Margot as drawn by the very dear and talented Barbara
Join me on my journey from self-confessed townie to country bumpkin!
When our dearest friends, Tom and Barbara (of course!) left our leafy London suburbia to expand their one dog to two dogs, a donkey and several acres of vegetable garden, we thought it was time for us to make the move from town to country too. You can read about how it all started here.
Trying desperately not to show myself up in front of the rural Joneses, I started writing about our countryside capers turning from townie to bumpkin when we moved lock, stock and barrel from London to Hampshire in 2013. These episodes in getting to grips with country life often feature my absurdly patient husband Jerry and the tears, tantrums and tiaras of our two girls (Primrose aged 9 and Poppy aged 6) as well as various animals (two cats, two rather bonkers spaniels, Monty and Dora, 5 hens and a cockerel and 6 ducks at last count). To be honest, I think that most of my writing is about weathering the chaos and reaching gin o’clock with at least some sanity intact!
Moving from a chocolate box cottage in the village to a derelict farmhouse with four acres, these days I can be found knee deep in mud mostly or chasing errant ducks when I am not tip tapping away at my desk.
If you’re interested in taking a look at more of my writing and reading some of the features I have written, then head over here for samples of my work and a list of publications I have written for.
I would suggest you need to ride. Given that you are a good cook how’s about once a week try and make something WOW for darling Jerry. Knit or crochet perhaps?!?! I know someone who could teach you to fish. You could always take up painting or photography.
Darling Margot: fairies and cupcakes? This all seems rather too civilised for country tastes! I think Primrose and Poppy need to get a good coating of mud in readiness for life in the wild old Shires. I propose a trip to a city farm! Time for you all to start SMELLING the good life……photos should you get there please!
Quite right quite right! Look out for muddiness and more Margot mayhem at the end of this month when we visit Tom and Barbara in their rural idyll!
Dear Margot,
Oh, I love you. And your Twitter wallpaper. I think you should contact @LadiesShooting and ask for Victoria. Not only will she give you brilliant country-living tips, but she can also introduce you to The Shotgun and Chelsea Bun Club. And V and her team are always looking for fun new guest bloggers.
Very best of luck in your countryside endeavours,
From your fan,
Carlie
Ooh you are too kind! I know those lovely shooting ladies on Twitter and am definitely going to book a day! Thank you for being such a fan! I am honoured Xx
Such a great blog and I know lots of my readers will love following your story as they plan their own leap into the countryside! Keep up the good work
How wonderful! Definitely chutneys and jam making should be on the list! My husband would love this…I’m too scared to take the leap…shall be following closely though!
Ooh tell your husband to follow too! Thank you so much for lovely comments.
A move you won’t regret, we did just the same 11 years ago.
Are regular visits back to London allowed? – for some indulgent shopping or for the ‘Big City’ atmosphere. Or must they be restricted and confined to “occasions” or just one visit each season?
Can’t help but ruefully recognise myself in some of your musings … and we called our daughter Margot … ! Can say from experience that there will be some regrets … BUT they will be outweighed by the lovely stuff.
I love this post.
We are also in the process of moving to the countryside and my friends tease me saying ill be in the Barbour shortly.
I look forward to reading more about your country life.
OMG! I just realized few days ago that I am no longer use to modern living. When I saw a picture of a modern designed building I gasped. I dont know it anymore. Thats me now. Like you I am from the city. Now is a coastal town thats vintagey. #pocolo
Love it. I’ve lived in a village most of my life, but it was still a shock living in the middle of nowhere (well, between 3 villages, none of which have a shop), and having to drive everywhere. Look forward to reading more #pocolo
Hi, just come across your blog, intriguing…
(…from one country bumpkin…& always shall be;-)
Ooh thanks for commenting! Hope you enjoy reading my little blog. We love our new country life.
Loving your blog! If you ever want to try something different with an at home feel come to our supper club monthly in Winchester run by a true Hampshire hog farmers daughter
WHAT an offer! Might just take you up on that one! Thanks so much for your lovely comment – glad you enjoy reading my blog.