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Jesse’s Off Grid Tiny Cabin in Maine, Built with Axe & Saw


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Meet Jesse: A (now-adult) who built his Off-Grid Tiny Cabin in the woods of Maine as a teenager, back before people were really using the term “tiny house.”

Besides being made from 80% recycled material, Jesse built most of the rustic abode by hand “with a saw and an axe.” It’s very primitive with a wood stove, gravity-fed “running” water, composting outhouse, and outdoor brick oven, but it’s a work of art that Jesse made with his own two hands.

He filled it with food bought in bulk, books, his photography and editing equipment (including a huge Mac that you’d expect in a high-end modern home!) and tons of camping/outdoorsy accouterments. Be sure to watch his video tour! And if you check out his Instagram, you can see he’s made some updates and is living there with Jayne.

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Jesse’s Off-Grid Tiny Cabin in Maine, Built with Axe & Saw

Jesse's Off-Grid Tiny Cabin in Maine

Screenshots via YouTube/Dylan Magaster

Jesse in front of his hand-built home.

Jesse's Off-Grid Tiny Cabin in Maine

Screenshots via YouTube/Dylan Magaster

One side of the house with a gravity-fed sink.

Jesse's Off-Grid Tiny Cabin in Maine

Screenshots via YouTube/Dylan Magaster

That cabinet is the first thing he built!

Jesse's Off-Grid Tiny Cabin in Maine

Screenshots via YouTube/Dylan Magaster

Looking out his main window. See the Mac in the corner?

Jesse's Off-Grid Tiny Cabin in Maine

Screenshots via YouTube/Dylan Magaster

Reading a book in the bedroom loft.

Jesse's Off-Grid Tiny Cabin in Maine

Screenshots via YouTube/Dylan Magaster

Video: Jesse’s Off-Grid Tiny Cabin in Maine, Built with Axe & Saw

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Related: Off-Grid Bitterroot Valley Home by Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses

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Natalie C. McKee

Natalie C. McKee is a contributor for Tiny House Talk and the Tiny House Newsletter. She's a wife, and mama of three little kids. She and her family are homesteaders with sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and quail on their happy little acre.

Latest posts by Natalie C. McKee (see all)

{ 18 comments… add one }
  • Gail
    March 30, 2017, 9:34 am

    I love this guy!!!! 🙂 One of the best stories I’ve read/seen.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      March 31, 2017, 8:32 am

      He is quite a wonder!

  • Jane on Whidbey
    March 30, 2017, 12:28 pm

    Damn, this is fine! Isn’t it great that his family gave him wings to fly, and he used them in such a cool way?

    • Natalie C. McKee
      March 31, 2017, 8:28 am

      Yes it is!

  • ZACHARY E MOHRMANN
    March 30, 2017, 2:36 pm

    Well done…! Bravo…!

  • Silver Gypsy
    March 30, 2017, 3:56 pm

    Awesome!!!

  • gman
    March 30, 2017, 4:33 pm

    where can I buy a few off grid acres in Maine…..help!

  • Danielle DiLisio
    March 30, 2017, 8:34 pm

    Great job! He definitely has a talent

    • Natalie C. McKee
      March 31, 2017, 8:14 am

      I know! What a guy!

  • Gabriella
    March 31, 2017, 11:02 am

    A free spirit? Quiet and much reading

  • Betty
    July 24, 2017, 5:31 pm

    This is great. Good job young man.😊

  • Kim W
    November 8, 2017, 4:48 pm

    Brilliant tiny house! Lovely to see someone who has built their own just how it suits him….and is changing it as required!

  • Kurt
    November 9, 2017, 1:47 am

    I enjoyed the video. I love Jesse’s attitude.

  • Ed Van Thienen
    March 12, 2018, 8:27 pm

    Respect my friend, lots of Respect! I bet your parent are mighty proud.
    The world needs more young folk like you!!!

  • Johnette Whetstone
    August 3, 2019, 1:32 pm

    I am a 73 yr old grandmum. I have had a cottage or shack for over 25 years in back yard just for fun. I really like your home and admire your talent and intellect. I, too, have a passion for books. I have electricity, and use simple watering system with decanter and basin, however I want to use your gravity system and install it in a computer secretary that I use as a cupboard. Since my shack is in yard, I have only needed a porta potty. Keep up your inspiring good work and thank you for sharing.

  • Jane
    January 24, 2020, 12:50 am

    I am so impressed and inspired. I have wanted to build a hobbit type house for years now and you have given me the courage to begin the process. Your Mom and Dad must be so proud of your accomplishments. You look like a well rounded and well adjusted young man. I met you when you were a young boy and now you have grown into a handsome young man. The world needs more people like you in it. Give my best to your Mom and Dad.
    Peace,
    Jane Gagnier in Windham

  • Bette Dion
    November 26, 2020, 4:11 pm

    Where in Maine? I’m from Scarborough myself

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