Creating a place to retreat

Homes and Retreats
User avatar
mikefranks
Posts: 84
Joined: Sat Nov 23, 2013 3:55 pm

Creating a place to retreat

Post by mikefranks »

I have a location about 6m x 6m room, bare brick, it has 2 doors, one to get in, and then through a small corridor to the actual room, what should i kit it out with. Its completely empty and easy accessible however hidden, i wont be saying where


Thanks


Mike
preppingsu

Re: Creating a place to retreat

Post by preppingsu »

Well, thank you for sharing that!

What will you do about heating, cooking, sanitary disposal whilst in this 'retreat'.?
User avatar
mikefranks
Posts: 84
Joined: Sat Nov 23, 2013 3:55 pm

Re: Creating a place to retreat

Post by mikefranks »

Hi,

Well i have had a look at those camping cookers, 2 types, one the small gas canisters or the burning a white paraffin block, which states can be used indoors, for heating, its got insulation over the walls, and ceiling, flat roof with insulation in that, but i have not looked more into heating, you bring a good point.

In regards to sanitary disposal, i was thinking of fitting a caravan style toilet, but still working on that, have a blank canvas to start with.

Has anyone else got a place like that?


Thanks


Mike
User avatar
Briggs
Posts: 281
Joined: Wed Jun 19, 2013 2:57 pm

Re: Creating a place to retreat

Post by Briggs »

mikefranks wrote:I have a location about 6m x 6m room, bare brick, it has 2 doors, one to get in, and then through a small corridor to the actual room, what should i kit it out with. Its completely empty and easy accessible however hidden, i wont be saying where


Thanks


Mike
Eh? That sounds like my garage!

Just kidding. It's sounds like a good base. My advice would be to spend 24hrs in there and start making a list of the basics you miss and need. Backup power and some toilet paper/ wet wipes will be on there for sure. Food? water? Light? Warmth?
I recently experienced Plymouth City centre so that's why I prep.
User avatar
mikefranks
Posts: 84
Joined: Sat Nov 23, 2013 3:55 pm

Re: Creating a place to retreat

Post by mikefranks »

Hi,


Yes, going to make a good list, need to make some shelves and need to make some smart storage areas, shelves higher up to store food, water etc, warmth wise, its been insulated from the inside, and slowly going to create a bathroom which is NOT dependent on mains water supplies.

Can anyone recommend a generator


Thanks

Mike
User avatar
DundeePrepper
Posts: 121
Joined: Thu Nov 21, 2013 11:42 am
Location: Dundee Area

Re: Creating a place to retreat

Post by DundeePrepper »

Hi Mike,

I'm looking into building something like this, maybe a little larger though. I haven't really started my research yet but I was thinking a portaloo type toilet would do - I will have access to water from a burn.. so will use a chemical toilet without the chemicals.
I am also going for the campstove option initially but will install a wood burning stove for long term warmth and cooking - not sure how I will hide smoke, there must be a way of dissipating it though...
For power I'm thinking solar 12v system and a back up pedal generator to power comms and lights.
Simple plumbing - drain straight into burn (not for sewage - just waste water) and a foot pump maybe to bring water in...

All in all it will still just look like a brick shed..

I will put together my plans as they are just currently ideas... and numerous lists of website links (to expensive things haha :lol: ) and post them in the coming weeks.

I've set my preps around a 3 month time period (ie food stores, medical supplies etc) for a pandemic/civil unrest type senario where all will return to normality afterwards.. I'm not an end of the world type of guy.. but will be including other options for longer term.. sustainable outdoor living.. hunting etc.
Newbie Prepper
The ability to foresee is not reserved for Psychics and Lunatics. The mind is predisposed to see the future from its own past.
- Unknown Author
User avatar
Plymtom
Posts: 2670
Joined: Fri Aug 24, 2012 1:11 pm
Location: Plymouth

Re: Creating a place to retreat

Post by Plymtom »

not sure how I will hide smoke, there must be a way of dissipating it though...
Check out Ray Mears, there's a show dedicated to those who escaped into a forest from the Germans, I think they piped it along the ground and released the smoke over such an area that it wasn't obvious, it's the heat from a chimney or a fire which sends up a column of smoke that is a giveaway, if you channel it along the ground it cools and stays low dispersing slowly.
I have a strategy, it's not written in stone, nor can it be, this scenario has too many variables, everything about it depends on those variables, being specific is not possible.
User avatar
mikefranks
Posts: 84
Joined: Sat Nov 23, 2013 3:55 pm

Re: Creating a place to retreat

Post by mikefranks »

Hi DundeePrepper,


Yes, its brilliant if you can a) get to it fast and discreet b) kit it out well enough and use what ever space wisely as possible. I have trying to work out a shelving system to store supplies on.

Regarding a wood burning stove, it is hard as you will need to hide the smoke, as Plymtom said is a fab idea, I will try it out and test it, see how it works.


In regards to a toilet i will try a few ideas out and share them to let everyone know whats best and will share any downfalls so if anyone has any suggestions that may improve or change, i am open to criticism for that too

I think the best thing is to be discreet from the outside, so just keep the building plain and simple, nothing that will give you away, from the outside its very simple and just brick building.


Thanks

Mike
Darktide

Post by Darktide »

That's the story of the Bielski brothers. As far as I was aware, they used dakota fire pits. A much more fuel efficient way of burning wood and produces hardly any smoke. Not sure how that concept would be adapted to work indoors though

sent from my smart phone thingy using chubby digits
User avatar
DundeePrepper
Posts: 121
Joined: Thu Nov 21, 2013 11:42 am
Location: Dundee Area

Re: Creating a place to retreat

Post by DundeePrepper »

Thanks for responses to smoke problem guys.. few things to tryout..

As for the the outside "decor"... to age the building.. and make it look "ruined and empty", try a whitewash of yoghurt mixed 1:4 parts water. Creates a mould which encourages moss.. plant ivy asap! :tinfoil
Newbie Prepper
The ability to foresee is not reserved for Psychics and Lunatics. The mind is predisposed to see the future from its own past.
- Unknown Author