I’m a 61-year-old woman, living on 25 acres of exquisite oak and pine forest I call Windsong Ridge, about 30-35 minutes outside of Grass Valley and Nevada City in Nevada County, CA. The property overlooks the Yuba River canyon and is serenaded by wind chimes coaxed by gentle breezes. The land has become a real sanctuary for me and others that have spent time here and holds so much potential for more if the perfect caretaker comes along to share in the creativity of developing and maintaining a dream homestead.  I’ve been here three years, both on my own and with temporary help. I am connected to an intentional community being established on my neighbors’ property called Wild Grace Community. I’m a member but choose to live more remotely.

I am looking for someone (or a couple, but no children) who has significant experience managing off grid living for a work-trade. There is a place in a beautiful open meadow about 800 feet below me for an RV, tiny home or van with access to water and solar electricity (1200 watt panel array and a Bluetti portable power station – no generators please). You will need a composting toilet or use a pumping service as there is no septic system. There may be the opportunity to develop a more permanent living structure in the future for you. Right now, the caretaker living space is available for 8-12 hours per week of work trade (depending on your skills and other assets/tools/equipment you might bring to the land).

I live above this spot, where the property has a number of structures, including a yurt, two outbuildings, a 40’ greenhouse, raised garden beds, an outhouse, a bathhouse, and a sauna under construction. There is also “The Trailer Spot” that has a newish and customized 16’ trailer, deck, outhouse (under construction), shade structures, and outdoor lighting which is being developed for a long-term rental by January.

Work will include (but not limited to) firewood management, planting/gardening, fire protection maintenance, minor repairs, troubleshooting solar and well systems, and light carpentry. Women and couples with the required skills are encouraged to reach out.

I am fit and eager to learn from you and have no pets or livestock. I have strong ties to many neighbors out here, yet while I am social and community oriented, I am also private and need periods of quiet time meditating and practicing tai chi each day. Eventually I know I will want even more of a community feeling out here, but I’m not quite ready yet and for now, wanting more of an engaged neighbor than a fully shared living arrangement. You will also have privacy as the space available to you is quite large and has its own driveway. Certainly, as we get to know each other and both agree, we can explore shared meals and other friendly activities!

If you are interested, please take some time to complete this google form that has questions that will help both of us assess if this might be a good match. Completing this form is the first step in a more comprehensive screening process. Once you complete it, and you are qualified, I will reach out and explore if you’d like to take the next step.