Guide to the Good Life from architect-farmer amid redwoods: 55 years off-grid

At age 92, after 55 years living off the land, Charles Bello still spends long days growing his own food and managing his off-grid infrastructure. To him, this continuous connection to the land isn’t a sacrifice but a gift that allows him to experience daily wonder amid nature. In 1968, Charles Bello and his wife Vanna Ray decided to leave urban life and buy land where they could grow their own food and build their own home. With no source of income, they began planting and selling Christmas trees to pay off their loan, as well as, building roads, bridges and solar and water systems on their bare land. Over the following decades, Charles built and designed 3 homes for the couple and their 2 sons, including an A-frame and the architecturally-significant Parabolic Glass House, which with its 2 curved walls of windows forms a transparent home enveloped by trees. For 55 years, the land has provided Charles with all his income, food, water, electricity and a rich spiritual life. He works