WATCH: Single Mom Builds An Off-Grid Home By Herself

When Kelley Lewis was left on her own for the first time, she knew the one thing she couldn't do is give up. With her three young children in her care, she was determined to give them a home where they could grow up and make happy memories. 

She decided to invest in a small patch of land near a lake in the woods, west of Columbus in Ohio, and started researching on how to build sustainable homes and asking advice from professional builders. Two years later, with some help from friends and family, she had an off-grid home sitting on the shoreline. 

Although the structure is only 18sqm (192 sq-ft), it is fully equipped with a sleeping loft with two full-sized beds, open living area, kitchen with a bar, and a bathroom. It is powered by a gas generator and is complete with a water pump, filtration system, and composting toilet. They also have a wood-burning stove and small flat screen TV hanging over it. 

In an article Lewis wrote for Tiny House Design, she says that what started out to be a project to rebuild their life became a way for them to strengthen their bond as a family—her 6-year old has started to help framing walls, her 3-year old paints, and her youngest keeps their home tidy. 

Main photos from: Tiny House Design.

Sources: Seeker Stories on YouTube and Tiny House Design.