In a recent blog post we looked at the Pros and Cons of Moving to The Countryside as we believe looking at the bigger picture is essential, and some initial guidance is very much required when contemplating relocating to more rural settings.
A remote farmhouse surrounded with acres of land and fields? A little semi- agricultural shack half way up a hillside? A “chocolate box” thatched cottage in a picturesque Cotswolds village? Or a private mansion set on large grounds in one of the Home Counties and within easy reach of London?
Is moving to the countryside right for you? You might think you are now ready for this crucial transition, and for a new chapter of your life to start by escaping the hustle and bustle of the Big Smoke.
However, there are a few practical things that should seriously be taken into consideration and factored as these come with the lifestyle changes you are about to make.
In the winter months, it can get dark. VERY dark!
Most people would believe they know what darkness means and looks like. Think again then! Living in the country means you have to kiss goodbye to all bright city lights surrounding you: your walk home from the local pub can very quickly become a game of “hide and seek” with trees, branches, pot holes and ditches, especially during the very dark winter months.
Investing in a few good quality torches is essential to be fully equipped and ready to brave your new surroundings and terrains!
Being on time becomes almost Mission Impossible!
Your daily commutes to work, your school runs or food shopping trips for example will all become something of a new challenge, and on a daily basis. When living in the countryside be prepared for various additional or unforeseen challenges and hold ups: traffic jams created by the local farmer on his tractor, herds of cows or sheep relocating to a nearby field and crossing the road, fallen trees blocking the roads after a storm, not to mention one of the usual winter player, snow, making your drive through countryside lanes perilous and slow and potentially being also the cause of train delays.
It is therefore always advised to allow a bit of extra time (a buffer) to your various journey times if you can.
Get used to close living with rodents and other small creatures.
Any city dweller will tell you that at some point in their life they have had an encounter with a rodent of some sort, be it a mouse or a rat. The London Underground is full of them, from the tiny mice entertaining the morning commuters staring at the rail lines whilst waiting for the next tube, to the more mighty rats. When moving out of London you might assume that this would be the last of these encounters, regrettably you will have to realise that the countryside is full of them: mice, rats, badgers, bats and more a plenty.
Invest in traps, repellents and various devices to keep them at bay, so you can protect your new castle and avoid having to share your locally sourced cheese with them!
Your driving skills will be put to the test!
The countryside is famously populated with narrow country lanes, hedgerows and borders of various heights, sharp bendy turns and potholes. This will definitely put your driving skills to the test. Be prepared for a lack of medium and long distance visibility, and practice your reverse driving as it will come very handy when you encounter the local farmer on his tractor blocking your way! And for all sports car enthusiasts, you might seriously consider swapping your brand new Aston Martin for a more practical option such as a Range Rover or Defender.
Time to invest into a new wardrobe!
If you are a fashionista and very much in love with your stilettoes, then you might want to reconsider your shoes selection when moving to the countryside! Your new Must Haves outfits will comprise of tweed jackets, wellington boots (Hunters being one of the big favourites), and a classic Barbour jacket (very practical to keep you dry and warm during your winter months walks). You will also learn the secrets of layering as well.
Oil and septic tanks
Many rural properties don’t benefit from being connected to the mains. Your gas supply won’t be a standard connection like in a city, but through a domestic oil tank usually buried underground and that will need to be refilled once or twice each year depending on domestic usage.
Septic tank systems are a type of simple onsite sewage facility that is commonly found in the countryside. Septic tanks are in essence underground chambers made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic through which domestic wastewater flows for basic treatment. Settling and anaerobic processes reduce solids and organics, but the treatment efficiency is only moderate. They require for the accumulated sludge to be removed through a vacuum tanker.
“Any small shopping trip” can become a big social event
In small villages and rural locations, people not only greet each other but also take the time to stop and have a chat, especially if you have recently relocated to the area and need advice or recommendations. There is definitely a strong sense of community and “extended family” that you won’t find in urban cities.
But be aware, a quick trip to the local village shop can easily turn into a few hours of chats and gossips!
You will become an animal lover!
If you are not already an animal lover, your move to the countryside will make you become one! Guaranteed! Dogs are generally the first choice in terms of your new family members, but this won’t stop there: soon cats, chickens, pigs and horses will also become part of your new menagerie!
Ultimately, the location of your next property (i.e. edge of a village, semi-rural or rural), where precisely and how deep in the countryside you are planning to relocate will dictate the type of property you will find, your lifestyle, what local amenities are as well as how easy or difficult the transition will be.
Domus Holmes Property Finder is an independent property-buying agency providing a comprehensive property search and acquisition service to clients looking to buy a home or purchase an investment property in Bristol, Bath and the South West of England (Somerset, Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds and Wiltshire) as well as West and Central London.
For a free, no obligation consultation and discussion about your property search, please contact Jerome and Claire on:
T: +44 (0) 117 973 3683
M: +44 (0) 7734 115 098
