Three Months on the Land: From Vision to Reality at Solara Sanctuary

It’s hard to believe it’s only been three months since we officially set foot on this sacred land — the place that will soon become Solara Sanctuary. When we first arrived, the earth was quiet, untouched, waiting. There were no paths, no structures, no lights — only trees, sky, and the hum of possibility. We came with little more than a dream, a truck full of supplies, and faith that the Universe would meet us halfway.

And it has.

Let's break it up into what we've already accomplished:

Let's start with the "Pallet Shack"

These past months have been nothing short of miraculous. Every day has been a lesson in surrender, creation, and connection — with the land, with one another, and with humanity itself.

Our first big creation was what we lovingly call the Pallet Shack — a tiny cabin built almost entirely from reclaimed wood and pure determination. When we began, we didn’t have much — no blueprint, no fancy equipment, just creativity and an unshakable will to build something out of nothing.

We spent hours drawing up plans, creating blueprints, researching, asking questions, and checking our numbers twice. Then it's been long days under the Tennessee sun, measuring, cutting, hammering, and laughing. Each pallet we salvaged carried a story — once holding goods, now holding our dreams. Bit by bit, the walls rose, and what started as a vision became a living structure.

At night, we’d sit on the unfinished floor, lanterns glowing, looking up at the beams we’d placed by hand. It wasn’t just a cabin; it was proof that we could create a home from the earth beneath us. The Pallet Shack became our classroom — teaching us patience, problem-solving, and what it really means to live in harmony with the land.

The Rabbit Sanctuary

We got our first bunnies, CeCe and Schmdit in August — CeCe was bit standoffish at first. Schmidt was gentle and cute from the start. CeCe, I had to reassure her that we are creating a safe, enriching space designed for their comfort and freedom. She would always run, until a couple of weeks ago, I finally bonded with her and assured her that she was safe. Now, she runs up to you and wants pets.

We built their homes for them to be able to run around and gave them room to dig, play, and live as they were meant to. There’s something grounding about watching them jump, flop, twitch their noses at the wind, and settle into the earth.

We just got our newest girl, Winnie. She's a Rex and still very young. We got her at 12 weeks old. Her fur is so soft and she has warmed up to us as well. She was also very skittish at first.

We have a separate space for the bucks and for the does and CeCe should be having her first litter very soon.

They’ve taught us that sanctuary isn’t just for humans — it’s for all beings. Each morning as we bring them fresh water and hay, we’re reminded that this land is meant to nurture life in all its forms.

Working on the Greenhouse

The greenhouse has been an ongoing project— starting off small until we can grow it bigger. Inside, herbs and plants each with their own care instructions. Lavender, peppermint, oregano, basil, and lemongrass fill the air with their scent. Each plant we’ve grown has been carefully chosen for its healing properties — to nourish the body, calm the mind, and uplift the spirit.

We also have strawberries for the spring and banana trees that have almost outgrown the greenhouse. And our fig tree is about to get a new bigger pot! Every leaf and sprout reminds me that creation is slow, sacred, and deeply rewarding.

I still have a lot more work to do with the greenhouse, but I started at the end of the season with not a lot of time as our main focus is building. So I am thankful for what we do have and look forward to next season as we add on and build out and expand our beds and gardens.

Let's talk outdoor pavilion

We built an outdoor pavilion pretty early. It was honestly one of the first projects we completed. I wanted a place where everyone can come together for a home cooked meal- together. The table tops were donated and we created table legs out of trees from the land. My most favorite part of the outdoor dining pavilion is the chandelier. It's vintage and real glass! I found it on Facebook marketplace and knew it was meant for our homestead. Then we found 6 chairs for free (they need to be reupholstered) and added teal chair covers to complete our Alice in Wonderland theme.

The pavilion has become the heart of Solara Sanctuary — a gathering place for meals, laughter, and connection. We envision long tables filled with guests, breaking bread, games, sharing stories, and remembering what it means to be human together.

Near the outdoor pavilion, we created a big fire pit including rocks from the land. The first night we lit the fire pit, we sat quietly, letting the flames dance against the dark sky. There was something ancient about it — as if generations before us were whispering, “You’re doing exactly what you came here to do.”

We've added string lights, mushroom lights to our staircase and will add even more lights. We added a ladybug, grasshopper, a vintage barometer, and much more whimsey.

Living off-grid has been a journey all its own. We’ve learned how to harness solar power, conserve water, and work with what the earth provides. Some days are easier than others — there are moments of exhaustion, frustration, and trial. But there are also moments of deep peace — when the crickets sing, the stars stretch endlessly above, and we realize how much more alive we feel without the noise of modern life.

We’ve learned that sustainability isn’t just about systems — it’s about rhythm. The rhythm of waking with the sun, resting with the moon, and finding balance between effort and surrender.

One of the most beautiful parts of this journey has been witnessing how humanity shows up. Every time we’ve needed something — lumber, nails, food, even encouragement — someone appeared. We scoured Facebook marketplace for free materials and people getting rid of what they no longer want.

It’s as if the land has its own way of calling people in. Strangers have become friends. Friends have become family. Every conversation, donation, or helping hand has reminded us that we’re not building this alone. We’re part of something much bigger — a collective movement toward love, unity, and healing.

It’s hard to put into words the gratitude we feel. When the world seems uncertain, we’ve found proof here, in the dirt and the laughter and the shared meals, that humanity still has heart.

And perhaps the biggest milestone of all — Solara Sanctuary is now an official nonprofit organization.

This means so much more than being able to accept donations. It means our mission has roots. It means this sanctuary can now expand its reach — offering education, healing, and community programs that uplift others.

We can now provide wellness retreats, youth summer camps, sustainable living education, and even sanctuary for animals — all under a mission of love and restoration. It allows us to create scholarships for those in need, partner with other organizations, and receive the support necessary to bring this vision to life.

This step solidifies what we’ve known all along: Solara Sanctuary isn’t just a dream. It’s a movement.

Every day out here feels like a page from a living storybook — one written by the wind, the soil, and the souls who gather here. We’ve only just begun, and yet it already feels like home.

We see what’s coming — healing retreats, tiny cabin stays, community dinners under the stars, gardens that feed families, and youth programs that reconnect children to the Earth.

We’re not escaping the world; we’re rebuilding it. From the ground up, with love, intention, and muddy feet.

To everyone who’s followed this journey — thank you. Your words, energy, and prayers have carried us more than you’ll ever know. We don’t have all the answers yet, but we have what matters most: a vision, a heartbeat, and a community that believes.

And as we sit around the fire each night, watching the sparks rise into the Tennessee sky, we can’t help but smile…Because we know — this is only the beginning.

With wild love and muddy hands,

Melissa & Jesse Biondi

Founder, Solara Sanctuary

“We’re not escaping the world — we’re building a new one.” 🌍