Gone Country

Always dreamt of trading your city life for country air? Whether you want to create a more tangible existence in somewhat uncertain times, are in search of a more “authentic” way of living (or just looking to put this season’s gingham tops to practical use), here’s our guide to making a “tree change” – and making it work

- Elle McClure

TALE OF TWO CITIES

In their previous lives, Emily Uebergang and Sarah Groom worked in finance and the food industry respectively, but now they cohabitate – along with Groom’s husband and two kids – on a farmstead in northern NSW, around four-and-a-half hours from Sydney. They spend their days perfecting their produce, selling pasture-raised eggs, kombucha and sauerkraut, and hosting farm stays for those after a taste of the simple life (so, no Grey Gardens reclusiveness here). They reveal what it’s like to make the switch to a place where the grass is always greener.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

In hindsight, we were ill-equipped for what was to come, even with a few skills like knowing how to ferment food and build a compost. We’d spent a bit of time volunteering on farms to see what it was like, which is a great way to work out if it’s right for you. But mostly you need an open mind, enthusiastic attitude and willingness to get in and get dirty. Plus a sense of humour when things go wrong! The rest you can learn as you go.

LEAVE YOUR EGO AT THE FENCE