If you are burnt out. This is a good way to recharge. But the work is hard and it doesn't get easier.
Did this a few years ago and I it helped me get back to software engineering.
That said, I'll proudly wear my "off-topic" downvotes to nitpick that "find a spare house" sounds to me as affordable as "find a spare Ferrari".
Sent from my balcony-less apartment
you are in an apartment without a balcony, it is a relatively safe assumption that you are in a high cost of living area. at least relatively. your bike anecdote near confirms it.
if you were to look for a “spare house,” or rather a somewhat rundown but plausibly restorable house, without leaving your current location, you would likely be hard-pressed to do so.
if you were to expand your search, look in less valued areas, more rural, less desirable, you might be surprised the “finds” that are out there. for some, touring such a find may be enough to convince them that this is not actually their path.
a year without a job, by choice, is much more the measure of privilege here.
Turns out I'm a terrible farmer, but electrical engineering is actually a pretty good fit for me. Finished up my degree easily when I went back to school.
I agree, low paying hard work is not a good solution for boredom or a midlife/existential crisis.