If the last 18 months has given us anything, it’s a renewed appreciation of the great outdoors, says Calor.
For many, this has meant more time spent exploring their local area, but for some, it’s prompted a more permanent shift. Estate agents across the UK have reported a surge in city dwellers looking to move to more rural locations, suggesting an increase in the number of people reassessing their lifestyle as a result of lockdown.
Whether you’re well on your way to moving to a more rural location, in the early planning stages, or it’s something you’re dreaming of for the future, there’s plenty of things you can do to make your move to the country nice and simple. So, what are the benefits of moving to the countryside and what do you need to know about how to live off the grid?
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Room to roam
Perhaps one of the biggest perks of moving to a countryside location is the amount of space on offer. As well as quaint, picturesque locations, rural homes often benefit from more garden space than their city counterparts. So, as well as being able to explore the rolling countryside from your own doorstep, you could also enjoy the peace and quiet from the comfort of your very own country garden.
With more space, comes more possibilities, especially when it comes to hobbies. Maybe you’ve always fancied having a go at growing your own veg or want to look into acquiring some feathered friends for an at-home chicken coop, with green space in abundance, the opportunities really are endless.
Community living
Far from the hustle and bustle of city living, moving to the country also provides the opportunity to be part of a close-knit local community. From making the most of local produce by paying a visit to the village shop, to cosying up by the fire and chatting to your neighbours over a drink in the pub, countryside living can make it easier to properly embed yourself into the community.
You only need to look to Calor’s Rural Community Fund to see the impact that community spirit can have, whether that’s fundraising to improve facilities at a local school, building a community garden or pitching in to improve parks for your community’s younger residents, lending your time and skills to a local community project is another good way to get involved with something that could have a positive impact on your local area.
Have a furry friend that will be joining you when you relocate? The country is also a great environment for dog owners and dogs alike, offering endless options for your daily walks as well as being the perfect way for you (and your pooch!) to meet people when you’re out and about! Plus, with lots of dog-friendly venues from pubs and shops to country estates, there are some great places for you both to explore.
Mind, body and soul
Away from the fast-paced world of busy work commutes, crowded streets and noise, living outside of the city can help you to slow down and be more mindful while at the same time, alleviating anxiety and reducing stress levels. Fresh air and exercise have both been proven to have a positive impact on your physical health. Simply incorporating a short walk into your day can help to increase fitness while reducing your risk of serious health conditions. It’s also much simpler to add into your daily routine when a leisurely country stroll is as easy as stepping out of your front door!
Staying connected
While there may be a raft of benefits to moving to the countryside, there are a few practical things to keep in mind. Internet and mobile coverage is an important consideration to make, especially if it’s something you rely on for work.
While internet connectivity in rural areas has dramatically improved in recent years, there are still areas where broadband speeds struggle. Doing some research into the area you’re looking to move to can give you a good insight into these factors, but internet and mobile providers are increasingly offering ways to stay connected with products like dongles and WiFi boosters, so there are options if connectivity isn’t great.
Powering your rural home
Next is your rural energy. Many rural locations are off-grid meaning that they aren’t connected to mains gas and rely on alternative sources like oil, or LPG (liquid petroleum gas) or BioLPG, for their home energy. With storage options including underground tanks and compact gas bottle storage, there’s a solution to fit every home, without compromising on space or aesthetics**.
While oil has previously been a popular off-grid energy choice, it can be costly and produces higher levels of carbon in comparison to cleaner options like LPG. LPG boilers are also often cheaper to buy and install as well as requiring minimal maintenance.*
If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint even more, BioLPG offers all the efficiency and convenience of LPG, but with a sustainable twist, meaning you could reduce your carbon emissions by up to 38% with BioLPG compared to oil*. Made with a blend of waste, residues and sustainably sourced materials, BioLPG works in exactly the same way as LPG so it’s compatible with existing LPG products and you won’t be comprising on performance either. It’s versatile too, letting you do everything from heating your water to powering your gas hob with an instant, controllable flame so whether you’re turning up your thermostat, or getting creative in the kitchen, BioLPG has you covered.
Doing your research is important, but thanks to providers like Calor, who have been powering the nation for over 85 years, off-grid home energy is actually much simpler than it sounds. Rated ‘excellent’ by customers on Trustpilot, Calor is expert in LPG, offering all of the same convenience of living on the grid when it comes to your off-grid heating and cooking, as well as being kinder to the environment.
You don’t even need to worry about running out of fuel thanks to Calor’s automatic ordering technology which constantly monitors your levels and schedules a delivery when you’re running low.
To find out more about Calor’s off-grid energy, visit www.calor.co.uk/rural-home-energy.
*38% reduction in GHGs (CO2e/ eq function) compared to heating oil. Emission savings calculated based on an allocation of 40% BioLPG and 60% conventional LPG. (Atlantic Consulting, 2017, a report commissioned by Calor Gas Limited.)
** Subject to site survey.
*** Atlantic Consulting, 2017, a report commissioned by Calor Gas Limited
