Off-Grid Voices - A Chat With Jenna 🌿🌾
The real homesteading experience
Hi lovely reader 👋
Welcome to Off-Grid Voices, a series of written interviews with others who are out there living their best lives, living lives that are a little outside the norm, a little different. I’m hoping this series will inspire some of you who may be thinking about living a life off the grid, homesteading, travelling the world, doing #vanlife, or anything else that you may be considering. Hope you enjoy exploring these lifestyles with me. 😊
This week we’re talking with Jenna, who writes on her Substack Our Country Life. Jenna writes from her cottage on the English countryside and I love reading her stories about her garden, the slower way of living in the countryside and her encounters with wildlife and birdlife. Her Substack is an invitation to sit back with a cup of tea and relax.
Tell us a bit about yourself Jenna!
Hello, I’m Jenna, and I started my Substack on a whim earlier this year, fuelled by a love for photography and storytelling, and a desire to create something uniquely my own. Photography has been one of my main hobbies for as long as I can remember, but I’ve often felt that the stories behind my images were lost amidst the fleeting scroll of other platforms. So, I decided to carve out this little corner of the internet to pair my photographs with writing, in the hope of spreading a bit of joy every Sunday morning. Whether it’s through a cheerful image of a woodland scene, a tale of life in the countryside, or a reflection on the natural world, I aim to inspire others to pause, venture into nature, and rediscover its ever-changing beauty.
I live in a cosy cottage nestled in the heart of an English woodland, a place I’ve called home for nearly four years. Embracing a rural lifestyle has been a transformative experience - one that’s deepened my connection to nature and taught me the charm of a simpler pace of living. My days off are often filled with the satisfying rhythms of gardening, tending to my little herb and vegetable patches, or wandering the woods with my two beloved dogs in tow. It’s not unusual to find me trailed by a small entourage of inquisitive hens as I potter about the garden.
Beyond photography and nature, I find endless delight in the little things: the scent of freshly turned soil, the way sunlight peeps through the trees, and the quiet magic of watching wildlife go about its day. Through my Substack, I capture and share these moments, offering a glimpse into a life that, while simple, is filled with richness and joy.
I’ve been reading, and enjoying, your Substack for a while. I love your homesteading stories and your encounters with wildlife. For those that don’t know you, can you tell us a bit about your story “from townie to chicken mum”, what made you move away from town?
I had always longed to live closer to nature, and the idea of rural life had been a dream of mine for years. I envisioned a life where I could grow my own food, tend to a flock of chickens, and embrace a simpler, more intentional way of being. It wasn’t just about the idyllic imagery of countryside life - it was about creating a lifestyle that felt more grounded and connected to the natural world. Before moving to the cottage, my days felt like an endless blur, rushing from one task to the next, constantly ticking things off an ever-growing to-do list. Productivity was my measure of success, but the satisfaction it brought was fleeting, and I rarely paused to truly appreciate the present.
Our previous home was lovely - a 1930s semi-detached house that we lovingly transformed through extensive renovations from a timeworn space into a modern, country-style retreat. It had everything we needed, and I was proud of what we’d achieved there. But despite all the care we’d put into it, there was always a quiet yearning for something different, something slower and more in tune with nature. We craved the freedom to step out of the door and be greeted by birdsong, and to exchange the neat garden we’d created for the untamed beauty of the woods.
When the opportunity arose to make that dream a reality, we grabbed it with both hands. A smaller cottage with generous outdoor space, nestled in the heart of a woodland, despite there being compromises, we knew it was meant to be. Within a week of deciding, we’d sold our house, packed up our belongings, and embarked on this new adventure. It was a whirlwind transition, but one I’ll always be grateful for.
Moving to the countryside has been a profound shift, not just in where we live but in how we live. The pace is slower, the air feels fresher, and life itself feels richer in its simplicity. I’ve found joy in the quiet, in the small rituals of daily life - harvesting vegetables, collecting eggs, or simply watching the seasons unfold outside our window. It’s a life that brings me closer to nature and peace.
Homesteading always sounds amazing and people often imagine Instagram-worthy moments when they think of homesteading. Give us a bit of a reality check: what have been your biggest challenges so far?
You’re right, rural life is often romanticised, especially on social media, with images of abundant gardens, adorable animals, and cosy kitchens. While those moments exist and are genuinely rewarding, the reality is less picture-perfect some of the time. It’s a lifestyle that demands resilience, and a willingness to embrace unpredictability.
We faced quite the reality check when it came to ordering online - delivery drivers rarely manage to locate us, forcing us to reconsider the supposed convenience of having parcels delivered.
We also have absolutely no phone signal and are completely reliant on the Wi-Fi for any connection to the outside world. If the internet goes down, we lose not only our access to the web but also television and phone signal. While this isn’t too troubling in the summer, during the winter months it feels far more limiting. The last time it happened, the connection was out for hours, and I hadn’t realised just how much I depend on having the television or radio as background noise.
Similarly, power cuts leave the house utterly lifeless. This is especially problematic since our cooker and heating rely on electricity. When the power goes, we’re left without any way to communicate with the outside world or carry out simple daily tasks - no internet, no way to cook, no heating, and therefore no hot water either. With no streetlights to brighten our surroundings, winter power cuts plunge us into complete darkness, leaving us waiting for the cottage to spring back to life.
