November 28th 2024.
Hannah and Brandon Jones have found their perfect home in the middle of a picturesque lake in North Carolina. Surrounded by majestic mountains and beautiful forests, Fontana Lake offers a tranquil escape for those seeking peace and quiet. The only sounds that can be heard are the gentle chirping of birds and the soothing lapping of waves against the lake's edge.
For Hannah and Brandon, the solitude and isolation of this place were what drew them to build their dream life here. In the depths of North Carolina, they have created a tiny home on the lake, bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It took them two months to renovate their slant-roofed slice of paradise, transforming it from a dilapidated boathouse to a cozy and modern living space. They installed new floors and windows, and even added solar panels for light and heat.
Their home, which floats on a platform for most of the year, requires them to relocate to a sheltered cove when winter arrives. This semi-nomadic lifestyle presents its own set of challenges, as they must constantly keep an eye on the water levels and move their home accordingly. However, as they document their journey on TikTok under the username @keepingafloatwthejoneses, it's evident that they have found a way to make it work.
Their living room may be small, but it's full of character and charm, thanks to their impressive renovation skills. As Sarah, one half of the Joneses, explains in one of their TikTok videos, they have anchored their house at four corners and use a pulley system with four ropes to move it to different positions on the lake. They also have a boat, a 1996 MasterCraft Prostar 205, which they use to travel to and from shore every day for work.
One of the most common questions asked by their followers is about their plumbing system. Sarah is quick to clarify that they have a holding tank for their toilet waste, which is pumped weekly by a mobile pump boat. This ensures that their waste doesn't go straight into the lake, easing any concerns about pollution.
Their self-sufficient property is entirely powered by solar panels, but they are still connected to the city's water lines. However, they do not pay real estate taxes as they do not own any land. Instead, they pay an annual mooring fee of $2,800, which they consider to be their rent. It's a small price to pay for the unique and fulfilling lifestyle they have created for themselves.
Living on the water does have its challenges, such as relying on a PO box for mail delivery, as their postman is not willing to paddle across the lake. But for Hannah and Brandon, the benefits far outweigh any inconveniences. They have easy access to various water sports, such as wakeboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding, as well as fishing, which they consider a significant part of their lifestyle.
The couple has also noticed a significant improvement in their mental health since moving to the lake. The calming effect of living near the water is well-documented, and they have experienced it firsthand. They have also found a strong community of like-minded individuals who share their love for alternative living and being close to nature.
Financially, living on the lake has been a smart move for the Joneses. They were pleasantly surprised to find that it was more affordable than they initially thought. In fact, their monthly expenses have decreased by 70%, allowing them to save more and live a more fulfilling life.
When asked if they ever see themselves leaving their floating home, Hannah and Brandon's answer is a resounding no. They have found their own slice of paradise and have no intentions of leaving it anytime soon. It's a dream come true for them, and they are grateful for the opportunity to live such a unique and fulfilling life.
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