I like your approach, it's one I try to use at work as well. Not every problem is a tech problem, many things can be fixed by just talking to humans or changing the process.

In my case the cabin is actually in the town where I grew up, and used as a way to be closer to home and family without overstaying my welcome and also be a bit more free when here (heh). So I do have family that now helps with this, it was mostly in a "can I pay a little not inconvenience them". I arrived here sunday with the heat on and some easter eggs and bunnies on the table put there by my mother, so it's not all bad. :)