The Reading Warehouse

What does it take to become a successful homesteader?

The 5 Acres & A Dream homesteading series reveals the nitty-gritty, down-and-dirty realities of working toward a simpler, sustainable, more self-reliant lifestyle on a self-sufficient homestead. Leigh and Dan Tate had a dream but very little money. This series shares how they made their dream a reality: facing the challenges, solving the problems, and sometimes changing their minds along the way.

5 Acres & A Dream The Book is the first in Leigh Tate's 5 Acres & A Dream homesteading series. It begins with the years leading up to the Tates' 2009 purchase of a 1920s farmhouse on five acres in the foothills of Southern Appalachia. This first book in the series shares how they defined their dream, developed property hunting criteria, faced setbacks, and finally found the right place. It describes how they set and prioritized their goals and mapped out a plan. It shares the difficulties and obstacles they faced, and what they've learned about energy, water, and food self-sufficiency for both themselves and their livestock. Includes recipes and resources.