making a homesite

Real People. Real Stories. Real Land.

The Rural Landowners Guide to Earth Sheltered Homes

The Rural Landowner’s Guide to Earth Sheltered Homes

Could an earth sheltered house be right for you? An expert explains how these affordable alternative, energy-efficient homes are built.

How to Repurpose Wood You Clear from Your Acreage

How to Repurpose Wood You Clear from Your Acreage

Clearing your land means you are well on your way to building your dream rural home. But what will you do with all that timber?

Never too young to own land

Never too young to own land

The McDaniels may only be in their 20s, but they were more than ready to set up a homestead in the country.

Where to build your house on your land

Where to build your house on your land

You’ve bought the land. You have your house plans. All that remains is to choose the best location on your property to build your home. Nothing to...

The Beginners Guide to BuilditYourself Home Kits

The Beginner’s Guide to Build-it-Yourself Home Kits

We review build-it-yourself home kit companies, interviewing the companies and an owner to get the real story behind the costs and the work required.

Land ownership for beginners: Our favorite advice

Land ownership for beginners: Our favorite advice

You bought the land, now what? We take a look at the best advice we've collected about how to build on your land, establish landscaping and even...

4 ways to make your big backyard amazing

4 ways to make your big backyard amazing

Jacksonville landscaper Shawn White, owner of A Cut Above Outdoor Specialty Services, shares 4 ways to make the most of a big backyard.

4 Rainwater Harvesting Myths Debunked

4 Rainwater Harvesting Myths Debunked

The founder of Rainharvest School dispels myths and explains the right way to harvest rainwater to ensure it is safe for drinking.

16 Practical Tips for Building Green on a Budget

16 Practical Tips for Building Green on a Budget

Do you dream of building green…until the reality of a designer green-home price tag sets in?

5 ways to make your outdoor space beautiful

5 ways to make your outdoor space beautiful

JACKSONVILLE, Florida--When you own country land, you have a blank canvas to create the backyard of your dreams. But where do you begin?