I live in North Wales and always dreamed I'd finally buy an idyllic rural stone cottage, let's face it there are so many of them here. Off grid in many cases, certainly without gas supplies. But they are tiny and very hard work, it's a hard way of life. That is why so many are standing empty, in the end the former occupants left for hot and cold running water, central heating and a shop just round the corner. As we get older we need comfort and convenience more than in our youth. Mostly they end up as holiday lets because they are wonderful places to visit in short bursts, but just take a lot out of you to live there full time. Good luck.... what about a little plot of land and one of those static caravans?

@patriciachippendale2022

11 ай бұрын

Have a look around wenroland I think that's how you spell it it's beautiful ❤❤

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

so true, our dreams change for sure. xx and thankyou

@patterdale54

11 ай бұрын

Agree with above and if parkland/ trust the ballache of planning and changes, boundries and public access..oh and greenlaners

@evelynjolliff2799

11 ай бұрын

Omg I think it's amazing n id absolutely love to live in this enchanted land❤

@Marizeye

11 ай бұрын

Not to speak of good access to a nearby Hospital as you get older ...

I'm in my 50s, living off grid, 20 acres into forest service land these past three years. Absolutely love it!❤

@maryannknox7158

11 ай бұрын

Amazing

My parents bought three acres near a national park when they retired early. It was idyllic for about eight years, then healthy and mobility problems started mounting in conjunction with the stress of a legal dispute. The reality was that they were too far away from family support, amenities and hospital care. On top of that, mum couldn't drive, which stranded her when dad passed away. So scary! Recognizing that some dreams have a window of viability is good. Aging into a supportive, nurturing place is a good dream too.

@tonynewman8586

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for all your cheer 😂🤣

As someone who found their fairytale cottage, bought it and lives the dream, just do it, nothing nothing compares to the joy of living here every day, waking up sleeping, day dreaming, this cottage 600 years old has such a warm welcoming atmosphere, you will find your dream x

@dimagenpersonal

11 ай бұрын

I agree, the forest heals the heart and soul ❤

@maryannknox7158

11 ай бұрын

💗

@maryannknox7158

11 ай бұрын

Magical

What a lovely place on earth! But agreed, we aren't 20 anymore, are we? To have an indoor loo/shower/washer/dryer are just things we can't consider luxury as we get older. Wales is beautiful. Thank you for sharing, Wendy! ✨✨✨

@tainahollo8567

11 ай бұрын

I am 60 and living in my childhood home again - I do not have any of those conveniences you mentioned, nor did my granny who lived in the same house until she was about 90!

I think the property you looked at on the State Park land was extremely magical. As my husband and I watched your video we remarked that it’s amazing how depending upon what stage of life you’re in, you would see the property differently. If we were in our 30’s we would be mesmerized by it. All shortfalls would be seen as exciting challenges to be conquered. Every day would be a grand adventure. Well, I am presently beyond my adventure phase and therefore couldn’t help noticing the lack of running water, no indoor toilets, lack of head clearance upstairs and the fact that you would be lugging groceries ¼ mile to the house in the snow.

@Liberal.Linda.

11 ай бұрын

I live rurally right now and as I get older, I think of things like that. I've been thinking a lot of selling, then buying another place closer to town.

@howareyou857

11 ай бұрын

Oh me too! I bought my Welsh cottage when I was 30 it's rural ish. Still needs plenty of work. Looking foward to moving to a town in my 50s

@chandradookie2089

11 ай бұрын

I love it

@chantellucky4565

10 ай бұрын

Well said!!! It is a real concern and potentially problematic situations living in such an area without modern conveniences at an older age! It is fun to fancy/romanticize such a place to live in but in reality, this may not be livable in real life day to day, especially in winter! 😌

Clarity and reality are good things. We get to a certain point in our lives where the fantastical dreams of our youth aren't going to cut it any more. Fairy cottage and lively surroundings but basic amenities are now required.❤

We live in the USA and found your adventure so nice! We are in our golden years and sold our home last year, set out to find a home where my hubby was born. Could not find a home to buy, so we are staying in a 1900 cottage on a farm that his long time family friend had on the property. I must say living in the country has give us both our life we were searching for. Our garden is producing quite nicely and I’m busy with the canning and freezing of the crops. Good luck on your journey to find, “home”!

