Marc Moran

Marc Moran accomplished something many people think about but never do. He gave up the rat race in favor of a simpler existence, purchasing a 70-acre farm in Newbury, New Hampshire, and setting about, with his family, to make it sustainable. The off-the-grid lifestyle has brought many challenges and immeasurable satisfaction. Built in the 18th century, Hopewell Farms has operated continuously since then. A forward-thinking Boston businessman, much like Marc Moran, purchased the property in 1900. In his 32 years of ownership, he transformed the farm into New England's largest poultry producer and one of the state's most abundant providers of maple sugar. That businessman-turned-farmer also became one of the first to produce electricity on the farm through wind energy.

Under Marc Moran's direction, Hopewell Farms installed a 50-foot windmill with a 3.7-kilowatt turbine situated less than 50 feet from where the former owner's wind turbine stood. The property also boasts a trout pond, hiking trails, beautiful views, and a cozy cottage for rent, complete with usage of the owners' snowmobiles and ATVs. Marc Moran also grows heirloom vegetables and fruits, both for his family's pleasure and for sale, as well as grass-fed beef, woodland pork, lamb, and free-range poultry.

Living a life they could only have dreamed about a decade ago, Marc Moran and his wife Meredith have soldiered on, gladly. Named 2012 Homesteaders of the Year by Mother Earth News, they embody the pioneer spirit that originally brought the farm to life more than two centuries ago. The couple already has met its goal of turning the beloved property into an energy self-sufficient farm. Today, Marc Moran can take a shower with water heated by solar panels on his roof, walk out his door and pick organic fruits and vegetables, tap maple trees, or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon with his family in the beautiful outdoors--a successful life by any measure.