Job in the city,
home on the range
Names: Jake and Jennifer
Residency: BB Brooks Ranch, Casper, Wyoming
Employment: IT Professional/Social Worker
Passions: Living with nature, gardening, hiking
Quote: “We’re around people all week long, but then Friday comes and we’re like ‘Gotta get back to the ranch’”.
Watch Jake Tell His Story
For Jake and his wife Jennifer, finding the right piece of ranchland has allowed them to live a life that they consider the best of both worlds – the freedom of a completely private, self-powered, off-the-grid home where they experience a connection with nature, while still remaining engaged with their community, working full-time jobs and enjoying local culture and activities.
Enjoying connectedness with nature and the land
The word Jake uses to describe the feeling of living on ranchland is “connectedness:” feeling close to the environment around them. They see wildlife from their windows all the time – the deer and antelope made famous in song, plus golden eagles, large rabbits, fox, horned toads and even the occasional elk.
The couple also has the opportunity to raise some of their own food: vegetables in a tended garden and chickens who live in a large coop. “Raising our own food, we know where it’s from,” he said. “We get enjoyment out of raising our own stuff. We have grandkids who come out, and the chase the chickens and help us harvest the food. It’s fun for them and a learning experience.”
Their home and property was also designed to work with the land. The house has earth bermed up on either side, offering insulation and protection from the wind and elements and also letting the building nestle into the landscape. Large windows facing Casper Mountain let outside views into their living room and overlook a small rock patio.
The edge of that patio area, where the two sit and take in the views is framed by a low stone retaining wall Jake built by hand with stones he found nearby. Outside that small area, there is no artificial landscaping or lawn. “It was major thing to have no yard or maintenance,” Jake says.
“We like to walk,” says Jake. “The main thing we enjoy is quiet scenery, the changing seasons, when the grasses start to grow and the wildflowers come out. And the nights are tremendous out here, the sky is so clear, the Milky Way will reach out and grab you.” When meteor showers are predicted, the couple will get up in the middle of the night to enjoy the show.
A family retreat and home base for adventure
Jake and Jennifer, had lived in a town in Kansas for 30 years before making the move to Wyoming, but family is always on their mind – a signpost in the patio area points the direction and distance to family members around the world.
Initially thought of as a retirement property, the two decided to look for jobs and move out sooner so they could enjoy the land. “We like the privacy, but we’re not anti-social people,” he says. “We’re around people all week long, but then Friday comes and we’re like ‘Gotta get back to the ranch’.”
Nearby Casper, with an economy fueled by both oil and ranching and steeped in cowboy culture, offered job opportunities and access to all the amenities they could want – arts, shopping, restaurants and civic activities. Just 18 miles away (mostly on a freeway), the commute is much shorter than many people experience traveling from home to work in a big city.
“There’s a lot of things going on in Casper,” Jake notes. “It’s a friendly, accepting town.”
Once relocated, their home became a destination for others in the family – their daughters and grandchildren, and sisters in Colorado will visit the ranch to relax and unwind.
Powered year round by wind and sun
One unique aspect of living off the grid in Wyoming is the multiple power sources available. Jake and Jennifer, built their home to be powered by both solar and wind power, with a large battery system to power the house at night and a generator as a final (and little used) backup.
“It’s windy in the winter and sunny in the summer,” Jake said. With both a small wind generator and a south-facing solar panel complex, the property is able to harness all the energy it needs.
Since the house was built from the ground up to be off the power grid, the couple made choices that balance modern convenience with energy accessibility. The refrigerator is propane-powered, and heat comes mostly from wood pellets.
Those choices have allowed Jake and Jennifer, to create a lifestyle that suits them perfectly. “We’re here because of the freedom and atmosphere,” he said. “We’re proud of what we built together. We like feeling connected to nature.”
“We’re around people all week long, but then Friday comes and we’re like ‘Gotta get back to the ranch’.”
Find Your Place
Learn more about these The Brooks Company ranches:
HIGHLAND SPRINGS RANCH –
New Mexico
Surrounded by mountain ranges, Highland Springs Ranch features a variety of landscapes and easy access to nature. Flowering meadows flow into rolling hills that rise into Chupadera Mountains. Several wildlife refuges, including the renowned Bosque del Apache reserve, are nearby. It’s perfect for hiking, horseback riding, four-wheeling, or hunting. When you need access to a city, Socorro is just a half-hour away.
B.B. BROOKS RANCH –
Wyoming
With over 33,000 acres of rocky hills, green meadows, and rocky outcrops, it’s rare to find a place that offers as much as B.B. Brooks Ranch. The land is breath-takingly beautiful. The area is known for outdoor adventures – including hunting, fishing, biking and skiing. It’s just 8 miles out of Casper, Wyoming’s second largest city, providing access to museums, theater and dining.
DIAMOND B RANCH –
Wyoming
Located on range of green meadows, rolling hills, and dotted with rocky outcrops, Diamond B Ranch offers big-sky views that you’ll never take for granted. Within 90 minutes of the ranch, you have access to some of the best hiking, horseback riding, and skiing that the West has to offer. It is just 30 minutes outside of Cheyenne, Wyoming’s largest city, making it easy to duck in for amenities or entertainment.
SPRING FLOWER RANCH –
Arizona
Nestled at the base of Bill Williams Mountain and bordering Kaibab National Forest, one of world’s the largest Ponderosa Pine forests, Spring Flower Ranch offers natural beauty and access to almost everything. Several state parks, six lakes, and Elephant Rocks golf course - one Arizona’s most scenic - are within a 25-minute drive. It is 2 miles from downtown Williams, where you’ll find fine dining and boutique shopping.
WILD HORSE RANCH –
Wyoming
Featuring scenic rolling hills, the beautiful Medicine Bow mountain range, and tranquil lake Hattie, Wild Horse Ranch offers the best of rural living. Enjoy nature and wildlife, horseback riding, hiking, skiing, watersports and trout fishing. Just 20 minutes outside of Laramie, you have easy access to the conveniences and entertainment options found in the city.