Another challenge I’ve faced is the sheer physicality of it all. Tending to the garden and maintaining the large outdoor spaces can be hard work, especially in the colder months when the glamour of it all wears off. Hauling myself out to the hens on a freezing morning or spending hours weeding in the rain isn’t the kind of thing you’ll often see on Instagram, but it’s part and parcel of the lifestyle.
Setting up a homestead is a huge learning curve. When I started, I had this idealistic notion that I’d have a flourishing vegetable patch and a thriving flock of chickens almost immediately. The reality? My first attempts at growing food were riddled with mistakes, from planting crops at the wrong time to battling pests I hadn’t anticipated. You can read more about the challenges I faced in my posts My Ugly Happy Place.
Time management is another hurdle. Homesteading requires you to be on top of so many tasks at once - planting, harvesting, preserving, and general maintenance. All of this is layered on top of normal life responsibilities, so it’s easy to feel stretched thin. There’s no clocking off, something always seems to need attention.
Lastly, there’s the unpredictability of nature itself. Weather, for instance, doesn’t always cooperate with your plans, and pests, diseases, or even curious wildlife can wreak havoc on your hard work. The windy weather destroyed my polytunnel which you can read in part two of My Ugly Happy Place – Disaster Strikes. Learning to adapt and accept that some things are beyond your control is essential, but it’s easier said than done.
Despite these challenges, I wouldn’t trade this lifestyle for anything. It’s not glamorous, but the rewards - the connection to nature, the satisfaction of growing your own food, and the moments of peace and fulfilment - make every struggle worthwhile. This lifestyle teaches you resilience and patience, and it’s a constant reminder that beauty often lies in imperfection.
What has been the most rewarding thing of all, what’s been the one thing that has made it all worthwile?
The most rewarding thing about living a rural lifestyle has been the profound connection to nature and the sense of harmony it brings to everyday life. There’s something magical about stepping outside each morning and being greeted by birdsong, a deer wandering through the garden, the scent of fresh earth, and the gentle rustle of leaves. Watching the seasons unfold so vividly, how the woods change from lush greens to golden hues and eventually to bare, frosted branches, makes me feel deeply rooted in the world around me. Living this way has brought a sense of peace and perspective that’s hard to put into words.
One thing that has made it all worthwhile is the joy of eating our home-grown produce, however modest. Harvesting my own vegetables, picking fruit, and collecting eggs from my hens is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about the practical benefit of fresh, home-grown food - it’s the pride and satisfaction that come from the effort itself. I was so proud of my first kale harvest that I wrote an entire post about it.
But more than that, it’s the small, quiet moments that truly make it worth it. Like sitting on the grass with a cup of tea after a day spent in the garden, watching the dogs explore the woods, or seeing the hens contentedly pecking about. It’s these simple pleasures, woven into daily life, that remind me why I chose this path.
Ultimately, the ability to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly be present in the moment is what makes this lifestyle so rewarding. It’s far from perfect, but the beauty and peace I’ve found here make every challenge feel like a small price to pay.
What would be your biggest piece of advice for anyone who is considering this lifestyle?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone considering a rural, homestead lifestyle is to approach it with patience, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace the learning curve. It’s easy to be drawn in by the romanticised idea of living off the land, but the reality is that it’s a lifestyle filled with challenges and constant problem-solving. Going in with realistic expectations and a mindset that values progress over perfection will save you a lot of frustration.
Start small and build gradually. It can be tempting to dive straight into every aspect of homesteading - growing a massive vegetable garden, raising livestock, preserving food - but taking on too much at once can be overwhelming. We don’t have livestock and are choosing to focus on the vegetables.
Another essential tip is to do your research but also be prepared for the fact that nothing quite goes to plan. Nature is unpredictable, and what works for someone else might not work for you, whether it’s a planting method, an animal breed, or a way of managing your space. Be open to experimenting, adapting, and even failing, I find that mistakes are some of the best teachers.
Don’t underestimate the physical and emotional demands of this lifestyle. While it’s deeply rewarding, it also requires commitment to tasks that don’t always follow a convenient schedule for example, when the hens wake up at 5am in the summer and need feeding or one of them falls ill.
Lastly, I try to remember that rural living and homesteading are not just about the tasks but about cultivating a mindset of gratitude and connection - to nature, to the land, and to yourself. I celebrate the small victories, savour the quiet moments, and allow the slower pace to teach me patience and appreciation for life’s simple joys.
It’s a journey, not a destination, and the more you lean into the process, the more fulfilling it becomes.
Thank you so much Jenna for participating in this interview and telling us a little bit more about yourself! I loved getting to know a bit more about your journey!
Something that inspired me this week:
Warning, cheesy part of this newsletter incoming. I was trying to think of something that inspired me this week and realised I've been mostly outside, enjoying nature, doing stuff around the garden and of course helping the hubby while he's working on the next tiny house. I couldn't really come up with a great book, podcast episode or YouTube video.
But here's what's inspired me this week: the beauty all around us. Even literal weeds are displaying their beauty at the moment. I absolutely love summer. So here's a few pics of what's inspired me this week.
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Thank you for the opportunity Sophie ☺️
I am so glad you are helping to spread Jenna's iittle corner of the world! I love her writings.