Modern society is undoubtedly becoming more and more hectic. Thanks to increased inner city developments, a higher volume of traffic on the roads, longer working hours and 24/7 amenities there is very little escape from the fast-paced hustle and bustle that is synonymous with city living.
For an increasing number of city dwellers, the idea of packing up and getting away from it all is a very appealing option, so much so that the numbers of homeowners relocating to the country has risen significantly in recent years with official figures predicting a 6% increase in those moving to the country before 2025.
With the most recent census figures stating that 17.6% of England’s population live in rural areas (a figure that is likely to have since increased), it is clear that the countryside is rapidly becoming the new location, location, location.
Why move to the country?
To find out more about what is enticing city folk to the countryside, Origin ran a survey among more than 800 UK residents, asking them:
“What would attract you most to living in the countryside?”
Here’s what the respondents had to say…
The lure of tranquillity
The ‘peace and quiet’ of the countryside appealed to 34% of respondents and 30% were attracted by the ‘beautiful scenery’.
Unsurprisingly, the survey highlighted peace and quiet as being the countryside’s biggest lure, followed closely by the beautiful scenery.
The tranquillity of the countryside, and the headspace it brings as a result, is the perfect antidote to stress, making it the ideal choice for those looking to relocate — either as a commutable retreat from the rat race or for those undertaking a complete life change. And what could be a better way to relax and unwind than looking out across rolling fields, breathing in the fresh air and listening to nothing but birdsong and the occasional rumble of a passing tractor?
Slow down and catch up
13% of respondents were drawn to the ‘sense of community’, and 12% were tempted by the ‘slower pace of life’.
It is widely reported that city life can often feel quite anonymous, with little sense of community. Country life, however, can be far more sociable, with neighbours more willing to pop in for a chat over a cuppa and lend a hand when necessary.
The slower pace of life also nods towards gaining clarity and focusing on what is important in life: spending more quality time with friends and family, making the most of being with loved ones and generally investing in the here and now.
The additional space that often comes hand in hand with rural properties, plus the glorious backdrop of the surrounding scenery inevitably encourages social gatherings, garden parties and outdoor entertaining.
Because of the changeable weather that we so often encounter in the UK, it can be difficult to ‘commit’ to outdoor entertaining - as a result, the kitchen generally becomes the hub of the party. Installing bifold doors that lead out from the kitchen into the garden is a great way to open up the space, allowing guests to flit in and out as they wish and ultimately adding more spontaneity to the gathering.
Even if the weather is unsuitable for outdoor entertaining, open bi-folds give the impression of additional space, whilst giving hosts an excuse to showcase the enviable view!
Much more than a breath of fresh air
9% of respondents would be keen to escape the pollution of the city to benefit from the purer quality of country air.
There is nothing quite like the feeling when you fling open your windows or bi-fold doors and drink in the crisp, country air. No pollution, no smog, just pure fresh air.
This was acknowledged by 9% of those surveyed, who cited improved air quality as being the greatest draw to the countryside. The clean, fresh air that is synonymous with country living can undoubtedly provide significant health benefits, such as:
- Fresh air cleans the lungs by bringing more oxygen to the cells.
- The more oxygen you inhale the more serotonin your body produces, which in turn improves happiness and wellbeing.
- Increased oxygen improves clarity of thought.
- Fresh air helps the body digest food more effectively.
- Clean air can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, whereas stale air forces the body to work harder to extract the necessary oxygen.
- The immune system is strengthened by fresh air as oxygen produces white blood cells necessary to destroy germs.
- Fresh air purifies the blood.
Top tips for making the most of a countryside location
The above mentioned attributes are certainly not lost on those who already enjoy a rural location, with many home owners taking measures to maximise their peaceful surroundings.
Bi-fold doors —Bi-fold doors are undoubtedly one of the best ways to make the most of stunning views, allowing entire walls to be swept open to take advantage of every inch of the surrounding landscape.
Balconies and Roof Terraces — The elevated position of a balcony or roof terrace can open up a view even further, especially in hilly areas.
Following the sun — A south facing garden is an enviable feature in all homes, however with country homes often benefitting from larger gardens there is the potential to identify the areas which receive the most amount of sun. Maximising these sunny spots by creating instant access from the home via bi-fold doors will create a seamless transition between the inside and out, whilst having the added benefit of allowing the sunlight to flood into the room. Sun position is also a good starting point when considering an upstairs balcony.
‘Upside down’ living — Many rural properties boast a fabulous view from the upstairs rooms — as a result some home owners choose to reconfigure the property to incorporate upstairs living areas so that the surroundings can be enjoyed fully during the daytime. This type of layout lends itself to balconies and raised terraces.
Maximising the tranquillity
Considering the benefits that were highlighted in the survey — peace and quiet, community values, slower pace of life, improved air quality and of course, spectacular, endless views of the rolling countryside — there is little wonder why more and more people are upping sticks and heading to the sticks.