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$159 Minimalist Living on a Homestead North of Moscow (Viola, ID)
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My name is Jamin Smitchger. I have a 2 acre startup farm about 14 miles north of Moscow. Over the course of my life, I have had about 40 different roommates. I would say that I get along with at least 95% of the people out there. I am a fairly easygoing and practical farmer. I am mainly offering this place to rent to show hospitality and help out other people in the community. Most people just stay here temporarily until they find an apartment or a better place to live. The views toward the Rockies are great, and it is very rural and quiet. I live out here with my friend, Brandon, who is an electrician and helps out around the farm in exchange for rent. There is also Alex, who does property management. My friend Luke and Joseph stop by on occasion. U-pick customers are very common, with multiple cars per day during strawberry season. I have always had a passion for growing things, and I have been growing vegetables commercially for the past few seasons. I am homesteading out here, and I let people stay out here during the summer. Brandon is kind of a permanent resident, but due to infrastructure issues, this is more of just a place to stay during the summer, unless you are a bit tougher person. Only three people have toughed out the winter out here so far.
Accommodations
Conditions out here are difficult by most conventional American standards, but if you are willing to make things work and be adaptable, it can be a great place to live. It is kind of a construction site, and it would not be ideal if you are accident prone. However, I absolutely love living out here despite all the challenges. I have a house out here that I am building, which is not officially certified for occupancy yet and kind of a construction site. The start-up farm is 100% off-grid because I have no money to connect to the power lines on the other side of the highway. What that means is that there is generally plenty of power during sunny conditions, and less power at night. I currently live in a 42 year old RV, which you can share. There are plenty of places to put a tent, van, or RV, but there are no real RV hookups. There is a piece of plywood over one of the septic tank risers which functions as a toilet and which you would be expected to use. I do my best to keep it clean and sanitary. Internet access is only available through a wireless hotspot or Brandon’s Tesla Starlink. There is a small couch (20 inches wide) in the RV that you can sleep on, but it isn’t very comfortable. We could likely set up something better on the floor in the house. There are a couple of cots and a bed in the house as well, although the house has sawdust and building materials everywhere. In short, this would be a good fit for an easygoing minimalist, or someone who needs a place to stay until they can find a place of their own. During the winter, there is not much power, and it is really cold (-25 F last winter). In short, this would be a good fit for a low maintenance minimalist who doesn’t need much, and who is willing to be adaptable. The shower, water, and power situation is complicated, but it all does work. This farm allows u-pick, and customers can stop by anytime. Successful tenants tend to have a good work ethic and make the situation work for them.
The Rules
I am a Christian man, and while that means I strongly believe in being hospitable to others, this farm needs to be a safe place for everyone. A good attitude goes a very long way when infrastructure problems exist, and it is essential here. I never yell at anyone, and I expect you to do the same. If you have problems getting along with people, you will get kicked out. You must be a team player. I have a number of strict rules. Firstly I do not allow drugs, alcohol, or tobacco anywhere on the property (not 420 friendly). Secondly, everything out here needs to be PG. Families with kids come out to the farm often. You must have a clean criminal record or a really good explanation why you don't. I will do a background check on new tenants. You must also be gainfully employed or a student. I do go into Moscow every Sunday, and sometimes during the week. However, it would be best if you have your own car (no public transportation is available). You must be respectful and easygoing with others. If you have anger problems, you can't stay here. You would be expected to have good hygiene, e.g. wash your hands after using the toilet, pee in the toilet (not on it), take a shower every couple of days, etc. Couples are ok, but no short term relationships are allowed. If you bring a lot of drama and emotional angst with you, you cannot stay here. Relationships between men and women can be complicated to say the least. I don't necessarily have a problem with a lady staying here, but I don't think it would be appropriate if there could be more than just friendship. I am a gentleman, and I don't like to have scary and creepy relationship stories.
I have had some people message me from the Portland area and long distances away who were interested in moving out here. Unfortunately, unless you have a good reason for moving to this specific area (job, school, etc.), I won’t let you stay here. No transients or homeless people are allowed. This place is a good stepping stone to getting your own home. If you don’t have the slightest ambition to own your own home someday and are not interested in being responsible, then you and I are going to have issues and you shouldn’t stay here. This is not a traditional landlord/tenant relationship. I will try to help you to be a successful tenant and person in general.
I normally charge approximately $5.30 per day per person (which includes tax) for pitching a tent, living in a van, or etc. and using facilities in the trailer which on a per month basis is about $159 per month, but you could essentially not have to pay rent at all if you helped out around the place. Some people think that this will allow them to be lazy and not work, but if you are lazy and don’t work, then don’t bother applying. You will never be accepted. Produce is free for anyone who is staying here and helping with chores. Some people are not here very much because they are too busy working or etc. and in that case the rent would be cheaper. If you have a 50 foot long RV and etc. the rent would be more expensive. I really don’t do this for the money, but some people require more work than others. If you are low maintenance and are a blessing rather than a pest, then the rent would be nothing or next to nothing. However, I would encourage you to not stay here because it is cheap.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Jamin Smitchger