New kids on the lifestyle block making a living
TIn this issue, we’re looking beyond the more typical animalbased profit options, and have considered what else can be done, even on a smaller block.
here’s lots of inspiration for anyone who lives on a lifestyle block, or would like to, in this issue of Farm and Country. Many people buy a block with the intention, or dream, of making it a fulltime life over time – but turning your land into something that gives you a profit rather than just requiring a direct line of credit to Farmlands can be a challenge.
You’ve probably thought of all the traditional ways – raising cattle, maybe having a few sheep, housing some chickens to provide you with eggs that you can convince your children to sell at the end of the driveway.
But in this issue, we’re looking beyond the more typical animal-based profit options, and have considered what else can be done, even on a smaller block.
Mazz Scannell has talked to a group of people who’ve been able to make a fulltime living from their properties, doing everything from running a petting zoo to operating virtual farm tours.
She spoke to Arthur Chin, whose story is a great one – he started the tours of his property hoping to cover the cost of his lunch but when his fulltime role at UCOL was disestablished, he made it his day job. He now shows people from around the world what his slice of New Zealand countryside is like.
Gerhard Uys has also looked at what it takes to make a profit from horticulture and spoke to a couple who developed an avocado orchard. Shepherdess has contributed a feature about a couple running an olive grove, one of whom had moved on from a job as an elephant handler to do so.
There’s a sobering reality check from Melanie Carroll on how you can prepare your section for climate change. She has talked to lifestylers about the challenges they are already facing and what might be ahead. I know that over the summer months many people start worrying about their water tanks – as her story points out, weather events of all sorts are becoming more of an issue.
But it’s not all about the work you do on your block; you need to live there, too. Esther Taunton has had a look at what goes into deciding where to send your kids to school if you don’t have a local school down the road, and compared the cost of sending kids to boarding schools. Spoiler (or probably not) – it’s not cheap.
We’ve also compiled a round-up of some of the most expensive lifestyle blocks that have sold in recent months. There are some amazing properties in the mix – perfect daydream fodder.
We hope you enjoy this latest issue of Farm and Country. All the best for your lifestyle endeavours.