Is There Hope For A Young Senior Lady Looking in Vermont for an Acre Or Two?

Margie here.
I am looking into Vermont, the original landing place of my great x ?grandfather (mid 1700's). (Still researching the exact area).
A small 1, 2, 3 acre plot with a cottage or half decent cabin. (Half decent means...not falling apart!)
Does anyone have a good idea about which areas would be good ? Perhaps in an area where I could help out, in exchange for some help? Near a University?
My thinking is to get started, and my daughters would join up later on.
Where would I begin to look for the possibility of taking over a home, when the owner can no longer do so, but wants to keep the property going on, Permaculture style!
I am 62, and want to realize my dream, for as long as I can. My favorite part of gardening is making terrific soil.
I am super resourceful, and I really want to build a rocket mass heater and stove!
I am sure there are other young seniors who would like to do the same.
Thank you!
This is the best forum in the world!
🌻Margie

I don't know Vermont at all, but wanted to wish you good luck with your search. The right handful of acres is out there, and you will find it.

Margie, I'm not familiar with that area, so I can't help there. But I can give you a thumbs up for pursuing your dream! I have heard from so many people who don't get started until they are empty-nesters or in early retirement, yet they are able to make their dreams come true. Please keep us posted on your land search!

Margie, I've never been to Vermont though I have heard it is beautiful.

This is an old ad so I am just posting it to show you the beautiful picture:

https://permies.com/t/62305/acres-southern-Vermont

Here is how I look for land:

I use a website https://www.realtor.com/

I put the county and state in the search box and it will show me what is available that is listed by realtors.

It helps to have a price in mind or a ceiling as the most a person is willing to pay.

This is one of my pastimes ... just looking at the ads. And that is how I found our last two properties.  I am no longer looking for property so I just look for fun.

Do a search on zillow, set the lot size to a min of 1acre and you can set your max dollar amount.
It took me 1 minutes to find this house for $60,000
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/690-Tenney-Hill-Rd-Ascutney-VT-05030/2077879338_zpid/

Thank you so much for your help!
I am going to ask the Realtor about Tenney Road. Looks like the place may need some handiwork as there are no interior pics. I hope it's not in a flood plain, as it is close to  the Connecticut River, and the listing said "unknown".
Hmmmm.
I appreciate  your help!
😊😊😊
Margie

Hi Margie;
Vermont is a wonderful place. I spent my childhood between there and southern Connecticut.
Central Vermont near the Middleberry university is a really nice area. Very Rural feel.
Southern Vermont in the Putney area was another favorite area.
The whole state is a good choice!  Keep looking, the perfect cottage is out there waiting for you to come turn it back into a home!

EDIT)  When you are ready to build a rocket mass heater be sure to come on back!  You already know the forum leader... he will gladly point you in the right direction!

Thanks Thomas! I will check this out!
Margie

I live in Texas, so I can't help with your questions. However, I wanted to post to send a bit of encouragement on your homesteading journey! My parents and I are looking to go into a joint adventure as first time homesteaders as well, they're about your age! Just wanted you to know you aren't the only one out there starting off in your 60s.

In our searches we decided we would like at least 4 acres, maybe 3 if the land is phenomenal, since we are planning on building two homes and my husband and I will be raising our family there. Granted, we're looking in the hills so you pretty much need that much land to be able to fit 2 homes and still have enough flat-ish land to use.

If your daughters are planning on coming onboard later, definitely figure out how many homes you will need to help you figure out how many acres you absolutely need. We (husband, 1 young toddler, and I) currently live with my parents in a suburban lot in town and through this experience have decided we DEFINITELY want our own home. We would by no means mind being neighbors but being in the same home can be a bit much sometimes. (Honestly, more than anything, my mom and I are both home all day and distract each other way too much, I'm so productive when she's gone! I also just want to have my own systems in place in our own home since I'm more permie than my parents.)

I wish you the best of luck, you already know this but Ill say it anyway, you can do whatever you wish, you just have to visualize it and be willing to do alot of legwork.

Rebecca, I totally get it! I live with my oldest daughter and 14 yr old granddaughter, and it's my daughter's condo...thankfully it's 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms!!!
I would definitely love to have us in seperate houses, and it would be great if she found a partner who loves the homesteading  life too.  (My granddaughter's father died three years ago)
My daughter is almost ready to do it, but, she is teetering on the fence.
I do have many relatives in New England , and some are great builders and excavators...so I have that covered.
Perhaps I 'll give them a shout about possible locations.
I wish you luck and best wishes in finding your dream place.
Say hello to your parents!
Margie

Hi, Margie -- I'm also in the upper age bracket and interested in buying or renting a permaculture farm somewhere. Lived in the New England states for decades and feel happy there. Would like to find one or two other women to share energy on this. Perhaps that might resonate with your own plans!

-- Lynne

Hi Lynne!

Thank you for your reply, and if you would like to talk more about it, please email me,  morningmargiestar@aol.com

It's either Vermont, or Hawaii...

Blessings!

Margie