The concept of off grid life has been covered extensively online and across our catalogue of blogs. If you’ve had a chance to browse our expertly designed collection of converted shipping containers, or have taken the time to research the topic to any length, you’re likely already convinced of its merits. You may well understand the extent of its benefits to you, your life, and the wider environment (mental health and wellbeing, sustainability considerations, increased autonomy, reconnection with nature, etc.).
However, something you may be unsure of is what the best places to live off grid in the UK and in Europe are. One of the great benefits of escaping your regular life and moving into a converted shipping home is the flexibility about exactly where you want to live.
This can present another issue for some. The United Kingdom is a large place, so finding an ideal spot to call your home can be difficult. This issue is further exacerbated if your dream is to take your new life off the grid onto the continent and settle down somewhere a tad warmer.
What Makes For Attractive Off Grid Locations?
From seeking out spots of natural beauty and seclusion, to convenient access to crucial resources and community support should they be needed, when looking for a slice of the world to settle down and return to nature, there are a whole host of pros and cons that you might want to keep an eye out for.
Attractive off-grid locations are often characterised by several key factors that will appeal to an individual switching up their life for a simpler, more sustainable one. Here are some common elements that help to make attractive off grid locations:
Natural Beauty
An essential part of getting off grid is moving away from the urban jungle and getting out into the world. You’re unlikely to want to move from a flat to a tiny home in a supermarket car park. Popular landscapes for off-gridders include mountainous vistas, lakes, and coastlines. Other factors to consider include opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and nature observation.
Seclusion and Privacy
Off grid living is often synonymous with the opportunity for solitude and privacy. To this end, an ideal location for many is in a remote location, in order to maximise the quiet tranquillity and freedom of the countryside. Secluded spots away from noise and light pollution can be highly valuable.
Access to Natural Resources
While a peaceful setting is often desired, access to essential natural resources is also an important aspect of finding the right location. You will likely need access to water, sunlight, and arable land if you’re to make your new life a success.
Sustainability
One of the key aspects of this lifestyle revolves around sustainability and environmental stewardship. A location with abundant natural resources (see above), potential for renewable energy solutions, and the option to live comfortably with minimal environmental impact are often attractive to anybody looking to live as one with the natural world.
Community Support
Although many off-gridders will crave for solitude, other individuals will value a sense of community and the support net that can bring. Access to like-minded neighbours and shared resources can greatly enhance the off-grid experience.
Legal Requirements
While it would be ideal if you could just plonk your new shipping container home anywhere you fancy, there are rules that you must abide by. This lifestyle often requires you to navigate a number of legal and regulatory challenges, including zoning laws, building codes, and land-use regulations. Finding a spot with less red tape can lead you on to a winner.
Environmental Security
The last thing you’ll want is to pop over to the pub for a drink and to come back to find your home isn’t where you left it. Locations with minimal risk of major floods, wildfires, and other extreme weather events and environmental hazards should always be preferred for long-term viability. Fortunately, Live Off Grid shipping container homes are designed to be as sturdy and secure as possible.
Cultural and Recreational Opportunities
Getting off the grid shouldn’t have to mean you living like a hermit in the woods with no human contact. An attractive location should offer opportunities for culture, creativity, and recreational pursuits. Without them, you might find that cabin fever can sink in.
Infrastructure and Services
While the lifestyle is focussed on self-sufficiency, there are some things you just can’t, or at least shouldn’t, do for yourself. A location with reliable links to transportation, healthcare, stores for emergency supplies, and more should be viewed as a must when looking for your ideal location. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Affordability
As mentioned above, the cost to wake up in the morning seems to be going up and up. This is having a knock-on effect on everybody’s bank accounts. Finding your dream off-grid location should always be a balancing act between the above points, and your budget. The last thing you want is to replicate the city-centre financial strain out in the sticks.
Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
Overall, perfect off-grid locations should combine areas of natural beauty, seclusion, sustainability, access to key infrastructure and community, while also being affordable. With all of this (and more), you can truly thrive independently and find the new you.
What ultimately makes attractive off grid locations so eye-catching and perfect though will depend on you and your needs. While one person may place great importance on access to structure and connectivity, another will have no interest in such things and will instead be looking for complete seclusion from anything and anybody.
5 Best Places for Off Grid Living in Britain
In a world where urban life is dominating our routines, and the cities are expanding outwards, the allure of off-grid living beckons for anybody seeking a simpler lifestyle. And with its rugged coastlines and tranquil country retreats, what better a place to embark on this journey than the scenic landscapes of the United Kingdom?
The UK offers a wide array of picturesque locations perfect for any would-be off-gridders. Let’s explore a few of the best places for off grid living in Britain (and beyond). Disconnect from the grid and reconnect with nature. Start your journey today:
The Scottish Highlands
Nestled amidst breathtaking mountains and serenely beautiful lochs, the Scottish Highlands promise to provide an idyllic backdrop for off-grid living. With vast expanses of virtually untouched wilderness, you can truly immerse yourself in nature while getting to enjoy all the benefits and tranquillity of stepping into nature.
