What it's really like moving from the city to the country

Happy Tuesday lovelies! I hope everyone is staying warm and cozy. As many of you know, my hubby and I made a big move out to the country at the end of 2018. We are going on our third month in our new home. Many of you have been asking what it’s like to move out of the city, so I thought I’d give you all a little insider peek into our new world.

Our new home is located in Cheltenham (Caledon) and is about a 45 minutes drive (with no traffic) to get to the Blush + Bowties studio in Toronto. Our house was built in 1915 by a carpenter and backs onto a beautiful wooded ravine. Firstly, I love love love our home. I actually had the most freakin’ fun decorating and choosing furniture for the house. It was a LOT of work, but now that we are settled, it’s a dream.

I’ve been asked quite a bit what it’s like to not be in the city, but the truth is, because I have the studio in Leslieville, I am in the city 3-4 times a week. Admittedly over the holidays, I did really miss Toronto. I took December off from in-studio meetings for Christmas and to settle in, so the absence of the city was apparent. The few times I went into Toronto, I felt like I was reunited with my long lost friend. I was sniffing the city air longingly, pining over all the old buildings, taking in the hustle and bustle of the sidewalks and feeling pretty nostalgic. I love Toronto. I really love Toronto. And to be honest, I would never live out in the country without knowing I would be in the city every week. I’m a city gal, but I now live in the country. So yes, it’s been an adjustment.

I think I have a very special situation, because having the studio makes me feel like I am still part of the buzz of Toronto. I don’t think I could spend every waking minute in the peacefulness of our little village. However, I have noticed a significant shift since moving out to the country. In the last few years of condo living, something has felt off. I wasn’t in love with the area we were living in and would be woken up often by loud noises and terrifying screams (hello Bloor and Sherbourne). Even though I loved our condo, I was starting to feel claustrophobic. I am a minimalist  - my husband is not. Our closets were overflowing, cupboards (although organized) were just too full. I loved our view but I longed for birds, trees and to just be able to pop out the door versus waiting (sometimes 10-15 minutes a time) for the elevator.

Our new home has fulfilled my longing for roots. I feel grounded. I feel healthier. I feel so much more connected to nature than I have in the past 15 years of living in the city. Adam and I have taken to walking an hour a day on a local trail (except when it’s -20 outside, we discovered that is a bad idea). The fresh air and quiet has filled something inside of me that I felt was missing. I can’t even imagine what it will be like when there is actually green on the trees! There are times when it feels odd; where I miss being able to pop out and go to my favourite shops in Toronto on a whim. Also ordering a pizza or any type of food actually isn’t possible out here (which is turning out to be a good thing for our pocket books and waistline).

I think what I am loving about this new life, is that I am getting the best of both worlds. When I am in the city working, going to venues, and seeing my clients, I take in the energy of the city I long for. We’ve learned to plan our days so if I have a day of meetings, we’ll schedule in dinner at a place we’ve always wanted to try in the evening. But on the days I am home, I find myself more at ease. Our wood burning fireplace and cozy living room sets the scene to take it easy, enjoy the quiet, and relax.

So there you have it - there is a little peek into our new lives. If any of you are thinking of moving outside the city, so far I am loving it. I would never suggest it to those who have fixed 9-5 work schedules (rush hour is truly a nightmare and I just can’t condone spending 3-4 hours a day driving) but for those of you who run your own show, work from home or have a flexible work schedule - I’d totally recommend exploring the real estate the country has to offer. I never thought this city gal would be taking to the country as well as I am. I’ll keep you all posted as the seasons shift and we settle in more to our new humble abode!