What is "Cob?"

While stuck in the house recovering from dental torture, I decided to spend my sunny day touring websites looking at cob houses again.

Killarney Cottage, County Kerry Ireland

As I tell people about my plans to buy land cheap, build a cob house, and live off-grid, the first thing I am asked is, "what's a cob house? a house made out of corn cobs?"

No (for the thousandth time). Cob is an old English word for 'lump.' A lump of mud.

"Mud!? You can't live in a mud house in Washington! It's too wet!"

The house shown here is Killarney Cottage in Ireland. It was built in 1834. Looks pretty good for her age, doesn't she. Many cob houses in the UK are still standing after 100+ years.

Gotta ask yourself, would your stick-built house last over 100 years?

Here's a few websites you to check out:

Minnesota Real Estate Agents think about how to sell Cob Homes

Killarney Cottage