Modern Homestead

Janna Breslin and Evan DeMarco embark on a journey that promises to challenge their limits, expand their horizons, and redefine their very notions of homesteading. What begins as a bold venture to buy 120 acres in the picturesque Tennessee landscape quickly transforms into an eye-opening experience that neither of them could have anticipated.

Time to call in the experts. They bring in a food security systems designer and a homesteading expert to help them navigate the complexities of their new life. The couple recognizes the need to transform their cabin into a more safe and comfortable space. This includes building a much-needed bathroom for those moments when Evan has a bit too much chili.

In this episode of Modern Homestead, Janna and Evan start their cabin renovation but discover what they think is black mold. While awaiting a contractor, they visit a Florida homestead for an education on growing food.

Janna and Evan address the water issues on The Modern Homestead. After attempting to fix the leaking ponds and address the well water problem, they take a trip to South Carolina to learn about some amazing technology that ensures they will always have water.

Janna and Evan catch an early flight from back from California to begin working on the greenhouse. Janna's lofty ideas for the green house, which include a full bar, put the project well over budget and way behind schedule. They turn to repurposing materials from an old hoop house Butch found in a field. Janna gets distracted by baby goats.

After days filled with construction challenges, cabin renovations, and a daunting hoop house project, Janna and Evan decide it's time to unwind and recharge. Evan surprises Janna with a getaway to beautiful Lake Norris in Tennessee, hoping to enjoy a relaxing weekend away from the homestead.

Evan has one last surprise up his sleeve for Janna before their return from a relaxing trip to the lake. They visit a llama farm, then return to find Jeff brought a construction crew for cabin renovations. Together with the construction crew, they begin to see their dream home taking shape in ways they never imagined. Evan invents a new design technique.

In this episode, the challenges keep piling up for the Janna and Evan. The cabin is under siege from nature itself. As they open up the walls for much-needed renovations, they discover an alarming infestation of black mold. But that's not all; the back wall of the cabin has been entirely consumed by termites and carpenter ants, presenting a threat to the entire structure.

Janna and Evan continue to face challenges with the inside of the cabin but are able to get the outside corked using a new building material. Friends and family show up to help with the outside gardens, getting them closer to food security.

With termite damage causing significant setbacks in their cabin renovation, Janna and Evan decide to channel their frustrations into a contest. This episode not only showcases their skills but also addresses the importance of security on the homestead from both a technical and practical standpoint. They also encounter a surprise introduction to a potentially influential neighbor on their property.

In the season 1 finale, Janna and Evan provide an intimate and heartfelt recap of their first year in off-grid living, a journey filled with both triumphs and trials. This episode stands as a milestone, marking the completion of their 30-foot dome, a significant achievement that allows them to finally sleep on their homestead.