Making the Big Move: Val's Story

Making the big move can feel overwhelming – I was there too. My story is about finding happiness, health, and a sense of peace in the country.

As a frequent houseguest at Ontario cottages and retreats, I used to dream of owning a country home of my own. I longed for a place where I could escape the city's turbulence, find time and space to build real memories with my daughter while inviting family and friends to be my houseguests. Sadly, it was not in the financial cards, so I continued to pack my overnight bag and enjoy the generosity of my gracious country hosts.

Once I started working as a Sotheby's International Realty Canada Sales Representative, life quickly changed as I gained valuable insight into the real estate market. There was tremendous potential hidden in my Toronto property – the key to my next move. Within a year, I had purchased my dream country property while also creating a financial cushion – something I had never dreamed was possible. I just needed to recognize that I didn't need to feel chained to the city.

In October 2019, I found my home on a charming road outside the village of Creemore. Immediately, I loved it: the 3000 square feet of open-concept bliss, the soaring ceilings with timber beams, the five acres of mature, stunning foliage. Cathedral windows overlooked hills that rolled into endless sky views, all bordered by acres of quiet forest backing onto the Noisy River.

I listed my Toronto area home, and within six days, it sold over asking. I had just become the owner of a beautiful country home.

I’m still amazed that I have a river running through my backyard and that I am surrounded by old, beautiful forests. I wake to stunning views of the hills and countryside feeling energized and excited for the day in a way I never could in the city's bustle. My mornings are quiet with coffee on the deck. My workouts are hiking the trails that twist and turn in the fields and forests surrounding Dunedin Village. The Bruce Trail's winding routes are never far in this area.

I’m slowly learning about country living. For the first time in my life, I have discovered the fun and satisfaction of gardening. I love walking around each day, seeing new vegetables and perennials that are growing right outside my back door. My neighbours in Dunedin and Creemore are friendly and always willing to help me figure things out.

Too many people feel they have to wait for retirement to live this life, but now more than ever, country living works with our careers. If the disaster of COVID-19 has any lessons for us, one is that many of us don't need to be in the city every day to do our jobs well. 

Before COVID-19 struck, I would still go to my office in Toronto several days a week, but my drive wasn’t the stressful slog along the Gardiner it used to be. I enjoyed the drive, partially because the countryside is so peaceful, and I was simply in a much better mood when I headed out to start my day. When I left the city, I was so happy because going home meant so many more adventures to be had.

With the changes in our lifestyle due to COVID-19, I couldn’t have asked for a better home to work from. The space and the unreal backdrop that surrounds me has made life much more manageable.

As much as I look forward to Toronto opening up again, I've gotten to know Creemore and the areas around it. I've discovered that there are more excellent restaurants, shops and gatherings close to home than I could ever need – Chez Michel, Quince Bistro, and the Bank Cafe are just a few of our regular dining spots. 

Some friends thought I might find myself isolated living in the country…it’s the opposite. While life demands social distancing and smaller bubbles, I have still managed to meet and spend time with some amazing people (in their incredible homes). Many of them have been settled here for a long time; others are relatively new like me, but they have all created an incredible community of the most interesting people.  

Over the last six months I have been extremely busy helping other friends and clients from the city find amazing houses up this way – purchasing homes in Blue Mountains, Creemore, Dunedin and Caledon. The community of great and interesting people is getting bigger and better. And wait until you hear their stories and see some of their homes…

The very best part of my new country life (other than the fact that I legitimately need a John Deere riding mower and love mowing my lawn) is watching my daughter come to love and thrive in this lifestyle. She walks to her friend’s homes to hang out in the treehouse, plays with neighbour’s chickens and bunnies – she truly appreciates that there is so much more right outside our door. This past summer we discovered the daily adventures of finding great ponds, rivers and streams to swim in. She's made so many new friends here I can't believe I ever worried that she would feel isolated.

Looking back, I've realized that my move to the country ignited something new in me. I am genuinely excited to help people realize the fantastic benefits of country life, to help them unlock the potential in their urban properties and see how much country living has to offer.