I live in the Snowdonia National Park, it is stunning, there are many stone cottages for sale, maybe start searching around Gwynedd area, our cottage found us by searching, it kept coming up in searches, but I dismissed it as thought it was too small, but it just felt right when we came to see it…on my birthday, and a full moon. You will find your dream cottage ❤

@thehappinesstree8089

11 ай бұрын

Me too. Right down at the bottom. Nowhere near as remote as this one though.

@cherylwevill4355

11 ай бұрын

i live on a narrowboat, but would love to trade it in for an off grid place with a couple of acres. The properties I've seen on line though, seem really expensive! Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place for something in my budget.

James knows it's for the best. It's idyllic but a money pit. It'd take ages to put right; new concrete floors, probably new roof at the very least. Keep wishing, and all your dreams WILL come true! Good luck with the on-going search☘️🍀☘️🍀☘️

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

yes, totes true! xx perfect for holidays or getaways... a 2nd home, but we need a first home first!!! lols!! thanks Jacqueline xxx

@marshawest9999

11 ай бұрын

Yes, I was thinking the same thing- this would be ideal as an Air B & B holiday home (complete with an investor with a ton of money to fix up the place properly.) 😉

I love the rustic, historic beauty but I know exactly what you mean about our needs and wants changing as we age. We used to want acreage and a separate art studio, huge gardens, chickens etc. but now that we are approaching our sixties it just isn’t best. And that’s okay!!! ❤ grow in grace and gentleness, and the now needs to be fully respected and embraced.

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

yes, to all you say beauty, xx very true and wise words xxxx

Having lived in a place like that, within a National Park, it's all very well in the summer but think of the winter months, with little light... & the mud. Remember you'd also need to go through National Park Planning re any changes. Hoping this viewing helps to re-direct your search 💕

That cottage is a dream! I can totally see myself living there without doing a thing to it! Love it as is!

Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us. The setting at that cottage was charming and peaceful. It looked like the perfect day for your visit. Your thoughts about realizing what you really want are so important ~ for all of us to consider in our lives. This was a powerful message and has provided much to think on. May we all be inspired by this. 💕

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

XX Glad you enjoyed it Linda thankyou so much x

It's a little bittersweet when a dream ends, but so positive that you're seeing it as the beginning to something new and exciting. Sometimes it's just as good to clarify what we do not want so as to narrow down to what we do. Wishing you all the luck in your journey home and feeling it will be just around the corner for you. 💕

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

thank you so much, yes, wise words indeed and that was exactly how we felt... xxxxx

I went to Wales in 2019 and, as an Aussie, fell in love with the green, the hills and dales. What a beautiful gift.

Imagining Wendy sitting by the waterfall painting fairies. It's such a lovely place.

I just happened to see this, and you helped me so much. At first, I was all for that beautiful magical cottage. Something out of a fairy book tale. Your wisdom helped me to realize that sometimes our dreams change as we grow older, and that’s okay. I’m disabled, and a year ago, we moved from our house into a beautiful caravan on our property. Our son and his family moved into our house. I am disabled, and it has been so easy for me to clean and just even get out of the bed. Now my energy is focused on my grand baby and taking care of me. Not a big house that needs constant care. Our dream is to travel in our caravan and see North America, Alaska, and Canada. Thank you so much for this! We have been considering living off grid, but I have realized that with disabilities and age, it would not be practical for us or our children. Much love from 🇺🇸🍄🌻🌺🌼🌷🌸🪻🌈

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

a perfect realisation isn't it? happy travels when you get there! xx

Thank you for sharing this journey with us! I do live off grid on a 9 acre croft and sometimes it just all seems too much! I find myself longing for a cottage with a little garden that I can actually look after .... 🌿💕

The older we get the less I am inclined to be off grid. Beautiful cottage, the bogginess of the land concerned me.

