New Yorkers, or anyone living in a large city, can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life in a secluded home far from civilization. Nestled within breathtaking natural landscapes, remote cabins, rustic lodges, and off-the-grid residences offer sanctuary for those seeking solitude and tranquility.
Find an isolated house amidst soaring mountains, serene surroundings, dense picturesque forests, or deserts that sprawl into a sandy backdrop. Live immersed in the great outdoors, awakening to dramatic panoramic views, crisp mountain air, nature’s peaceful sounds, and no electricity.
Spend days hiking, boating, or just relaxing in nowhere. However, remote living has its challenges, from home maintenance to securing provisions, but the rewards of freedom and time in pristine nature are profound. Explore spectacular destinations worldwide and discover what draws more people to live happily off-the-grid in the middle of nowhere, finding inspiration and themselves along the way.
In our guide, you can learn more about spooky homes in the middle of nowhere, away from the rest of the world.
By the end, you’ll better understand what to expect if you want to jump and plan to buy a house or real estate. With spectacular views of the surrounding landscape of the National Park, your log cabin in a remote location can be called home. (Read Cascading Flowers For Window Boxes)
What Draws People To Live Away From The Rest of The World?
For certain personalities, living remotely provides a sanctuary away from crowded urban environments. The vast open space, quiet, and disconnect from society hold strong appeal. Common motivations include:
- Escape the stress and distraction of city living
- Experience nature and spend time outdoors
- Live a more straightforward, minimalist lifestyle
- Pursue hobbies and passions with a focus
- Raise children in a safe, accessible environment
- Achieve self-sufficiency and independence
- Find inspiration in solitude
The remote lifestyle frees inhabitants from the pressures and turmoil of modern life. Surrounded by nature’s splendor, remote living fosters mindfulness, self-discovery, and a renewed appreciation for simple pleasures.
Abandoned Houses or Secluded Real Estate Locations
Some of the world’s most jaw-dropping isolated residences are nestled within dramatic natural landscapes far from the central metropolis. Homes crafted for seclusion exist across continents, offering sanctuary amidst mountains, forests, lakes, and deserts. Here are some bucket-list destinations for remote living:
Mountain Cabins
Rugged mountain cabins, lodges, and homes immersed in alpine wilderness provide splendid views and access to hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and more. Top remote mountain regions include:
- American West (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado)
- Swiss Alps
- Patagonia
- The Canadian Rockies
- French Alps
- New Zealand Southern Alps
Forest Hideaways
For those who prefer dense forests over rocky peaks, cabins hidden within wooded landscapes offer privacy beneath lush canopies. Prime forested regions to escape civilization include:
- Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington)
- Maine Woods
- Black Forest (Germany)
- Boundary Waters (Minnesota)
- Siberia
- Canadian Boreal Forest
Lakeside Retreats
Homes along secluded lakes and rivers encapsulate the remote cabin fantasy. Peaceful waterside living can be found at:
- Great Lakes
- Fiordland Lakes (New Zealand)
- Northern Canada
- Scandinavian lakes
- Ozarks (Arkansas)
- Alaskan lakes
Desert Homesteads
Starkly beautiful deserts also host remote off-the-grid homesteads, trailers, and sustainable housing for the dedicated. Top arid destinations include:
- American Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada)
- Australian Outback
- Patagonian Desert (Chile/Argentina)
- Sahara Desert
- Gobi Desert (Mongolia)
- Arabian Desert
What Is Life Like In A Far Away Remote Home?
So, what is daily life like once you achieve the dream of living in a secluded home? Peaceful and rewarding overall, yet not without challenges. (Read What Happens If A Firework Hits Your House)
The Perks
- Waking to stunning vistas and nature’s symphony
- Mountain air, crisp and fresh
- No crowds or traffic
- Tranquility and introspection
- Stars dazzlingly bright at night
- Adventuring through forests and wilds
- Meaningful self-sufficiency
- Growing and gathering your food
- A feeling of freedom and independence
The Challenges
- Loneliness at times
- Home maintenance and repairs
- Securing supplies and provisions
- Access limitations (snow, washed-out roads)
- Being prepared for emergencies/medical needs
- Lack of utilities/cell service
- Adapting to weather extremes
- Off-grid systems require work (solar, generators, etc.)
The remote lifestyle is profoundly rewarding for those who yearn for wide open spaces, serenity, and self-reliance. While comforts are often few and risks heightened, isolation nurtures the pioneer spirit. After all, what is more freeing than living on your terms, in harmony with nature?
