Pro's and con's of living in "the sticks"

I moved from London to a tiny hamlet at the foot of the glens in Northern Ireland. And I love it
( even more now fast broadband is available ) :rotfl:

There's 10 houses here with two being built next year so then we might get road markings and street lights lol

Nearest shop is the petrol station 4 miles away

This morning we have woken to a thick layer of snow, and no gritted roads, and we drive a rear wheel drive car


We use oil and coal for heating. Oil is low in price ATM, so nearly as cheap as mains gas. However you do need to get your head around having to pay up front, not for what you have used

We keep a well stocked larder. We shop weekly and we try to do all we need in town at the same time because of the distances I would say that's our biggest expense, diesel. Public transport is nearly non exsistent here, cars are a necessity

We have had some major bad winters in the eight years we have lived here, one where we had 10 foot of snow, one where we were without power for a whole week, one where we had solid ice for three weeks, then no water for a week when the thaw finally came

But life goes on, we still get to work and out and about. We know winters can be bad and we are prepared for all eventualities. We have wind up lamps, a camping stove,and big kettles for the stoves, so we always have heat, light and hot food and water

All the kids go to the local schools for primary years. Then they have to travel to the towns for secondary education. The school busses drop them off as close to their homes as possible, but that can still mean a mile or so walk to the pick up point. Obviously we are very rural and if you are looking at a village move it's not so applicable

Mums and dads spend a LOT of time doing kids runs, some mums and dads have to drive their kids to and from work as well if they struggle to get their licence.

Found it very disconcerting at first, realising that everyone knows everything about everyone. But I've got used to it and find it really quite reassuring now. When illness and death came to this family, the support and help we received without even having to say to anyone was heartwarming. Neighbours even travelling across the country to attend funerals. We don't live in each other's pockets but we support each other When cars need digging out of the snow there's many a willing helper. We don't wait around for the road service to get the roads clear, the local farmers will keep them passable There is a great community spirit. All the small twins have community centres and they are well used and attended. There is always something happening somewhere. I actually have more of a social life now then when I lived in London

I was 42 when we moved and at first I found it so frustrating to have to do a 100 mile trip to get to a decent sized town with the shops that sold the things I wanted. People here thought I was mad I now know I was mad myself :rotfl: life is simpler here, I don't need half the stuff I was pining for. My wardrobe is half the size it was. My high heels are never worn, the cows and sheep aren't bothered by how many handbags I have.

We will move to a town again when we are too old to drive but for now I'm loving country living