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

yup! same here!! x

@rae979

11 ай бұрын

I live completely off grid but have a huge solar system so I can run air conditioners, dryers etc,, however I do agree with the bogginess of the land plus the access issue would end up being a pain.

@libbysevicke-jones3160

11 ай бұрын

We are an older couple and we have gone off grid. We can’t understand how others can afford to live connected to the grid with all their mod cons. Having been brought up in a rural situation myself l have found off grid living easy to adapt too. Hubby, a city boy has struggled a little. However, he says he wouldn’t go back. Our property is boggy in the winter, but that’s the perfect excuse to reforest that part of the land. We will need more firewood in the future. We live in the ideal location here in the Far North of New Zealand. We have moved into a wonderful caring community of like minded people, and although we are considered remote, we have a hospital only 8 mins away. Local shops cafes etc. But most importantly the boat ramp is nice and close.

Living off grid is a beautiful dream nowadays, BUT, you have to sometimes face reality. It is probably a lot of hard work and you have to be fit! I am 72 and my husband 76 and both of us have health issues. It is not being negative, only practical. Sometimes, it will remain a dream. Good luck, my dears, things have a way of turning out well for our needs. Have faith!

I'm so glad that you didn't end up buying this cottage. It would have cost so much to get it up to speed. I was thinking all this for you and then I got to the end and your realization that you didn't want something so off grid and rustic.. Thanks for taking us on this journey. Honestly , I look forward to your videos so much. Greetings from Northern Canada.

What a great exploration! I looked for my home-using both online searches and tons of driving-for years. Each time I visited a place in person it helped me confirm and/or refine my 2 lists: Have to have and Nice to have. It’s so important to have clear criterion, check places out in person, move on when it’s not right. Every “no” takes you closer to “yes!” This cottage was a beautiful example of something that met a set of outdated criteria. Now that you’re clearer it will be easier. ❤❤❤

What you would like in a home changes when you are a certain age…….🥰🥰🥰good luck❤️

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

.... so true! and thankyou!! xx

Hope that you soon find that perfect peaceful spot to call home. I looked for 2 years and finally found my little 1 bedroom farm house on 5 acres in Texas. It's rural but only 2 miles from the near by small country town, so I can even bike there if I want to. I have chickens & bees and hope to soon have a few sheep. I love to make things, create things and build things. I live 100% off grid. This was an easy transition as I spent 5 years living on my sailboat off grid. Keep looking, your perfect place is out there waiting for you to find it. I look on-line at hundreds of properties till I found this one. Fingers crossed, soon you'll be in your wonderful home too. 🤗 🏡🧚

I hope this beautiful place falls into the hands of someone who will preserve it as it is, no horrid electricity or running water, just an oasis of no pollution..someone who will cultivate the land bring in animals and be a real custodian to the land, not a semi-hippy kinda of artist...etc.. and by the way I live off grid in an old small house without electricity or hot running water or a car in the mountains alone, growing my food, looking after my animals ( they are my family) and preserving my food, etc..and I'm the healthiest and happiest I've ever been. 🥰💚

I love reading the comments. So many people are in fear of solitude, no confidence in figuring out how to make it work . Yes it’s easier to live in a city with modcons and entertainment and shops. You also have to work harder to pay the much higher costs.

Looking at the cottage and the land reminded me of the magic of Beatrix Potter and her books. As you walked around, the thought popped in my head about an art school for the summer months. I don’t know if it would be possible…but it would be Fairy Haven for people all over the world…just an idea. Love to you both.