Top 10 Examples Of Secluded Homes in The Middle of Nowhere
To spark your imagination, here are some famous examples of beautiful secluded residential spaces from around the world:
Writer’s Shed, Scotland
Overlooking breathtaking mountains and glens, this quaint 19th-century stone shed gave renowned travel writer Gavin Maxwell solace. He penned famous books here off the grid.
Húsafell Writer’s Cabin, Iceland
Remote and deeply peaceful, this minimalist cabin in Iceland’s wilderness was a writer’s retreat for authors like Hannah Kent. Floor-to-ceiling windows immerse occupants in the dramatic scenery.
Perkins+Will Hi Desert House, California
Sited on 5 acres in the Mojave Desert, this striking dwelling designed by Perkins+Will maximizes indoor-outdoor living with open spaces, patios, and a central courtyard. Energy efficient, forecasting the remote homes of the future. (Read Nothing Was Stolen In This Home)
Three Canyons, Patagonia
Designed by renowned architect Tom Kundig, this gorgeous cabin in Chilean Patagonia overlooks crystal-clear lakes and mountains, the epitome of a secluded nature escape.
Treehouse Point, Washington
Crafted around living trees in the lush Pacific Northwest, Treehouse Point’s whimsical dwellings bring adults the tree house experience of their dreams amidst a verdant forest setting.
Off The Grid Home, Hawaii
On the tropical paradise of Kauai island, this incredible home generated its solar power and grew much of its food, epitomizing off-grid living blended flawlessly with nature.
Floating House, Ontario
If you’ve ever sat there and asked yourself, “I’m thinking of living near the water.” What better than a floating house far from anything else you could imagine? You’ll get stunning views, being stranded in the middle of nowhere, which makes it just fine. In the warmer months, a built-in boat dock guarantees quick and straightforward departures and arrivals by water, and in colder weather, double-glazed windows make things cozy in the built-in sauna.
Transparent Treehouse, North Carolina
There is nothing to disturb you at this tiny treehouse just outside of West Asheville in North Carolina other than the singing of birds and the rustling of leaves.
The residence offers a window into the woods from either the ground-floor studio or the sunny upper-level living quarters.
Wooden Turret, Western Massachusetts
This wooden turret in Western Massachusetts has a canopied “bed chamber,” so this Airbnb place offers lots of comfort and is available for rent. With four acres to explore, you can find a lily pond, a babbling brook, and possibly an extremely hot wizard. It may be a small house, but deserves a place in the top 10. (Read Adding Front Porch To Brick House)
Rustic Eco House, Czech Republic
There was little chance of this ever being an abandoned house, as the building materials for this energy-efficient house in the Czech countryside included dismantling a nearby barn, not the farmhouse. The architecture of this cottage home is made entirely of recyclable materials and has a freshwater well and on-site sewage system.
Conclusion: Bring House In The Middle of Nowhere Vision To Life
Does the thought of a secluded home where mountains blend seamlessly into the sky or trees whisper in the wind fill you with longing? Make that life possible. The remote homes calling your name are within reach. Commit to simplicity. Prepare diligently.
Outfit yourself with off-grid knowledge and systems. Then start your thrilling journey to living life on your terms, immersed in the beauty and serenity of nature. The freedom of the remote lifestyle awaits. (Read Should I Buy A House With Radon Mitigation System)
FAQs About Log Cabin Living In the Middle of Nowhere
What else should you know for those captivated by the idea of a secluded home? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
What are the best locations for an off-the-grid home?
It depends on your climate and landscape preferences, but prime spots include deserts (American Southwest), mountains (Rockies, Alps), forests (Pacific Northwest, Maine), and lakes (Northern Canada, Ozarks).
How can I make money living remotely?
Options include freelancing, passive income streams, creating digital products, or selling crafts/goods online. Grow produce or raise livestock—leverage technology to work or build a location-independent income.
Is it complete isolation-wise?
Occasional loneliness is to be expected. Consider a location not completely remote from civilization but distant enough to find serenity. Periodically interacting with society provides balance.
What areSolaressentials for high-capacity-grid living?
Solar or wind power, high capacity batteries, generator backutoiletshods for growing/gathering food, composting toilet, rainwater harvesting,g, satellite planet, robust first aid resources, and emergency plan.
Is buying rural land a good investment?
In many regions, yes – land value often appreciates. But perform due diligence regarding future development plans, natural risks, and resources like water availability.
What should I know before designing a remote home?
Choose durable, low-maintenance materials. Install high insulation for energy efficiency—plan for dual power sources. Maximize natural light and views. Prepare for weather extremes like high winds, rain, snowmelt, and moisture.
