People from the north of Ireland who embrace a different way of living are the focus of two special programmes coming to UTV.
From boats to eco farms, thatched cottages to vans, the aptly-named Living off Grid is presented by UTV reporter Emma Patterson, who meets several local people who have turned their backs on conventional living.
She explores how and why people have chosen to live this way; what prompted the move; how they overcome daily challenges; and what motivates them.
For some of those she speaks to, it’s a financial decision in a time when mortgage rates are rising, and for others it's to protect and preserve the environment.
Viewers will meet Margaret, who has lived in the same three-century old cottage outside Belcoo for her whole 81-year-old life.
Margaret says, "I was born into this house and if God is gracious enough he'll let me die in it. I love it to bits.”
Despite having to collect her own water every day and storing firewood, she says, “Everyone has challenges, but I don't call those challenges. Things are never worth worrying about because they'll always work themselves out."
Also in the programme, viewers will meet a young couple, Laura and Peter, who sold their Co Antrim home to travel the Mediterranean Sea on a yacht.
Closer to home, Emma meets a newly-engaged couple managing life and work on a narrowboat on the beautiful Lough Erne.
Back on land, we will meet a family living on an eco-farm near Banbridge. From wind turbines to solar panels, Steve, Claire and Lyra have made Lackan Cottage farm their personal haven.
Living Off Grid airs on UTV on Tuesday May 2 and May 9 at 8.30pm.
