Nestled deep in a secluded pocket of regenerating native forest on New Zealand’s West Coast, The Crooked Cabin offers more than just a weekend getaway, it’s a blueprint for off-grid living, passive income, and a return to simplicity. For Hamish, the builder and visionary behind the project, this cabin wasn’t just a side hustle, it was a journey back to his roots and a lesson in what it means to live intentionally.
Hamish’s story starts on a dairy farm near Hamilton, where a love for the outdoors and rural life was instilled early. After school, he took a building apprenticeship, learning skills that later proved invaluable when he became intrigued by the tiny home movement. He built his first compact cabin in Queenstown, learning firsthand how to live small and make the most of limited space.
But the real opportunity came when his family purchased a farm on the West Coast. One corner of the property, overrun with gorse, sitting unused — and that sparked an idea.
“What better place to put a tiny home,” Hamish recalls, “somewhere people can escape the noise, reconnect with nature, and see what off-grid living actually looks like.”
Building The Dream — Off the Grid
Designing and building the cabin took two years, from idea to execution. With a builder’s background, Hamish designed the space himself. Timber cladding blends the cabin into the bush, while panoramic windows bring the outside in even from the bed. Clever spatial design, a diesel heater, built-in storage, and eco-conscious choices create a compact, luxurious experience.
But powering an off-grid rental cabin is no small feat.
'I spent six to twelve months researching solar, water, and composting systems,' says Hamish. 'I didn’t know anything about going off-grid at the start.'
That’s where GridFree came in, a Kiwi company that provided not just a full solar package (panels, batteries, inverter, cables), but also the advice and confidence Hamish needed to power his cabin entirely from nature. Today, the cabin runs effortlessly on solar power, captures rainwater off the roof with a first-flush system, and uses a composting toilet — all without guests needing to think twice.
“It works just like your home in the city. Flick the light switch, cook your meal, turn on the radio — but you’re completely off the grid.”
Turning Passion into Passive Income
The cabin, affectionately dubbed The Crooked Cabin, is now listed on Airbnb and Booking.com, where guests from around the world book their escape into the wild.
“It cost about $70–80,000 all up,” Hamish says, including the solar system, water tank, gas appliances, and all building materials. Because he did the work himself, labour costs were minimal. For others, a bit more budget might be needed, but the results speak for themselves.
With no power or water bills, the running costs are near zero. A bit of gas, some woodchips for the composting toilet, and regular cleaning are all it takes. And unlike many rentals, the cabin doesn’t drain income month to month — it generates it.
The Guest Experience
What’s life like inside The Crooked Cabin?
Guests enjoy a full kitchen, modern bathroom, warm bedding with hot water bottles, board games, a Bluetooth speaker, and a view of Mount Te Kinga and magical West Coast sunsets. There’s no Wi-Fi, barely any reception — and that’s exactly the point.
“You can properly unplug,” Hamish says. “We wanted people to come, unwind, go for a fish in the river, hike the nearby trails, and just slow down.”
Even first-time off-gridders are surprised by how easy it is.
“There’s a misconception that off-grid means sacrificing comfort,” he says. “But we’ve shown you can have both.”
A Call to Simplicity
For Hamish, the project was more than a business decision, it was a personal one. A way to reconnect with the outdoors, his upbringing, and the slower pace of life.
“Off-grid living means simplicity,” he reflects. “It makes you realise how little you actually need.”
Whether you’re dreaming of a passive income source, looking for a more sustainable way to live, or just want to build something that invites others to slow down, Hamish’s journey proves it’s possible.
“If you’ve thought about it,” he says, “give it a go. It’s pretty special.”
Feeling inspired?
GridFree can help you! Here is a resource withe important things to think about: Link to Air bnb article