to back, the book is a very good read and enjoyed. Many of
the authors own approaches are also recommendations from Hindu scriptures...for spiritual progress. Good, god has blessed them both with mental and physical fitness to pursue what they wanted.,👍
October 19, 2021
excellent writing
This couple chose to buy a very rustic house in rural France just a the Covid pandemic hit the world. The story is well written. The simplistic style of life took courage and perseverance but it turned out to be a way to isolate in the pandemic
This couple chose to buy a very rustic house in rural France just a the Covid pandemic hit the world. The story is well written. The simplistic style of life took courage and perseverance but it turned out to be a way to isolate in the pandemic
November 7, 2021
Inspirational
Wonderfully written making for a pleasurable read. The author brings the reader close to the lives of herself and her husband. She cleverly makes each and all events an adventure.
Wonderfully written making for a pleasurable read. The author brings the reader close to the lives of herself and her husband. She cleverly makes each and all events an adventure.
February 18, 2022
Really great sequel to the earlier 'Just passing through' well written and didn't want it to end. Author has a real feel for the France and its lovely countryside and people and makes me want to move over as well!
April 4, 2022
Captivating
I love the insight in to an alternative way of living . Good to read and good info at the end. I'd recommend this to all my friend's who love travel, nature and an open mind .
I love the insight in to an alternative way of living . Good to read and good info at the end. I'd recommend this to all my friend's who love travel, nature and an open mind .
September 9, 2022
Pleasant easy read
An absorbing book that most people will relate to and to some degree wonder “ Could I do that?” I think there are varying degrees. Mary-Janes is the extreme but there’s a little room in everyone’s life for a little of self sufficiency.
An absorbing book that most people will relate to and to some degree wonder “ Could I do that?” I think there are varying degrees. Mary-Janes is the extreme but there’s a little room in everyone’s life for a little of self sufficiency.
September 20, 2022
A delight....
What really matters in this life, for me anyway, brought to life by this, and the other two books, by Mary-Jane. A really well-rounded, even spiritual and informative look at a lovely way of Being. Still stuck in yUK, reading these books has brought me back in touch with the joys of a life well lived - thank you 🤍
What really matters in this life, for me anyway, brought to life by this, and the other two books, by Mary-Jane. A really well-rounded, even spiritual and informative look at a lovely way of Being. Still stuck in yUK, reading these books has brought me back in touch with the joys of a life well lived - thank you 🤍
January 6, 2023
Interesting, instructional and heart warming
Interesting, instructional and heart warming.
I think many people would get bored. I am connected to the grid but have a very simple and stress free life. I think I prefer it over theirs.
Interesting, instructional and heart warming.
I think many people would get bored. I am connected to the grid but have a very simple and stress free life. I think I prefer it over theirs.
September 10, 2026
Having met the author, I was intrigued and really interested in finding out more about her motives and experience and this book was very enlightening! Being a Brit in France as well I was amused to read all the different remarks made about life across the channel
August 8, 2021
I enjoyed this more than the boat one,but that's just personal preference. The brexit and pandemic complications were interesting.
August 31, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable!
This story was easy to read and I wanted it to continue. I look forward to more adventures in the future.
This story was easy to read and I wanted it to continue. I look forward to more adventures in the future.
February 15, 2022
Optimistic and pragmati
Loved the detail in MJs writing. great observations of the world around her.
Really good instructions for how she and her husband set up a 'simple' life.
Loved the detail in MJs writing. great observations of the world around her.
Really good instructions for how she and her husband set up a 'simple' life.
February 25, 2022
Enjoyable book
I enjoyed this book, it gave a great insight into the way of life. I want Amy own le shack
I enjoyed this book, it gave a great insight into the way of life. I want Amy own le shack
May 31, 2022
simple no drama read
This book felt intimate and relaxing almost like listening to a bedtime meditation. It really helped me unwind at night from the daily stresses of my life. I found the authors writing refreshing.
This book felt intimate and relaxing almost like listening to a bedtime meditation. It really helped me unwind at night from the daily stresses of my life. I found the authors writing refreshing.
March 26, 2023
Excellent Read
Well written and easy to understand. I felt I was on the journey as well. A must read. Thank you for sharing your adventures.
Well written and easy to understand. I felt I was on the journey as well. A must read. Thank you for sharing your adventures.
June 12, 2023
loved this book.
This was so interesting and well written. Loved hearing of the struggles and learning more about nature alongside the author.
This was so interesting and well written. Loved hearing of the struggles and learning more about nature alongside the author.
July 24, 2023
This was a charming, quick read. I don't live off-grid, but I do live in the country, and many of the chores and tasks performed by this couple at their cabin are commonplace at my home, too.
September 11, 2023
A good insight into off the off grid life.
A realistic and light hearted read. Not too heavy, with some amusing tales. Looking forward to the next book. Thank you.
A realistic and light hearted read. Not too heavy, with some amusing tales. Looking forward to the next book. Thank you.
October 3, 2023
Would love to follow this book!
At my age its not gonna happen . However I am.going to start clearing out.What an inspiration..
I will get organized by winter.
At my age its not gonna happen . However I am.going to start clearing out.What an inspiration..
I will get organized by winter.
October 28, 2023
Loved it (from an expat myself in France)
A really good explanation of life in France with all her bureaucratic joys, mixed with a little bit of simple living.
A real joy to read
A really good explanation of life in France with all her bureaucratic joys, mixed with a little bit of simple living.
A real joy to read
June 23, 2022
Interesting
I give this couple a lot of credit for being so adventuresome, especiadlly being the age that they are. I have lived off the grid on and off for seven years or so. We built a log cabin in the middle of nowhere on 16 acres. We used lanterns, I baked breads on a campfire.....It was wonderful. But we had a home to return to . Interesting read.
I give this couple a lot of credit for being so adventuresome, especiadlly being the age that they are. I have lived off the grid on and off for seven years or so. We built a log cabin in the middle of nowhere on 16 acres. We used lanterns, I baked breads on a campfire.....It was wonderful. But we had a home to return to . Interesting read.
July 29, 2024
this was a great sequel to the canal boat memoir, and i am so happy that mary kept living her best off grid life, living against the norm and this just sounded so peaceful and fun, excluding the leaks, lack of electricity and winter issues!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews