Doppelganger, I don't know exactly where you were going to buy.But I will say if you have aquifers or can search out the aquifers in your area, that would be a start. The cob house sounds great,But you might want to build it against a hill or small mountain. It would lead for protection for the weather and the enemy.
When Thor was in San Angelo,I took a trip out to see him. So as I drove out I'm thinking in survival mode. There are aquifers there and lots of game. And there is also lots of vegetation that is edible and also medicinal. But there again you need to know your plant and how to prepare them both way. I'd suggest some hands on course. I learned from an Army engineer and survivalist,and book and online courses. East of Abilene,to south San Angelo.There are at least 3 aquifers there. You have a good plan,Good Luck.
Inga, I could not find an aquifer if my live were at stake.--However---
I became very interested in Dousing as a child. When Dad built our home he had friends in the military that knew a thing or two about water tables and underground water supply. On a few occasions they came to the building site and found a couple of sites they suggested he drill for a well. After both sites turned up dry Dad was at witts end. He complained to the owner of the only gas and snack store in town about his problem, the owner gave Dad a phone number to call for help.
Dad made the call and a few days later this rattle trap truck showed up and to me at 10 years old, the driver looked ancient--he was about 60 years old-- and he took from his truck a Y forked Witch Hazel stick and a stick with a red ribbon on it and went off alone to look for water.
My MOM with a bit of eye rolling and sarcastic voice told me this man was a so called diviner and trying to help us. Dad said nothing but I could see he was, after the experts could not find water a bit dubious himself.
The old man was out there with that Y stick for 2 hours at least and I went off to to watch tv or what ever when he came back.
I went outside in time to hear him tell my dad that he had gotten one Hell of a pull, very strong and less then 50 feet down. He had put the stick with the ribbon on it at the sight to dig and was smilling ear to ear.
He left after charging Dad $5.00 for his time and gas money and then the conversations between my parents and their parents began. Money was tight, Dad had put out a pretty penny for the first 2 holes to be dug, should he call his friends back for another look or trust some old man, a complete stranger with a stick and give this a try.
Mom was still rolling her eyes but her father my Pepe said what did Dad have to loose.
Out came the drillers and at 50 feet ran into an artisan well.
Mom stopped rolling her eyes just mentioned off the cuff that Dad could have dug that well himself and saved some money.
So Inga, How is this done, I have read up on it and some people say anyone with a coat hanger can get some results.
Ah the great mysterys of life and how some of the OLD ways work better then our new fangled ways today.