Home: Country Living: Raised in the City, Living in the Country

Emma’s a strikingly energetic and capable person. She looked so right sitting in her country cottage, surrounded by acres of land, horses, dogs, chickens, cattle and various machinery.Emma’s small wooden clad cottage was surprisingly roomy inside.  It was well organised, uncluttered yet homey and welcoming. Everywhere I looked, there was texture to feast my eyes on: old locks, peeling paint, rusty tanks, red dirt, green grass.  Such a refreshing change from the structure and fast pace of  my own urban lifestyle.  I felt quite envious as Emma talked with me about living in the country.

Emma with her three children.

Did you grow up in the country?

No, I lived in the city for most of my life. But our family did have a holiday farm and I always loved going there as a child.

Did you always want to live in the country?

As long as I can remember, I wanted to marry a farmer and live in the country. And I did! I married a gorgeous farmer and live out in the Lockyer Valley, about 2 hours from Brisbane.

What is your favourite thing about living in the country?

The space. The room to move. The ability to ride my horses, train my dogs and ride my motorbike. I also love the simple way of living out here. I’m a very black and white sort of person so the country life suits me.

“I love the simple way of living out here. I’m a very black and white sort of person so the country life suits me.”

What are the drawbacks of country living?

There aren’t many shops around so going to appointments take up the whole day. That’s about the only drawback I can think of!

Your country cottage is small.  How do you optimise space with three children in the house?

I love the Ikea [Expedit] storage system. I have 3 in the house. I don’t have a lot of toys inside but have heaps of outside toys.

Are you  self-sufficient?

I love the idea of being self-sufficient but right now it’s too hard: I’m looking after 3 children under three and have a husband who is gone long hours. So at the moment I’m growing pumpkin and we use our own cattle for meat. Oh, and we have chickens too.

What is your best tip for organising your home?

Keep it simple! I keep my house uncluttered so I can keep it organised. I have a very child-friendly house too. I have a special hat rack down low so the children can get their own hat every time they are outside and I have baskets down low with plastic cups and plates. I think it’s really important to teach kids independence. Having my house this way is also a way for my son [with speech problems]  to communicate with me.  When he’s thirsty, he’ll go and get a cup out. When he’s hungry, he’ll grab a plate.

I love your entrance. It’s warm and friendly. And what’s the cute hanging scales for?

Well, basically I wanted a place for my husband to put all his crap as he walks in the door so he doesn’t leave it around the house. And it works! He dumps everything from his pockets as he puts his hat up and I clean it out every 6 months.

What is one of your favourite things inside the home?

I’ve started to cook everything from scratch so I’m loving my spice holder. It’s [cooking from scratch] easier than I thought.

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What would you say to someone considering moving to the country?

{Laughing} Don’t do it! Because then there will be too many people out here! But seriously, living in the country is a great place to raise kids and it’s a great lifestyle but it’s not for everyone.

 

Emma, as I look over the countryside, I understand why you live here. Yes, I do.

Anyone else enjoying country living? Anyone dreaming of living in the country?

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