5 Acres and a Dream in France

Hi Leigh,

The title of your book really resounds with me as we also have 5 acres and a dream. We bought a 5-acre property in France 3 years ago...but we live far far away in the United Arab Emirates. How can we "do" anything? Well, for one we have arranged for a local tree surgeon to dump his wood chips on our property while we are not there. When we do visit, we spread them in the area where we hope to have our "potager" or kitchen garden to build good soil. So far we have also planted trees and perennials, dug a few swales, The first year we owned the property, I attended a permaculture course,..but while taking the PDC increased my knowledge, it also highlighted so many areas where I lack knowledge or skills. For now, I read read read- I am an armchair farmer with big dreams.

I realize starting small is so important. as is doing one thing at a time. I get so distracted with all the options-pastured hens, intensive grazing, silvo pastured pigs or sheep, orchards, ponds, and on and on. We might eventually be able to do a bit of some or all, but I know, start small. and until we live there full time it is hard to start much at all.

BTW, we also homeschooled my 5 children from 1993 to present, in Canada and in the UAE.

So I look forward to reading your book and applying much of your expertise and wisdom to my situation.

Best,
Rebecca L

Rebecca, I'm so impressed. Long-distance homesteading is indeed challenging, but I guess it forces you to start small, lol.  You've done so much in preparation, and it all helps build your foundation. Your master plans are inspirational. Well done. All that "sidetrack" reading helps you build a knowledge base. It will definitely be useful in the future. When do you think you'll be able to move to your homestead full-time?