E
lise Giordano, 34, and her husband Ben Hastie, 40, secured a 200‑acre Alaskan homestead for $350,000 below the asking price by submitting a heartfelt 900‑word letter. The letter praised the former owner’s conservation work and pledged to uphold that legacy. Their dream was to replace their modest two‑bed cabin with a larger home, but the market price—ranging from a few hundred thousand to two million dollars—was beyond their means. With the help of Elise’s father, Richard Giordano, who encouraged a joint purchase, they offered far below the asking price and were surprised when the seller accepted.

    Since moving in March 2022, the couple has been working toward self‑reliance. They power their 1,000‑sq‑ft cabin with 12 solar panels, supplementing with a wood stove and a gas generator during low‑sun winter months. Their garden—producing tomatoes, cucumbers, brussels sprouts, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and more—has become a major food source, with a greenhouse expanding their crop range. They also raise goats, chickens, and geese in a barn and keep a well and power shed on the property.

    The 200‑acre plot is split into 160 acres under a conservation agreement and 40 acres available for personal use. The couple rents out two 500‑sq‑ft cabins for $85–$95 a night, generating income while they plan to eventually harvest their own salmon and moose. Despite early challenges—Elise’s pregnancy and the steep learning curve of off‑grid living—they now feel confident in their operations. Their goal is to reduce dependence on external stores and achieve full self‑sufficiency by next summer.