@jewel2022now

11 ай бұрын

Ya, a B&B

I've lived totally off grid for about 6 years in an old travel trailer I had fitted in a small wood stove because of the romantic thoughts of living off the land, self sufficiency woman in the wild ...of the pacific northwest . I did alright and loved it most of the time ,but doing it all myself became A lot ,when i had to work for others so i could keep improving my space . 56 turned into 62 and i had had enough of it . but i did love living in the woods and will remember it with my pictures fondly Now i want hot running water into a big bathtub , a place to plug in my sewing machine. So on to my next adventure ... sold the land and getting ready to sell everything else ,getting married and moving to the highlands of Scotland with my lovely little Scotsman . But that cottage you showed us was really cute .showing us around I was thinking ,NO don't do it ! LOL It's a harder life than you can realize... You were wise to understand that ... I thought for sure you had bought it ,otherwise why is she showing us? keep looking your right place will come along and it will be perfect ,Cheers ❤

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

i hear you so loud and clear, well done to you too and happy Scottish adventures to you!!! You will love Scotland, my momma and sis is up there!

@lindamazur4208

11 ай бұрын

@@theunexpectedgypsy I Do love it there so much . He's coming here in a month so we can get married and then in December I'll be able to join him over there for good finally ,YAY

When you crossed the bridge you said "Billy Goat Gruff!" First time I had heard that mentioned in many years. I remember reading that story when I was a kid!! What a cute little cottage! I'm sure fairies live amongst the woods around there!! You will eventually find the perfect place! That one was charming but so much work, and far out, and the national park system so near. Thanks for sharing with us. I did enjoy this tour!!!

The caravan was so much better equipped than the cottage. 😊

I love your thoughts about beginning a new dream by letting an old dream go. This is so reliable. I hope you will find your dream home. ❤

Cute but a money pit. Thanks for sharing

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

yup!! would be!!

Lovely little cottage but in need of a fair bit of work to make it comfortable to live in. Can imagine in winter on those dark days it could feel a little cut off. Great you both found it helpful in deciding what you want/need now.

Thank you so much for showing us the cottage. We have walked passed this cottage for years, and we always wondered what it was like inside. It is beautiful...

Thank you for sharing your lovely outing with all of us and a fairy cottage indeed! Our lives are dynamic and so are our dreams ❤ It's not the end of a dream but an expansion of one! One, that will be perfect for you and James, and this bit of journey has brought you both to the path you're meant to be 😘🌳🧚🌻🧚‍♂🦋🧚‍♀Your journey continues to where you're drawn too and where you're meant to be💕

The estethic of this property is just enchanting, and perfect for a holiday in the rough. The public access in close proximity, the lack of space & amenities in the cottage would be very dysfunctional for you as it is... the cost of renovating to suit your needs? Tooo much! I have lived off grid and remotely on undeveloped land (with no house 🤦), and now...forget about it baby! The work involved day to day just for survival basics really drains the creative juices, especially when you are of an age ; ) Wales is a charming country, and your (spacious & functional) new dream property could be just around the corner 🍀💛🍀

Wales is so beautiful. Loved the opportunity to see the cottage and the woodlands. It is quite magical. I am a creature of comfort. A proper bath, kitchen and laundry are must haves for me. What an inspiring location for painting and even writing a book.

❤❤❤Thank you for sharing 😊

What an adorable little cottage! The little waterfall was such a nice bonus and the beautiful lake. 😍🥰

Every sad (or painful) ending is really a new beginning in disguise! Thank you for sharing!

This cottage is very picturesque, particularly on a sunny day, but even after seeing the earlier clip, I thought, what's it like in the winter, would the access roads be passable, where's the nearest food store, Post Office.. for sending out your artwork? On this video, I can see the roof needs repairing, along with many other renovations. The rooms aren't exactly large and they'd have to accommodate living space and studio (how do the dimensions compare with your current lovely studio?). Apologies Wendy for sounding like a boring old fart🤪 , I really do hope you and James find a beautiful and suitable home one day🥰💜💫

yes so nice to realize that the dreams we have when we are young are not the same when we get older. Life changes and so do minds and bodies. you were good to remember that, and realize that a new adventure can be a new dream.

