Josh Duhamel is trading the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles for a quieter life in Minnesota.
Despite starring in one of Netflix’s hottest shows, Ransom Canyon, the 52-year-old actor is embracing a life of simplicity, nature, and, yes, mice.
Back to the Basics
“I make movies and TV shows, and I love it, I truly do love it,” Duhamel told People.
He continued, “But I had this calling to go and really do things with my hands again — fix things, make things, and just do the basic things that we take for granted.”
The Las Vegas alum is all about enjoying life with his family and “getting back to the basics.”
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“I’m really more of a guy who wants to stay true to my roots, get back to the basics, hone whatever basic skills I need in this world of massive technology, to do the basic things to provide for my family. That’s really what it’s about for me,” he said.
Building a Rustic Home from Scratch
Duhamel began his journey to simplicity more than a decade ago when he purchased an empty half-parcel of land, about an hour and a half drive from Fargo, North Dakota.
After buying the land, he built a rustic cabin on the property by hand, later expanding the space with additional land over the years.
The off-grid lakeside retreat, which Duhamel dubbed his “doomsday cabin,” didn’t have electricity, running water, or other modern amenities for quite some time.
“We’re at a place now where it feels done. It’s completely livable now,” Duhamel shared.
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“It’s so back to the basics.We get so accustomed to all these luxuries and amenities that we have, and I think that’s what this is for me — it’s an opportunity to get back to the basics and really enjoy the simple things in life, and that’s family, that’s friends, that’s making memories,” the Transformers star stated.
Life in the Wilderness
Duhamel’s new life in the woods is a family affair. When not working, he enjoys spending time at the cabin with his wife, Audra Mari, their 18-month-old son, Shepherd, and his eldest son, Axl, whom he shares with ex-wife Fergie.
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“We’re deep in the woods out there, so it is fun. There are bald eagles everywhere, there are otters swimming with their little babies all over the place,” Duhamel told the outlet.
However, life in a remote area comes with a few unwanted guests.
“We are constantly fighting the mice from getting into the cabins. That’s a constant man-versus-nature struggle we deal with,” he added.
‘Ransom Canyon’ Season 2
While Duhamel enjoys his new, quieter life, he’s also staying busy with his acting career.
He currently stars in the Netflix smash hit Ransom Canyon, a drama series set in a small Texas town.
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Though details on Season 2 have been limited, fans can expect Duhamel to leave his “doomsday cabin” behind when filming for the new season kicks off.
Meet the Hot Cowboys of Netflix’s ‘Ransom Canyon’
Ransom Canyon is heating up on Netflix after just one season. Based on a book by the same name, the show follows several ranchers in the Texas Hill Country. The show promises drama, as well as romance, as these ranchers and their family’s lives intersect.
Gallery Credit: Jess
