Hillbilly Homestead
Welcome to Hillbilly Homestead, our off-grid homestead along the north shore of Lake Erie in southern Ontario. We grow, raise, and make much of what we need, sharing the best of it through our farm market, blog, and soon, farm tours and courses. Whether you are here to shop for fresh local goods, follow our off-grid story, or plan a future visit, you are always welcome here.
About Us
We’re Dan and Janet, and we call a little patch of Southern Ontario home, right along the north shore of Lake Erie. Out here, life runs on sunshine, hard work, and a healthy sense of humour. We’ve traded the constant hum of the city for the sound of chickens clucking, the wind in the trees, and the satisfaction that comes from doing more with our own two hands.
We live off the grid, with most of our power coming from the sun. It’s not always easy, but it’s honest, and every day brings new challenges that teach us something worth knowing. Our goal is simple: live closer to the land, grow and make what we can, and share the skills and ideas that help others do the same.
The Hillbilly Homestead is more than our home. It is a way of life we are proud to share. Whether it is through our farm market, the stories on our blog, or the courses we will be offering soon, we invite folks to stop by, learn a little, and leave with something they can use in their own lives.
Why We Do What We Do
Hillbilly Homestead isn’t just where we live, it’s how we choose to live. We believe in being hands-on, making do, and building a life that works with the land instead of against it. Every chicken we raise, every egg we collect, every product we make or share comes from a place of pride and purpose. Supporting local farmers and rural makers keeps our community strong and our traditions alive. We want folks to see that self-sufficiency isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about knowing the people and the land that help make it possible. That is why every item, workshop, and story we share has meaning and a bit of honest-to-goodness country grit.
Farm Market
Our farm market brings together the best of what we raise and make here on our homestead, along with goods from trusted friends and neighbours. You will find pasture-raised chicken, farm-fresh eggs, natural wellness items, pantry staples, and handmade products that carry the skills and traditions of our rural community. Every item is made or grown with care and chosen for quality you can taste and feel. Whether you stop by in person or shop online, you are taking home a little piece of our off-grid way of life, along with the hard work of other local producers. Each purchase supports small farms and rural makers, keeping old-fashioned skills and local agriculture thriving in our corner of Ontario. Learn More
Homestead Tours
Spend a day with us and see what off-grid living looks like in practice. Our tours take you through the daily rhythms of a small homestead, showing how much can be done with just five acres. From growing food and raising animals to building systems that make us more self-sufficient, you’ll get a real sense of how the pieces all fit together. Along the way, we’ll share what works, what doesn’t, and the lessons we’ve learned from living closer to the land. It is also a chance to slow down, step into the quiet of the countryside, and reconnect with nature for a day. Whether you are curious about homesteading or simply looking for a meaningful outing, our tours offer both learning and inspiration. Learn More
Homesteading Courses
We believe the best lessons don’t come from a classroom. They come from rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on. That’s why we’re opening our homestead to share the skills that keep us going. Soon, you’ll be able to join us for courses in homesteading, self-sufficiency, and off-grid living. We’ll cover everything from raising animals to preserving food, with practical knowledge you can put to use right away. And if you’ve ever wanted to build a tiny home, we’ll walk you through the process step by step. Whether you’re just curious about the lifestyle or ready to commit, these workshops will give you useful skills and a stronger connection to the land. Learn More
A Day in the Life
Life at Hillbilly Homestead follows the rhythm of the land. Mornings kick off with coffee strong enough to wake the roosters, gathering eggs from the hens, and checking the gardens for what’s ready to pick. Some days it’s fence-mending or firewood-stacking, other days it’s heading into the woods and fields to forage for wild herbs and natural ingredients. Afternoons are spent caring for livestock, keeping the pantry stocked, or working on projects that bring us closer to self-sufficiency. As dusk settles, we make one last round to tend the animals before putting the tools away. Then it’s porch time, watching the sun slip over Lake Erie, ending the day with gratitude for this patch of land we get to call home.
Our Homesteading Blog
Our blog is where we share the stories, tips, and lessons that come from life on our homestead. You will find everything from seasonal updates on the farm to step-by-step guides for projects you can try at home. We write about raising animals, growing food, and finding practical ways to make the most of what you have. Sometimes it is about successes, other times it is about the challenges, but it is always honest and useful. Whether you are here to learn something new, get ideas for your own place, or just enjoy a glimpse into off-grid living, our blog has a little something for everyone who cares about a simpler, hands-on way of life.
Stay Connected
Life on the homestead is always changing, and we love sharing it with folks who are curious about what we’re up to. Sign up for our emails to hear about new blog posts, upcoming workshops, and fresh products in the farm market. You can also follow us on social media for daily updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and maybe the occasional sheep photo. Whether you visit in person or online, we are glad to have you as part of our extended homestead family.