Having lived that dream I remember locals pointing out that animals stand in the stream we were drinking from and they were even going to the toilet in it, but it was interesting seeing all the wriggling things coming through the taps. There was also the fear of sudden illness or an emergency, telephone access. I had cause to ring the ‘local’ police once and even they had no idea where we were. And getting back home after the protracted shop, only to find something had been left of the list! And don’t even consider the ‘friendly and curious people’ who thought they had the right to peer through your windows or walk through your door.

The end of a dream can be a hard pill to swallow, but look at it as the beginning of new dreams. I have a rural property and although not off grid is not without many challenges. I find being totally realistic about what you really want and how it suits your life (as you age as well) to be very important. Good luck in finding what you are both looking for 🦋

It was so lovely seeing one of these cottages close up as we passed some on the landscape the other day and often wondered what they looked like inside thanks for sharing guys 😊

I feel so emotional about this video - it left me in tears. I know how important it is to have a home for yourself to feel safe and secure, after loosing our home during the gfc and renting since. I hope to one day find our dream home too. Good luck on your journey! xx

such brave honesty with realizing the dream you once had does not fit what you want now. you will find the perfect home ,take heart ,sending hugs xo

I was born and raised in Canada. My ultimate dream is to live in a heritage cottage in England or somewhere in the UK. It’s simply idyllic. I hope your dream comes true in every way!

You are right who wants to spend your golden years doing home repairs and doing a lot of worrying about lead in the water. We want to have a peaceful end to our Allied so we can enjoy our lives and not be worrying about bad things. And doing a lot of backbreaking work to bring things up to code and spending lots of money. I don’t know about you, but I need to take it figure out how to spend less money. But still keep the same quality of life. Thanks for bringing it to my attention all the things that can happen with a little dream cottage. That really could be a nightmare cottage. Thanks so much my dear friend. Hugs. Hugs and kisses and grandma, Sandy and Debbie

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

big hugs and kisses back to you two too! ssxx

Having searches for a new ‘spot” is a wonderful way to adventure… but reality has come home to sit with us (me @ 80 and hubby 77) knowing that we are truly “too old” to dream of off-grid, remote and tree-filled spaces to live. But I still enjoy going to look.

I am here for the big adventure to go check out this beautiful fairytale cottage in the woods. It sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to watch the video from the beginning to the end. Thanks so much for the invitation.

How fun! A bit remote for me ! 😮❤

Thank you for sharing your journey!

Your home is out there. Believe it. When you come to it, you will know, 'this is it.' Keep the faith, hope, the excitement and dream before you. Expect it.

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

yes, and will do! thanks!

Lovely little cottage! Thanks for the tour! :)

Thanks for taking us on this lovely journey. It’s good to see the physical of what we think we want in our lives. Then we can step back and examine the needs. Love to you both.

I really hope you find your forever home,sweet Wendy! It was a beautiful trip!

As someone that’s lived off grid , built a house n remodeled one I feel comfortable saying . Be careful of what was mined as it can b a source of water contamination. Be careful of wetlands as u cannot build , fencing n all materials have increased its terrible on the budget . The place is magical but u can create your own magic without having to deplete your funds . Being close to a state park would worry me about strangers straying towards this place . I’m just being honest n doing some due diligence regarding purchasing which is something important. I wish u luck 🍀 finding your affordable safe home . U guys have wonderful energy n u will find a place . Much love ❤️

So cool and inspiring to know that it is possible to spend so much time travelling, vlogging and blogging, but still be able to afford a cottage in a National Park !! There is a God !

So magical ✨ thanks for sharing you two, I hope 🤞 you guys are doing well.

What a fun adventure!

I watched your vid with so much feeling. I too am at that stage where my dream of the forest cottage has given way to the reality of a heart condition, arthritis, and aching joints. I will forever dream but waking up each morning to my "senior" reality with a wry smile. Thank you for the fantastic images of a beautiful place.

Thank you for sharing this. The cottage and land was beautiful.

