A mum who ditched London for a quiet life in the countryside says she’s never felt better – and the move has saved her family £500 a month.
Annabelle Giselle left Bexleyheath with husband Stuart, 34, and their two kids Ollie, seven, and Tate, one, after growing tired of the city’s high costs and rising crime.
The family swapped their £1,200-a-month two-bed flat for a house in the Kent countryside – and now pay just £1,050 with a garden and driveway thrown in.
- Advertisement -
But it’s not just the family’s bank balance that’s benefited.
“In London, life was fast-paced and often overwhelming – constant noise, long commutes and overall a lot of stress,” Annabelle told What’s The Jam.
“My mental health has improved since living a more slower-paced life, I feel connected more with nature and I have more time for myself and my family.
“It’s so nice to have a garden and really get into gardening as a way to improve my mental health.
“I’ve noticed that my eldest child seems much happier being able to relax in the garden in summer after school.”
- Advertisement -
Annabelle, who now works in safeguarding children, said she felt London was becoming increasingly unsafe.
The 30-year-old said: “It felt draining to constantly feel unsafe and worrying about my children growing up in an area where they didn’t feel safe too.
“The cost of living definitely was high living in London – the constant financial pressure can be draining. The constant traffic and lack of nature and trees.”
- Advertisement -
The turning point came when she was offered a job safeguarding children in Kent that allowed her to prioritise her career and her loved ones.
In May 2023, the family made the move to a small village in Canterbury.
Far from missing the city buzz, Annabelle says rural life has exceeded all expectations.
However, she says there has been one downside – loneliness.
She added: “Honestly I was so excited to be experiencing somewhere completely new.
“We moved in summer so as a family we started to explore farmers markets, long countryside walks and local community activities such as local summer fairs.
“I expected rural life to be peaceful, slower-paced, affordable and closely tied to nature. I imagined quiet mornings, strong community ties and a sense of simplicity compared to London.
“All of this was true, although I felt that the extra cost of fuel and getting the train into London has been more expensive to do on a regular basis.
“There were also moments of feeling isolated and lonely.
“But the sense of community is definitely there, and everyone here seems much happier – it feels safer living here too.
“My weekends are full of being in nature and shopping in my local farm shops and creating delicious healthy meals for my family.
“Being able to walk through fields instead of crowded streets makes a huge difference in my state of mind.”
Annabelle admits the cost of fuel and train fares to London can add up, but says the peace, space and community more than make up for it.
Now she’s embracing a slower, more mindful lifestyle – swapping acrylic nails and fast fashion for baking, fresh food and DIY crafts.
She said: “I have more time to do things that I love such as baking and cooking for my family, having access to local fresh produce to cook with or finding new recipes from my new cookbooks, are all things that make me appreciate living in the countryside.
“I feel like my priorities have changed for a few things that used to make me happy, like getting my acrylic nails done or buying new clothes every week.
“My routine for my children is teaching them more about nature and prioritising fresh healthy food.
“When living in the countryside it’s easy to isolate yourself and become a homebody, so I try to prioritise my mental health and make sure that I go for more walks and have social interactions.”
Annabelle now has advice for anyone else looking to make the same move.
She said: “Do your research and stay overnight in the town or village that you want to move to.
“Explore the area and transport.
“Moving from a familiar area will always have its challenges but be open minded and don’t have too many expectations.
“It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
READ MORE: ‘I regret £6,000 publicity stunt turning myself into a CAT – procedures left me in agony’
