Innermost House — A Thoreauvian Ideal Of Simple Living

Diana and Michael Lorence are a couple who’ve moved to the woods in Northern California to live in a tiny home without electricity, but closer to nature and their inner selves.

The Innermost House is just about 12 feet square. There’s no electricity, no hot water, and yet, Diana and her husband are living a life of luxury there.

Inspired by Thoreau’s Walden, their home seems to defy time while providing them with a place of complete simplicity.

“It's a timeless time that we have here, without the distractions of modern life," says Diana.

Kirsten Dirksen reports that without the incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, the sun, candles, and fireplace are the only three sources of light.

Apart from providing heat, bathing water, and the only stove, the fireplace also provides the crackling soundtrack to the day.

No refrigerator means no meat and frozen foods, but in return, vegetables taste like the sun and earth they sprouted in. 

Diana says that throughout her life she never tried to pursue simple living, just never understood the pleasure people find in things.

Although roughly the size of an average room, the Innermost House doesn't feel small or constricted, and the furniture inside is all normal sized.

“Our house is not tiny, it’s just right,” concludes Diana.

Watch the full video from Kirsten Dirksen.