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Josh Duhamel Embraces Life in His ‘Doomsday Cabin’ Away from Hollywood
Actor Josh Duhamel has chosen to leave behind the fast-paced environment of Hollywood in favor of a more tranquil lifestyle in Minnesota. He refers to his lakeside retreat as his ‘doomsday cabin,’ a nod to the remote and self-sufficient lifestyle he aspires to.
Finding Solace in Nature
Duhamel, his wife Audra Mari, and their young son Sheperd reside in a rustic cabin located 40 minutes from the nearest town in northwestern Minnesota. Along with his wife, the couple also engages in outdoor pursuits with Duhamel’s older son, Axl, whom he shares with ex-wife Fergie.
The actor has described the journey to his home, which involves navigating a two-mile dirt path through the forest, as a refreshing escape from urban pressures. He stated, ‘It’s an exhale whenever we get here,’ reflecting his need for a sanctuary away from the bustling city.
Prioritizing Family and Outdoor Living
As Duhamel raises his family, he emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from the chaos that typically accompanies life in Los Angeles. Although he acknowledges the perks of the West Coast, he prefers the simpler joys that remote living brings.
‘Here my kids get to be kids, catching frogs, collecting sticks. They come home and they’re filthy, and I think that’s so good for them,’ he noted. Duhamel stresses that the digital age often distracts people from nature, fostering negativity. He believes that being outdoors fosters genuine connections with the world around us.
Building a Family Legacy
Duhamel’s journey to creating his off-grid retreat has been a labor of love spanning over 15 years. He originally acquired land and gradually constructed the cabin, adding additional parcels that included a hunting shack and another home. ‘It’s a cute little red cabin with a stone chimney that sits right on the water; it’s basically a Terry Redlin painting,’ he reminisced, referring to the works of the famed artist whose paintings capture the beauty of nature.
Despite modern upgrades, Duhamel has strived to maintain the rugged, original character of the property. He recounted the challenges of his early days there, saying, ‘We were basically homesteading the first 12 years. For the longest time, we didn’t have plumbing. We were using outhouses and washing dishes in the lake.’
Embracing Community and Nature’s Wonders
Living in a remote area has its challenges, including occasional wildlife encounters. Duhamel shared a humorous anecdote on Instagram about an unexpected Easter surprise—removing a goose from the grille of his SUV. ‘I guess we’re having goose for Easter,’ he quipped, embracing the quirky aspects of rural life.
In a recent interview with Parade, Duhamel highlighted the strong sense of community among residents in his area, which is a significant reason for choosing this lifestyle. He mentioned, ‘The closest store is 40 miles away. It’s really about everybody taking care of each other – making memories, spending time with family and friends.’
The actor passionately believes his children will cherish the memories created at the cabin as they engage in outdoor adventures. ‘My son is going to have memories of this place forever. He’s not on his iPad when he’s out there. He’s out there in the boat with me, or he’s playing soccer on the beach,’ Duhamel explained.
A Focus on Family and the Future
Duhamel is dedicated to passing down these rich experiences to his children. He hopes that they can share these moments with their future offspring. He remarked, ‘It’s really important to me that they have this. It’s not just about having all the amenities and luxuries that we have become so used to. It’s really about family. It’s about legacy.’
Returning to Simplicity
After years of hard work building his off-grid haven, Duhamel expresses gratitude for the simplicity it offers. He reflected, ‘When you’re out there, it’s really about having fun, making sure everybody’s warm, everybody’s got food and water.’ This dedication to a simpler life represents a profound shift away from the distractions of Hollywood.
In a candid interview earlier this year, Duhamel shared his feelings about the Hollywood lifestyle, noting that it never truly resonated with him. He conveyed, ‘I missed the simplicity of who I really am,’ acknowledging the pressure that comes with fame.
Despite having honed his skills in the entertainment industry, Duhamel admitted, ‘That whole lifestyle can suck the soul out of you if you’re not careful.’ His decision to embrace a life deeply rooted in nature and family speaks volumes about his desire for a more fulfilling existence.
Josh Duhamel’s commitment to a lifestyle centered around family, community, and nature serves not only as an inspiration but also as a powerful reminder of the importance of disconnecting from the chaos of modern life. By prioritizing these values, he hopes to foster a strong legacy for his children, one anchored in simplicity and connection to the natural world.
