A couple who had lived in Cardiff their entire lives have moved to a tiny off-grid island with just four residents and hundreds of sheep, saving them a fortune. Lois Roberts, 29, and Aron Llywd, 29, now live rent-free on Ynys Enlli, also known as Bardsey Island, off the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales. Their role as island wardens involves maintaining gardens and 10 holiday accommodations in exchange for a home and salary.
From City Stress to Island Serenity
Lois and Aron had grown tired of city life and dreamed of living sustainably off-grid. Without the funds to start from scratch, they seized the opportunity when the warden role was advertised. “I didn’t really think of where things came from before and took everything for granted,” Lois said. “Now I know exactly where our water and power comes from – and I’m careful about the amount we use, as it’s precious.”
The island has no mobile signal except at the mountain top, but they have WiFi. “Sometimes it cuts off and we’re isolated,” Lois added. “But then again, even with it, we feel like we’re separated from the rest of the world. It’s almost like we’re in a bubble with its own time and rules.”
Life Among Sheep and Seasons
With a population of just four humans – Lois, Aron, and two farmers – the island is home to about 500 sheep, a ratio of 66 sheep per person. “We consider the sheep our neighbours,” Lois said. “It’s especially cute in spring during lambing season, as there’s loads of little lambs everywhere.”
The couple grow their own food in a vegetable patch and poly tunnel, keep five chickens for eggs, and have two lobster cages. They also make cider from the island’s orchard. Their job includes maintaining the 1870s listed houses and gardens for guests who stay from April to September. “When things break, such as doors or windows, it’s our job to get them back in tip-top shape,” Lois explained.
Off-Grid Challenges and Rewards
Living off-grid means relying on solar energy and a wind turbine in winter. “If we have a few weeks of no sun, then we have no power,” Lois said. They have a generator and batteries as backup. Water comes from rainwater for washing and a well on the mountain for drinking. “Long periods of sunshine does mean our water supply runs low,” she noted.
Despite the challenges, the couple find deep satisfaction in seasonal changes and learning new skills. “I’ve learned how to knit, make cyanotype prints, weave and play the banjo,” Lois said. The sense of community is strong, with everyone checking in and helping each other.
Financial Freedom and Future Plans
In Cardiff, over half their monthly pay went to rent and bills, making saving impossible. Now, they save half their salary due to low living costs. “We’re lucky enough to see the Northern Lights from our doorstep,” Lois said. “And we get to experience total darkness at night. It’s a luxury we didn’t get in the city. The closest light pollution is actually from Dublin.”
The couple plan to stay on the island for a few more years before settling elsewhere. For now, they embrace the slow-paced lifestyle and the privilege of seeing the Milky Way clearly.