Picture the scene, you wake up in the morning, the fresh daylight is beaming through the curtains. You walk to your kitchen and make yourself a roasting hot cup of coffee. As you sit down to start your day, mug in hand, you’re treated to the beautiful views of the Scottish Highlands — experience feelings of beauty, freedom, and adventure like no other.
Cornwall
Known the world over for its rugged coastlines, charming villages, and local delicacies, Cornwall is truly a haven for an off-grid enthusiast. Placing your home in this quaint county allows you to wake up everyday to the sounds of crashing waves. You can explore hidden coves and sit out on sandy beaches all summer-long. Why not take up surfing while you’re down there?
With an abundance of natural beauty, Cornwall offers an ideal setting for anybody looking to embrace a more sustainable way of living, while also enjoying the best of the British summers.
The Lake District
Renowned for its stunning scenery, tranquil lakes (of which there are either one, 16, or 17 depending on who you ask), and outdoor pursuits, the Lake District is a popular and evergreen destination for off-grid living.
Surrounded by stunning towering mountains and shimmering lakes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers endless opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting for you, friends, and family.
Whether you’re looking for a remote retreat or a spot on rustic farmland, the Lake District promises as peaceful and fulfilling a life as you can find.
Wales
From the rugged peaks of Snowdonia with its vast expanses of lush green fields, to the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons, Wales truly is a land of natural beauty and cultural richness.
With an abundance of waterfalls, forests, and valleys, Wales offers a diverse range of different landscapes, all ideal for off-grid living. No matter what your goals, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to live harmoniously in the land of song.
Be prepared for the road and shop signs to look a little different though!
Isle of Skye
Tucked away on the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is a truly remote paradise, ideal for off-grid living. This haven, with its dramatic landscapes and mystical charm, offers a genuinely unique opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and embrace a simpler way of life. From this isolated island, the big city seems a world away.
Whether you’re drawn to its rugged coastlines or windswept moors, the Isle of Skye is sure to capture your heart.
Best Places to Live Off Grid in Europe
For those looking to spread their wings that bit more, there are a host of perfect spots to disconnect beyond the UK. From pristine locations in central Europe, places where you can enjoy your summers with a glass of wine in hand, to some beautiful, almost out-of-this-world locations in Scandinavia, you can find anything you need on the continent.
In fact, living off-grid in Europe can offer you a unique opportunity to experience a sustainable lifestyle amidst brand new and diverse landscapes and cultures. Here are just a few of the best places to look out for:
- Spain: Known for its warm climate and diverse terrain, places like Andalusia and Catalonia boast breathtaking landscapes and ample opportunities for off-grid living and principles.
- Portugal: For untouched nature, a mild climate, and a relatively low cost-of-living when compared to some other areas, Portugal can be a perfect place to call home.
- France: While some areas of France can be pricey, other inland areas offer stunning landscapes and all the sights and sounds you expect from France, at a more affordable price point.
- Italy: With its famed rolling hills and expansive vineyards, Italy offers a postcard setting for prospective off-gridders on the continent. With a relatively mild climate and a rich cultural heritage, Italy is a common favourite for many.
- Scandinavia: Despite the occasional harsh climates, there’s no more unique and rewarding a place to live off grid than Scandinavia. Whether it be by a Norwegian Fjord or in the vast forests of Sweden, the region’s an excellent option thanks to the connection to nature and sustainability you can find there — the possibility to see the Northern Lights while you’re putting your pyjamas on is an added bonus to if you’re in the right area.
Greece: For a peaceful, laid-back life, Greece is an excellent option for somebody trying to find a place off the beaten path to call home in Europe. Greece offers a rich tapestry of history and cuisine, only adding to its allure and appeal.
Live in Luxury Absolutely Anywhere
The allure of off-grid living transcends simply geographical boundaries. It offers the opportunity to transform your lifestyle, and do it absolutely anywhere you want. The concept of off-grid embodies a holistic approach to sustainability, mental well-being, autonomy, and reconnecting with nature, and it resonates deeply with all those seeking a simpler and more present existence.
While the United Kingdom is host to a wide array of stunning options, Europe as a whole has a myriad of equally enticing destinations. Each location on this list offers its own unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Regardless of your preference, an off-grid shipping container home provides the flexibility to allow you to embrace a more sustainable life, while being able to fully immerse yourself in whatever diverse landscape and culture you wish.
Whether you’re drawn to the tranquil seclusion of remote locales or the vibrant community spirit you only get from close-proximity to like-minded individuals, the best places to live off the grid are out there waiting for you. As you embark on this journey, remember that off grid locations are more than just a point on a map, they’re a sanctuary where you can thrive independently and reconnect with the very essence of life itself.
No matter where you opt to settle down, it’s vital that you find a home that suits your needs and your preferred lifestyle. The last thing you’ll want is to spend months upon months trawling the depths of the internet for the best place, only to move in and find that you hate your off-grid home and its basic functionality.
With Live Off Grid, you don’t need to worry. Our converted shipping container homes are purpose built for luxury and comfort, without ever getting in the way of the core principles of the lifestyle. Contact a member of our team today to find out how we can help get you started with the rest of your life. Size the opportunity to disconnect and rediscover. A life off grid is a life without limits.
