anyone bought land/built their own home in NE Ohio/W PA or thereabouts?

My husband and I are doing some thinking about what route we want to take going forward with our homestead. One of the ideas in play is to buy some land and build a small house largely on our own. But - it seems like an overwhelming process to even think about. We'd love to connect with someone(s) who have had the experience roughly in the NE Ohio/W PA area, though a bit farther afield would be welcome, too.

We have lots of questions, from what to look for in a piece of property, to how to go about planning and siting the house, to the building process. Any input would be great - thanks!

Hello fellow Ohioan! I am also looking for land on which to build but I am thinking SE instead. We know that we want to go with a naturally built home using passive solar, grey water, etc. We've been in the discussion stage for a bit while also looking around in the areas that we are interested in. We've settled on Washington County, Marietta area.

When I bought my house, my realtor told me to make a list of the must-have in order of importance with the stuff at the bottom being the stuff more easily compromised on. I did that with the land I want to have. Ideally it has a natural water source, a pond of able to dig one, no above ground gas pipes, no electrical lines running through it. Some flat area would be grand, but we can flatten if need be, multiple points of egress, not near an airport or railroad. And with all that, reasonably close to civilization should medical care be needed and or a Target run. (wha??? <pearl clutch>) Then there was the price point. We didn't want to be land rich and cash poor because we still would have a house to build. So far, everyone seems to think they are sitting on goldmines so the process has been slow. We also have to consider the school district as I have school-aged kiddos.

From there, we've talked endlessly about what kind of house we want to build. Are we talking strictly cob, earthbag, rammed earth, strawbale.... passively solar heated with RMHs as well? I have sketches and drawings, a Pinterest board as a lookbook for the house as well as one for the dream of what I want the land to do for me after I'm living on it. I'd like the land to make revenue and self-sustaining in more than one way.

This is where we are at the moment. Lots yet to do. We are hoping to find something in the next year or so. Probably end up in the Marietta area in a rental home until we find what we want. Maybe being in the community and connecting there will help us find that ideal parcel.

Hi, My name is Stacey. We have sort of perma culture farm in Coshocton county with a guest caretaker cabin on a south facing hill. If you are interested to spend a weekend, week or so to see the place and the animals (Highlander, pigs, sheep and chickens), we can talk. You may see some ideas to help when you are looking for a place, just a thought. Email: ampexis@ameritech.net - use subject Permaculture.
Thanks!

Holly Magnani wrote:Hello fellow Ohioan! I am also looking for land on which to build but I am thinking SE instead. We know that we want to go with a naturally built home using passive solar, grey water, etc. We've been in the discussion stage for a bit while also looking around in the areas that we are interested in. We've settled on Washington County, Marietta area.

When I bought my house, my realtor told me to make a list of the must-have in order of importance with the stuff at the bottom being the stuff more easily compromised on. I did that with the land I want to have. Ideally it has a natural water source, a pond of able to dig one, no above ground gas pipes, no electrical lines running through it. Some flat area would be grand, but we can flatten if need be, multiple points of egress, not near an airport or railroad. And with all that, reasonably close to civilization should medical care be needed and or a Target run. (wha??? <pearl clutch>) Then there was the price point. We didn't want to be land rich and cash poor because we still would have a house to build. So far, everyone seems to think they are sitting on goldmines so the process has been slow. We also have to consider the school district as I have school-aged kiddos.

From there, we've talked endlessly about what kind of house we want to build. Are we talking strictly cob, earthbag, rammed earth, strawbale.... passively solar heated with RMHs as well? I have sketches and drawings, a Pinterest board as a lookbook for the house as well as one for the dream of what I want the land to do for me after I'm living on it. I'd like the land to make revenue and self-sustaining in more than one way.

This is where we are at the moment. Lots yet to do. We are hoping to find something in the next year or so. Probably end up in the Marietta area in a rental home until we find what we want. Maybe being in the community and connecting there will help us find that ideal parcel.

I'm also in Klumbis Oh Hah (pick-town specifically! how about you?) and I am interested to know what you've learned. Specifically, what is the permitting like in this state? My big grand 15-year plans involve moving out west, but I'm curious to know what's possible here as well...

Hi, My name is Stacey. We have sort of perma culture farm in Coshocton county with a guest caretaker cabin on a south facing hill. If you are interested to spend a weekend, week or so to see the place and the animals (Highlander, pigs, sheep and chickens), we can talk. You may see some ideas to help when you are looking for a place, just a thought. Email: ampexis@ameritech.net - use subject Permaculture.
Thanks!

We are one of the oldest IC's in the US (by some counts, 3rd oldest). We have been doing what you seek, for a very long time. We are always here, we are always open, lots and lots of people pass by this way every day. Come on over and we'll talk. Or you could come to Friendsgiving here Saturday after Thanksgiving. Whoever shows up, shows up. Usually, 30 or 40. Take a look at our websites and if you're interested, we'll talk. We have helped perhaps hundreds on their way to land and living. Jim & Laura and children and others, and of course the Nature Spirits and Fairies. Stone Garden Farm & Village. Richfield, Ohio. (We're looking for more folks to live here. Generally, women with children because they often need the most help.) www.stonegardenfarm.com.   www.ohiofarmmuseum.com.

P.S. By the way, I was a bit surprised when I read the other replies, and there was Stacy and Andy (Pastor). They are absolutely great people with a wonderful farm. They could use someone(s) right now on their place. If I were you, I would call them immediately. Living at their place is an incredible opportunity.

Jim.