Off-grid living with six beautiful Aussie homes

Ever considered going off the grid? You might be surprised by the beauty and liveability of many off-grid homes – here we scour the country to take a look at six of the best in Australia.

“Off-the-grid lifestyles and homes refer to living your life in a self-sufficient manner, without the reliance on the standard utilities most city folk take for granted,” explains sustainable building expert Dean Ipaviz.

“Put simply, off-grid homes aim to achieve autonomy and remove a reliance on gas, water, electricity and waste (sewerage). An off-grid lifestyle allows you to live your life in a more responsible and sustainable manner: Think composting, living garden walls, veggie patches and a bit more ‘me’ time.”

Whether you’re obsessed with living off the grid or just looking at ways to cut down on your power bills, going off grid is an attractive prospect.

Gone are the days when you need to give up your lifestyle for the sake of the environment, now it’s all about upgrading the way you live to get the most out of your home.

Can you live off the grid in Australia?

If you want to operate independent of the national energy grid, it is completely possible – whether you live in a tiny home that is transportable, or a self-sufficient home on a block of land. The more remote parts of Australia mean living off the grid can be an easier and wiser decision. Just make sure you check your local government and council requirements.

Meanwhile, living off the grid in urban, built-up areas has certain challenges associated with it, like the need to be connected to stormwater and sewage systems. However, it’s definitely possible. 

  
Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

Regardless of where you live, or where you ideally want to live one day, let these six off-grid homes around Australia inspire your inner eco dreamer.

1.     Kin Kin, Qld

 
Picture: realestate.com.au/sold

Situated on 11 hectares amid glorious rolling hills, this epic, sustainable, three-bedroom build will definitely inspire your green dreams.

This 100% off-grid home, encompassing beautiful natural materials and luxury finishes, is just a 35-minute drive from Noosa Heads. 

Solid granite bench tops feature in the streamlined kitchen, which joins seamlessly to the high-ceilinged lounge/dining area, warmed by an efficient wood-burning fire.

2.     Glenlyon, VIC

 
 Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

This rustic, four-bedroom Victorian retreat has huge potential for off-grid living.

Set on eight hectares, nestled among state forest, it takes full advantage of its incredible surrounds. Its sustainable features include solar panels, battery bank and back-up generator for power, as well as two water tanks for irrigation and drinking.

3.     Victor Harbor, SA

  
Picture: realestate.com.au/sold

Massive, exposed timber beams, handcrafted doors and ironwork, leadlight windows, wood combustion heaters and solid polished timber floors make for a dramatic, beautiful home. But what really caps this place off is the fact that, for all its comforts, it’s not dependent on the power grid.

Reticulated water (via a solar pump and off-grid solar system with back-up generator) means you won’t have to change a thing to move in and enjoy this sustainable dream home. 

4.     Daylesford, VIC

 
Picture: realestate.com.au/sold

A comfortable and serene home with some serious green credentials. This home, nestled in the hills between Daylesford and Trentham, proves that you don’t need to give up your daily luxuries to be sustainable.

It features five bedrooms, two bathrooms, three living areas, a large entertainer’s kitchen with gas and wood stoves, plus stunning alfresco decking.

The solar passive, 7.5 star energy-rated design was completed four years ago and incorporates natural materials with a luxurious twist. 

5.     Sherwood, NSW

 
Picture: realestate.com.au/sold

Sitting on a double lot, halfway between Coffs Harbour and Grafton, this place ticks multiple boxes for those looking for a bill-free, farm-based future.

In addition to the eco-friendly main house, there are four self-contained cottages, each with its own off-grid solar power system with battery storage, diesel back-up generator, self-contained sewerage system and a 22,500-litre rainwater tank.

Offering plenty of space to roam, this unique property is sure to win hearts with its sustainable, family-friendly features.

6.     Tamborine Mountain, Qld

  
Picture: realestate.com.au/sold

Featuring an impressive number of eco-friendly features, such as rammed-earth walls and solar hot water, this home is adjacent to the beautiful Queensland rainforest, just a short drive from the Gold Coast. It’s an absolute dream for anyone looking at living off the grid.

Equipped to manage household waste sustainably, the gorgeous house also features recycled timber from HMAS Moreton Wharf in Brisbane, giving new life to what would otherwise be industrial waste.

This article was originally published on realestate.com.au as ‘Off-grid living with 6 beautiful Aussie homes’.