No traffic…no angry bosses…no hectic city noises…just you, the rhythm of nature, and your thoughts.
It’s no wonder the idea of giving up the rat race and retiring to a quiet life on a farm appeals to us all now and then.
If you’re dreaming of packing it all in and embracing the rural idyll, then here are three farmhouses around the world that could make for great getaways.
As always, I must remind you that I haven’t personally visited any of these properties or done any due diligence—they are presented here simply for your interest and inspiration. Always do your own due diligence before considering any real estate transaction.
Organic Fruit Farm in Argentina’s Wine Country
Listing for $200,000
In the heart of Argentina’s wine and tourism region, San Rafael, this 2-bed, 2-bath home sits on 5 hectares of land used as an organic fruit farm for plums, apricots, quince, and olives. There is also a small vineyard of Bonarda (Barbera) grapes and a corral with a covered stable for horses or other animals.
The house features an L-shaped veranda and barbecue area, living/dining room area (with AC and heating) with double doors leading to the rear patio, fully fitted kitchen with wood-burning fireplace, and a library which could be converted to a third bedroom.
The property is close to two shops and a bus stop, with several supermarkets, bread shops, butchers, fruit and vegetable vendors and other facilities including schools and two health centers about 10 minutes’ drive away.
Could be interesting if you’re in the market for a rural escape in Latin America, with the working organic fruit farm as an added kicker.
Restored Italian Farmhouse with an Adriatic View
Listing for €220,000 ($250,285)
This two-story farmhouse sits below the walls of the historic Italian town of Monte Vidon Corrado, in Le Marche on the eastern coast of Italy. It is a typical country house of the region and sits on one hectare of land, mostly given over to fruit and olive trees. The view from the land takes in the surrounding countryside and villages towards the Adriatic Sea, which can be seen in the distance.
The building itself is a 2-story affair of 2,690 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The ground floor consists of the entrance, living room, kitchen, a bathroom and one bedroom, with the first floor containing the remaining bedrooms, bathroom, and a staircase to a garret room underneath the roof. The home has been renovated in 2000 to a livable degree, but some work would still need to be done to modernize and install comforts like double-glazing.
The seaside town of Porto San Giorgio is about 20 miles away. Here you will find a train station, touristic harbour and plenty of shopping malls, shops and restaurants. The nearest international airport is Abruzzo-Pescara, about 82 miles away.
There is a registration tax of 9% if using the house as a second home, although this drops to 2% if you want to use it as your primary residence. In this case, however, you would be obliged to transfer your residence within 18 months of the title deed being obtained.
You can see the listing with all details here.
South of France Farmhouse with Pool
Listing for €285,000 ($324,233)
This 3-bed, 2-bath farmhouse sits on half a hectare of land at the end of a lane in the Occitania region of the South of France. The traditional Gascon-style building has been renovated to be more contemporary, and the standout feature is the kidney-shaped pool that sits fenced off at the rear of the farmhouse.
The home is split over two stories, with the ground floor holding a living room, office, kitchen, bathroom, pantry, and one bedroom. The remaining two bedrooms and bathroom are on the second floor, as well as a dressing room currently being used as a fourth bedroom with bunkbeds.
There are exposed beams, stone walls, and tiled floors throughout, as well as open fireplaces and a bread oven. There is a wood burning stove as well as a recently fitted central heating system.
This could be an idyllic rural bolthole, lying far from any noise or distraction. The city of Toulouse with its airport is only a 90-minute drive away, with the market town of Vic Fezensac 10 minutes’ drive for shops and supplies.