Can ferrets live outside?

i'm getting a ferret and have a 17 page booklet full of ferret facts but doesn't say anythings about ferrets living outside. i have a massive undercover area in my back yard coming off the roof of the house, it has big lights and a couch it has rock concreting and grass all around it and when the lights are off i have solar Christmas lights hanging up so they have a little bit of light around when there not sleeping after noon. (I also know everything about ferrets apart from this) thanx