Simon Reeve: Off-Grid Farmhouse Life & Family
- Simon Reeve, known for Wilderness with Simon Reeve, has adapted to a different pace of life in Dartmoor.
- Without gas,the family relies on wood for their stove.Reeve said he finds satisfaction in the challenges of rural living, which make him feel more connected to nature.
- He said he enjoys using his chainsaw to maintain the biomass boiler that provides hot water and heating.
Simon Reeve Embraces country life in Dartmoor Home
Updated June 18, 2025
Simon Reeve, known for Wilderness with Simon Reeve, has adapted to a different pace of life in Dartmoor. The shift from his urban upbringing in Acton to a rural setting has been a journey for him,his wife Anya,and their son Jack.
Reeve’s Dartmoor home requires a hands-on approach. Without gas,the family relies on wood for their stove.Reeve said he finds satisfaction in the challenges of rural living, which make him feel more connected to nature.
He said he enjoys using his chainsaw to maintain the biomass boiler that provides hot water and heating. He said the work allows him to connect with his ancestors and escape the feeling of being an “urbanite.”
Reeve,52,described himself as a “city boy” before his wife encouraged the relocation. He said that while he enjoys the physical work, his current life is a stark contrast to his upbringing.
He said that moving to the country was a “middle-class, mid-life thing.” Reeve added that he loves being around people, making his current location somewhat surprising. His wife had wanted to move for some time, he said.
Reeve said, “There are trees to plant, brambles to tug out and wood to chop for our heating… It’s as far from my urban upbringing as it’s possible to imagine. I’ve even got chainsaws – plural. Unbelievable.”
Despite frequent travel for work, Reeve considers home to be wherever his family is. “it’s the people I come home for, not the place… For me, home is about its function as a hotel,” he said.
The interiors of Reeve’s home are distinctive. One photo shows a room with exposed beams, a log fire, yellow walls, and red patterned sofas.
Reeve said that he and his wife avoid neutral colors.”It started out as ‘farmhouse aspirational’ and now it’s ‘explosion in a paint store’.we don’t paint anything white and, if possible, we don’t put in anything plastic.We have an orange kitchen… And there are lots of souvenirs from my travels,” he said.
What’s next
Reeve is expected to continue balancing his love for travel with his commitment to his family and his unique lifestyle in Dartmoor, showcasing the appeal of rural living.