Dreaming of a new life in the country?

Prepare yourself for the realities of rural living with our step-by-step guide

Some eagerly leave the city only to find themselves isolated in a damp cottage miles from anywhere with no friends - it's understandable that a significant proportion of those who move from city to country up sticks and return to town.

But for every person whose dreams of rural bliss turned into a nightmare, there are many more who move, stay and love their new life. They could never imagine returning to the congestion and stress of city living. For them, the countryside represents a more peaceful, relaxing and fulfilling lifestyle with better surroundings, more free time and a greater sense of wellbeing. It's no surprise that life expectancy and levels of general health are higher in rural areas than in urban Britain.

So what separates the stayers from the scarperers? Ask anyone who's made the move successfully and they'll tell you that realistic expectations are vital - attitudes, the pace of life, community living, access to amenities and socialising all change when you move from the city. Some improve. Some are just different. How you adapt to these changes is key to how soon you'll settle in. More important is understanding what doesn't alter when you move. It's not going to make you a different person - you won't suddenly change personality or find you forget your problems just because the view from your kitchen window is better.

Preparation is essential. Finding the right house and location is crucial, but you also need to think about what kind of country dweller you are and what you want from your local village or market town.

You need to familiarise yourself with the area, and think about how to find the best deals in the rural housing market and how to sell up if you're keen to make a clean break from the city. There are hints and advice about what to look for in a rustic retreat, common pitfalls to avoid, and new pieces of legislation that will affect anyone thinking of moving house. Once you've made the decision, we will take you through the countdown to moving and settling in to rural life - getting involved and becoming part of a community will almost certainly make the transition a smoother and happier one. So what are you waiting for? Follow our seven steps to rural heaven and soon you, too, could be living the good life...

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