What a nice trip to the cottage!! It was very cute! I do hope you can find what the both of you want. Good luck and blessings! 😊

Wow... so beautiful, love it

I‘m such a city person, I can barely see the beauty of it for all the horrors of the solitary situation and all the discomfort of off-grid and isolated living. And unlike many other commenters here I never was young enough to find an outhouse enchanting. The bits of landscape were absolutely stunning.

@Thatsinteresting363

11 ай бұрын

“I’ve never been young enough to find an outhouse enchanting”😅😅😅😅😅😅

That little stone house is so lovely! I love a small home surrounded by lots of acreage. Thanks for taking us along on your adventure.

Thank you so much for sharing& taking us along!! You will find it, I just know it!!❤

So happy to find your channel 💓 beautiful place I love it!

I really enjoyed that! It was like being back home. Thanks!

Wendy, thank you so much for bringing me with you on your tour to this beautifull cottage. Wish you both a great time. Enjoy it all! See you on the next.

Really enjoyed the authentic experience of viewing the cottage along with you. Framing the idea of one dream ending and another one beginning is very relatable and helpful, thank you! 🌞♥️

Beautiful, continued luck on finding a place to call home.

Ohhh i love this video. Bless u

Thanks for sharing your updated thoughts. 🫶🏻

How magical!!! Just found you and love this place!! You could raise the roof!!! Excited to see what you do!

I too loved the mossy rocks. And the little stream. Ahhh to dream. To dream.

It’s magical

What a beautiful opportunity. Thankyou for sharing.

Beautiful setting Wendy and James!🌲🌲🌲🌳🌳🏡 I can see how there are way too many drawbacks, though. Loved how the humming bird buzzed you Wendy, a few different times while you were filming!😊💗

What a lovely place and what a challenging but important realization for you both. I find as I get older I am having more of those realizations myself. I think no matter where you eventually land the faeries will be with you

as beautiful as the cottage is i imagine its very isolating on your own in winter xx im so happy you ended on a positive note that even though you realised it was not for you its time for a new dream x

So good to see you both and share this adventure with you. Your videos are balm for the soul, and light sparks of creativity in me. Thank you both for BEING❣❣❣

This was a beautiful video. It was nice to see the forests of Wales.

Beautiful place!

I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a great adventure! Not sure I could live there, but really a neat place to vacation for a day or two or three!

I’ve just come across your posts by just looking at your post on decluttering your cloths,,& then walking in the woods,thank you so much it was beautiful, I will continue to to watch your posts,you are my type of person,I’m so pleased I’ve discovered you.

Very cute fairy tale cottage out in the woods. Love the surrounding area and the creek nearby. Being that there is a public pathway near and the mine, then not so private. Lots of things to consider and best to list down the pros and cons. Very charming cottage.

So much love xoxo

Very nice adventure into the imagination!

Love the painting and the little fairy room

What a lovely little adventure you had and thank you for taking us with you! It is funny how we change direction and what we want evolves as we get older. At 55, I have realized what I want in a home is Cute, Cozy and Convenient. LOL! Looking forward to seeing where your path leads. Much love to you both!

Fantastic Video. The greenery and plushness of the land is breathtaking. Wales is gorgeous! I wish you great good fortune on finding the perfect abode for the two of you.🌈🐾🐾🌄💚💝

We have a cottage (1400 Sq ft) on 3.5acres that borders a National Park. It is very tranquil they do control burns every two years for underbrush. The winds whistling through the trees, deer and rabbits roaming, camping/picnicking near the running creek and picking all sorts of berries. We live 20 miles from a small town but as we age this peace of heaven will be passed down to our kids. Our plans are to buy a patio home closer to town due to recent health issues. As the seasons change so do our lives! 🤗

@theunexpectedgypsy

11 ай бұрын

so true, xx happy new nest, when you get there

❤️🌻🏡 Thank you for sharing this 😊

I love looking at potential homes with you. It’s only a matter of time before you find your special place.

💜 You / Yall are absolutely precious!! I love yall❤

Cottage was very cute yes , sure hope you find your special place soon that works best for you. love to you and James 💖