Everyone, who has experience of building a home of his own, knows how costly it can be. But today I want to present you an inspiring example of a man who did it for next to nothing.

What may seem to be a miracle, is a result of a determination, will and integrity. Michael Buck, who's a retired art teacher from Oxfordshire, built his gorgeous cob house following a few simple principles: he used only local materials that he could find himself, he didn't want to use any power tools and the house was to cost as little as possible. It was easier for Michael as he already owned, and he didn't need any special permits since it was considered a summer home, but still he had to spare no effort to build it. Even though the house has no electricity, no running water and is heated by a woodstove, it's atmosphere is so lovely that it makes up all inconveniences.

As Michael says "A house doesn't have to cost the earth, you only need the earth to build it. I wanted to show that houses don't have to cost anything. We live in a society where we spend our lives paying our mortgages, which many people don't enjoy."

See the photos below and watch a short video from Michael's house - we'll be happy to know what's your opinion and experience with hand-built houses.