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From City to Countryside: A Journey to Self-Sufficiency

Embracing a New Pace of Life

For years, I chased the allure of city life, moving from one bustling metropolis to another, each bigger than the last. I thrived on the energy, the opportunities, and the constant hum of progress. But after settling in the largest city I’d ever called home, something unexpected happened. I did a 180-degree turn—not a step backward in progress, but a deliberate move away from the fast lane, the noise, and the chaos. It was a return to something simpler, something rooted in the earth, a journey back to our roots.

Seventeen years of city-hopping had filled my life with excitement, but it was during my pregnancy with my first child that a new dream took shape. My husband and I envisioned a life on a smallholding—a place where we could raise animals, grow our own food, and live more self-sufficiently. It wasn’t just about escaping the city; it was about reconnecting with the land, understanding where our food comes from, and building a life that reflected our values as a growing family. One decision led to another, each step revealing a bigger picture of what truly mattered to us.

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A New Chapter in the Countryside

I’m Tony, originally from Norway. In 2017, I moved to London, UK, diving headfirst into one of the world’s most vibrant cities. But just a year later, in 2018, I made the bold decision to leave the urban sprawl behind and relocate to the countryside. Many assume you need to be a third-generation farmer to start a smallholding, but that’s simply not true. While experience helps, it’s not a prerequisite. Today, knowledge is more accessible than ever, and the farming community is incredibly generous, always ready to share advice and insights. You don’t need to fit into a predefined box or follow a stereotypical path. You can shape your life however you choose.

By 2022, we had settled on our farm. The animals arrived quickly—chickens, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, and more. Most of these creatures were new to me, but the learning curve was part of the adventure. The farm came alive, filled with the sounds and rhythms of animals, and it felt right. Each day brought new lessons, new connections, and a deeper appreciation for the life we were building.

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Homeschooling and a Childhood Rooted in Nature

As our family grew, so did our vision for our children’s upbringing. We chose to homeschool, letting our kids lead the way. Children are naturally curious, learning through play, observation, and participation in farm life. Together, we feed the animals, tend to their needs, and spend time in nature with friends. Learning happens organically—whether it’s understanding the cycles of life through caring for animals or discovering the world through exploration. Some skills might develop later than they would in a traditional school setting, but we’re in no rush. Our priority is giving our children a childhood filled with play, wonder, and the freedom to grow at their own pace. Adulthood, with all its responsibilities, will come soon enough.

I want to emphasize that our choices don’t imply others are wrong. Every family is different, and what matters is finding what works for you. We respect and learn from others’ paths, just as we hope they respect ours.

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Growing with the Seasons

This year, we’re taking on new challenges. We’re planning to butcher a few of our meat chickens for the first time, a big step toward greater self-sufficiency. We’re also preparing raised beds for our kitchen garden, planting more fruit trees, and repairing the polytunnel (which the cows creatively repurposed as a shed one winter). The cows’ unexpected contribution did wonders for the soil—last year’s tomatoes were a testament to that, growing wildly and bursting with flavor. But the polytunnel needs some patching up before we can fully reclaim it.

Our animal family has grown, too. Some animals are for meat, others for eggs, breeding, or simply as pets. We tried hand-milking our Jersey cow but soon realized a small milking machine saved us time and effort. As we move through the seasons, our plans evolve. What worked last year might not work this year, and that’s okay. We’re learning, adapting, and growing every day—just as the farm itself does.

An Invitation to Join Our Journey

If you’re curious about our transition from city life to a homeschooling, self-sufficient farming family, I’d love for you to follow along. Hit that like and subscribe button, and don’t forget to share our story. Your support means the world as we continue to build this life, one season at a time.

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