From Loft to Land: Why We’re Building a Modern Homestead
Starting Our Homesteading Journey
For years, we’ve dreamed of trading city life for something slower, more intentional, and deeply connected to the land. Living in a downtown loft while working as a brand and motion designer (Shannon) and an attorney and judge (Michael), we always knew our end goal was to save, purchase land, and build a working modern homestead. But we didn’t wait for that day to start learning—we spent the last several years embracing self-sufficiency right where we were, baking from scratch, making our own natural products, and finding ways to rely less on the store and more on nature.
Then, we were blessed to find the next step in our journey—an old horse farm that we now call Clarke Croft.
“The term ‘croft’ refers to a small, self-sufficient homestead—traditionally a place where the land provides for those who work it. We chose the name Clarke Croft because it reflects our vision: building a home where we grow our own food, raise animals, and create a life rooted in self-sufficiency. As first-generation homesteaders, we have no farming lineage—just a deep respect for the land and a commitment to learning, adapting, and crafting our future.”
Building a Modern Homestead
As we build Clarke Croft, our vision is to create a way of life where old-world skills meet new-world living—figuring out how to live a little more like our great-grandparents (but with WiFi). We want to raise animals, grow our own food, and make as much as possible by hand, all while blending the best of traditional and modern practices.
But homesteading isn’t just about land. It’s about mindset—slowing down, living intentionally, and making small, meaningful changes that lead to greater self-sufficiency. Whether you’re in an apartment, a suburb, or on a few acres, there are ways to integrate homesteading principles into everyday life.
A Life Rooted in PURPOSE
For us, modern homesteading is learning time-honored skills with modern conveniences like:
Baking from scratch – making homemade sourdough instead of relying on store-bought bread.
Crafting herbal remedies that support our health naturally, choosing herbs over over-the-counter medications when possible.
Raising animals for fresh eggs, milk, and other essentials, while also enriching the soil and fostering a balanced ecosystem.
Growing organic food to nourish our family and share with our community.
Honoring old-world skills—learning the self-sufficiency our ancestors once depended on, while keeping the modern conveniences that make life easier.
At Clarke Croft, sustainability isn’t just about the land—it’s about the choices we make every day to live with purpose, connection, and respect for the resources around us.
Follow Our Journey
We’re just getting started, but Clarke Croft is growing from a dream into a fully working modern homestead. And yes, we will have all the animals!
Follow along as we share our successes, our challenges, and everything in between. Whether you live on land, in an apartment, a suburb or somewhere in between, we hope to inspire and encourage you to take small steps toward a more self-sufficient and rewarding life.
