Dragonwood Chronicles: Spring 2013

Wecome to Dragonwood Chronicles

Tucked away deep in the woods at the southern edge of the Tug Hill region of New York. Dragonwood is our off-grid sanctuary. Six acres of pond and gardens bordered by forest on three sides.

The project began in 1995, when after a long search, Debe and I purchased the property from a local logger. To date we have built a cabin, a bridge, out house, two sheds in addition to expansive gardens and stone work. We have a generator, propane lights, refrigerator and grill, a wood stove and modest solar system. A dug well and small stream suitable for watering gardens and other needs and a nearby spring for drinking water.

The Dragonwood Chronicles will serve to document the project with photographs and notes. Future projects will include additions to the cabin, a root cellar and a studio building.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Spring 2013

I thought I'd share these photos sent to me by some very dear friends who recently visited Dragonwood. They live nearby and check in on the place from time to time when we are away. They tell me that Dragonwood came through another Tug Hill winter in fine shape. Looking forward to summer in the woods!

6 comments:

Unknown said...: Hi there! I came across your post on off the grid... we live up in Mexico, NY and are looking at buying a chunk of land in the area and being "off the grid".. we've got 4 kids though, so we're not sure how easy this can be done. I'd love to see the workings of your place and how you guys deal with the day to day!; July 10, 2013 at 10:09 AM
KV Abbott said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; July 20, 2013 at 11:02 AM
KV Abbott said...: Hi Cathleen. Deb and I would be happy to have you come for a visit. We are only about a twenty minute drive from Mexico. The Amish are the real masters of off-grid living. We now have over 300 Amish farms/homesteads here in Oswego, County. We are off the grid, but hardly live the Amish life style.; July 20, 2013 at 11:09 AM
Unknown said...: Understandable! I'd love to be a little less technology dependent truthfully.

I'd love to take you up on your offer. Unfortunately, I got sick this week thanks to my oldest, so I wouldn't want to get you guys ill. Maybe next weekend? I'm usually child free on Sunday (they go with their grandparents to church). Otherwise hubby is out of work by 3pm and home shortly after.

I'm not sure if I can email you directly, if I can I will send you my number. Otherwise here's my email addy! Catvandyke8@gmail.com

Thanks for the response!; July 23, 2013 at 6:47 PM
Unknown said...: I'd love to take you up on your offer! I'm usually sans child on Sunday's. Busy this Sunday (hubby is dying to watch a movie, our first date sans all children since our youngest was born). Otherwise I'm free after hubby gets home after work. Maybe we can try for something Aug 4th or during the week? I'll try to shoot you an email, not sure if I can reply -- but here is mine CatVanDyke8@gmail.com and I'll send you my phone # if it's easier than getting on the internet. :)

Thanks for the response.

Oh and yes, Amish galore up here! I grew up on a 260 acre farm right down the road from a Mennonite family when I was younger. :) We have Amish right down the road from us on route 3 currently. They moved in a few years ago.

-Cathy; July 23, 2013 at 6:51 PM
KV Abbott said...: Cathleen, That would be fine Shoot me an email. Being off the grid I check my e-mail and blog only when I am in town and there is free Wi-Fi. Be patient. I will read it and respond, trust me; July 26, 2013 at 9:47 AM