What constitutes a lifestyle block?

Wacre.

income.

sold. hile there’s no official parameters or landcla ssification on what a lifestyle block is, a good rule of thumb is that the average block is just under 4 hectares or 10 acres. Although some lifestyle blocks can be as small as half an

I read somewhere that it you use a hand mower to mow your lawns, then it is residential, a lifestyle block requires a ride on mower and a farm, a tractor. I know this doesn’t apply in all cases but it pretty much

sums it up.

Some people are after the space, a healthier way of life, a chance to have a small orchard, grow fresh vegetables and enjoy a few chooks. Whereas others are hoping to raise a few animals and supplement their

It is not easy making your entire income from a lifestyle block, it can be done, but realistically it is a good way to make savings on your everyday expenses.

My experience as a lifestyle block owner

Inspired by the programme “The Good Life,”

In my twenties I purchased my first house andoneacreblockofland.Iwasverykeenon being self-sufficient and grew herbs which I

I had a wonderful wood stove that went all year round, a goat that ate the neighbour’s shrubs, a calf who managed to leap a brand new 7 wire fence in lookout of a mate, a few chooks, a wonderful vegetable garden and a pantry full to the brim with preserves.

Roll on forty years and I am doing it all again, living on an acre, more rural this time and with a few more home comforts. ...hey40yearshavegoneby!Ihavea freestanding fire with a wetback, gas to cook on, a selection of chooks, a small orchard, vegetable garden, I graze a few of the neighbour’s sheep and I have a totally useless cat for pest control. I grow my own seedlings, compost, have a worm farm and really enjoy my peaceful surroundings.

Yes, it sounds idyllic doesn’t it, space, quiet and a healthy lifestyle, but before you set out on your lifestyle block adventure, you need to think about the pros and cons of owning a lifestyle block.

Making the plunge

There are two main considerations that need to be thoroughly thought out before commencing.

The first being how far out of town do you want to be. Remember if your children have

Saturday sport and you are still going to work, you may need to consider how much travelling you are going to be prepared to do.

The size of your lifestyle block is the next consideration. Are you wanting space and a healthier lifestyle or are you wanting a larger block to raise animals for instance to supplement your income?

Let the journey begin

Once you have these sorted, let the fun begin. It will be a roller coaster ride I can tell you, but so long as you have a thorough understanding of what the expectations will be. . . I am sure you are going to love it.

Over the coming weeks I will be writing about various aspects of living on a lifestyle block from my personal experience. I hope this will give anyone contemplating the move, some insight into “The Good Life”.