In November of 2020, possibly after too much exposure to Channel 4 lifestyle documentaries, we set sail on our own country renovation project. We re-located from a perfectly pleasant and attractive commuter town, with our 6 week baby daughter, to the top of a valley in Carmarthenshire. Our mission was to find a home in the traditional sense, but one that presented the opportunity to evolve a period house and seek a way of life that meant spending more time together and embracing a new life in the great outdoors.
So why Wales? It presented opportunities that could instantly help us tick off chosen lifestyle points on our family’s “bucket list”, allowing us to skip at least one more interim move along the commuter line to achieve our goals. We had the willingness to invest our time and energy to into something with great potential and were pleasantly surprised by how far our budget went, but also how accessible and connected it is (but that is another blog!)
We wanted some land for livestock that could link in with a guest business, some form of separate accommodation and access to the beautiful coastal regions of South Wales for example the Gower Peninsular, Saundersfoot and Tenby. We acted decisively and moved quickly in what is always a competitive market in the house with land sector.
So what has the first four years brought? We’ve converted an attic into a farm office, now responsible for chickens, pigs and sheep (be prepared for the feed bill!), welcomed guests to share in the beauty of our environment, harnessed some DIY skills, employed seasonal staff, made new friends and have a very happy daughter in the local school.
My career as a rural Chartered Surveyor has helped me navigate through planning and building control, agricultural grants, woodland management plans and livestock keeping but success isn’t out of reach for those without similar project experience. The pre-requisite is a determination to make the dream a reality and work with people who can help guide you.
As a buying agent and Rural Surveyor, I help my clients realise their property and lifestyle ambitions within Wales and the Welsh borders. All with the backing of a large and experienced team at JMChase.
