Rural Life

To me this is one of the joys — a picturesque corner where even in a relatively large village the camera will seek out charming, almost chocolate box images, far removed from regimented rows of housing or apartments on city and town  streets.
Don’t get me wrong, we have spent a lot of time living in city and town, and I do not deny there are many advantages to being in the centre of things, and within walking distance of shops, pubs and restaurants.
We are still in walking distance of at least some of those amenities, yet for many things we do need to visit the nearby towns and bus services in rural areas are not nearly as convenient as in town, which means your own transport is a necessity.
But would I swap it? Not willingly.  Village living provides a unique quality of life that in my experience you will struggle to find in town. Yet even villages like this are in danger of losing their unique character should planners allow developers to encroach on valuable rural land.  The arguments for more development are easy to understand, because there are many who would chose the rural life, and new housing could make it a reality.
The arguments against are strong too,  especially for those who fear that growing villages will destroy the magic and allure of living in the country.

There is no easy truce.