One common issue for people buying their first block is discovering it’s the wrong one.

One of the common issues I see when people buy their first block is their realisation after a while that they bought the wrong one.

A few years ago, we asked readers if they intended to move, and if so, where. A large proportion answered yes, to a bigger or better block that was more suited to interests they didn’t know they had when they first moved to the countryside.

There are so many revelations when you move to a block for the first time. Growing up on a farm doesn’t seem to help much. I had no idea I was a natural goat person until I met my first goat. I didn’t see any use for geese in my life, yet there are eight of the batty shriekers just out the door and I love them.

One thing I thought I’d got right was my choice of block. Around 4ha (it’s 3.7ha). Not a flood plain (just the odd surface flooding in one far-off corner in big storms). Quiet, away from lots of neighbours, near the end of a dead-end road. I accidentally won the lottery on that one. There are a few blocks around me, but mostly it’s just one dairy farming family who own most of the road and keep buying farms to make sure they have as few neighbours as possible.

I love my block, but over the years, I’ve realised there are a few things I covet. My brother has almost 2ha of 100-year-old native bush on his block, and it’s so beautiful. The first time I saw a pelton wheel creating free power thanks to falling water, I wished I had a creek.

This month we feature a block that takes my wishlist and goes big: in the middle of nowhere, lots of bush, an owner-built log cabin, their very own water wheel, enough free power to run their home and car, and some of the most beautiful neighbours you’ll ever see (or hear).

You’ll also meet the inspiring Shannon Wright. I nearly changed careers after spending a few hours with her.

Instead, I rabbited my way around her block and thanked the stars for all my blessings.

Nadene Hall, Editor

READ MORE The off-grid, log cabin-living, rare bird saviours of Manawahe See page 52