The big move

Events this year have persuaded more people than ever that relocating to the countryside is for them. Liz Shankland looks at the implications for the rural property market — and the expectations of potential buyers

- Liz Shankland

There can be no doubt that 2020 will go down in history as one of the most stressful and unsettling years the world has seen for generations. Here in the UK we lived through confusion and worry over Brexit, devastating floods, and then, to top it all, the massive wrecking ball of the coronavirus pandemic. All of these frightening factors have combined to make this a time that everyone would prefer to forget.

But, for some people, the unprecedented challenges of the past few months have provided a positive turning point; a catalyst for making major changes to their lives and laying down plans for the future. Not since the 1970s, when John Seymour’s landmark book, The Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency, inspired so many to go in search of the Good Life, have so many people set their hearts on leaving the rat race and moving to the countryside.

Behavioural scientists have long believed that spending time outdoors and connecting with nature benefits both physical health and mental wellbeing. Biologist Edward O Wilson came up with the term ‘biophilia’ to describe mankind’s innate desire to interact with the natural world. He developed the ‘Biophilia Hypothesis’, suggesting that humans were genetically predisposed to be attracted to nature.

Dr. Roger Ulrich undertook a considerable amount of research on the benefits derived from being outdoors. He concluded that exposure to natural environments reduced stress and restored people to a more healthy state; he even found evidence to suggest that when hospital beds were placed next to a window with a pleasing view, patients experienced faster recovery times.