It’s a romantic notion which many of us hold. Being able to throw away the stresses and strains that come with living in the city, and move to a small farm in the countryside to see out our dotage. For those who actually go through with this type of plan, the Scottish Highlands is a popular choice of destination, and it’s not hard to see why. The area offers spectacular scenery, peace and quiet, and property tends to be very cheap. However, like all dreams, it’s worth spending a little bit of time considering the practical realities before you fully commit yourself. In this useful article, we will run you through the highs and lows of a farm in the Scottish Highlands, so that you can make an informed decision about
Choosing and Furnishing Your Home
The Highlands is not packed with furniture stores so you may find that you end up doing most of your shopping online. If you can bring some furniture with you, then we would highly suggest that you do so. You can reupholster sofas and other soft furnishings with new covers to give them a new lease of life. Items such as this ikea karlstad sofa cover can make a real difference to the look of your property.
Should You Run a Farm?
This may sound obvious, but running a farm can be arduous work, often in a highly variable climate, and this is a piece of information that can often tend to get lost when we have a very romantic view of the way farming life is. If you actually want to run your farm as a working operation, then make sure that you will actually be able to give it the time which it deserves. You may be better off concentrating on growing a few crops before you decide to get a large number of animals involved in your farm. There is no point in escaping to the Scottish Highlands, only to find yourself working harder, and for more extended hours each day, than you ever did back home
Choosing Where to Live
You can begin your property search online, but we would highly suggest that you take a trip to the Highlands sooner, rather than later, so that you can put your dream to the test. Remember to think about practical considerations, such as where you will get groceries, (or even the location of the nearest pub!) before you decide where you are going to live. This shouldn’t detract from your dream of living in the Highlands, but will ensure that it’s an experience which you genuinely enjoy once you have made the move!
