Swapping city life for rural life

-We wanted to swap the big city for an environment conducive to our children's well-being and to the production of locally produced food.

Settling down in the northern part of the country was not the family's initial plan, and the search for a new home for the family began in the southern province of Småland. But in Småland they could not find what they were looking for. So they turned directions and headed north for Hälsingland, a region where Marie had never been before.
-When we came here we fell in love with the surroundings and decided to stay, says Marie.

In Hälsingland the family began their new life at a leisurely pace, starting out with some rabbits and chickens at the recently purchased farm. Marie's husband received agricultural training in Nybo and had a mentor to get started with soil management. Good neighbours have been a great support for the family.
- It's one thing to move to an incredibly beautiful place, but it is the welcoming and helpful people that have made us thrive here, on all levels. When someone decides to do something here, people show an incredible appreciation, Marie says.

Although Marie has lived for 20 years in Stockholm, she feels that Färila offers everything she needs. She believes that everyone can live in a rural area, as the technical development makes it possible to work at a distance or to shop online. The tempo of life for the family has also calmed down. And she really appreciates that most shops are closed on Sundays.
- When nothing is open, this creates a kind of resting day. It is also an opportunity to explore new activities which in the past didn't fit into the calender, says Marie. Since moving to Hälsingland she has, for instance, taken up weaving.

The future of the family is set. They hope to stay here for many years, and in the near future they are planning on opening a shop with goods from their own farm.