We visit Eco Niche B & B created and run by Francoise and Odette. They bought overgrown land 2 1/2 years ago. They cleared the land, initially camping in a shipping container. They built the large structure below and a smaller hut nearby, using concrete in plastic bags and a tree--which turned out to be an exotic wood species--they harvested from the property.
When it rains hard, overflow which exceeds their capacity to collect rainwater in a cistern, runs off an edge of the roof, is directed by a chain down into a collection container (the concrete sun below) and then through a trough off of the patio. I'm uncertain whether they also collect this runoff.
So what do you do when you clear off land finding coffee and banana trees under the brush? Teach yourself how to harvest, dry, dehull, and roast coffee. A coffee tasting with homemade pastries.
A bunch of bananas hangs from a tree. Following the host's instructions, Vicki cuts the tree down with machete; John cuts off the banana bunch.
Inside the larger house: A lovely ktichen and dining room on the first floor. Spiral staircase to level 2. Pleasant breeze through the screens, with outdoor porch and available hammock. Up a ladder to roof. There are lovely paintings everywhere in the house. Because of their careful use of energy, the electricity bill is only $8 per month, mostly powering their refrigerator.
