Almost every homeowner, would be or otherwise, wants a dream backyard space (myself included). The beauty of the Bay of Quinte area is that there are many types of backyards that can fulfill your vision. The tough question is, Which one will you pick? Here are a few things to contemplate when choosing your perfect Bay of Quinte backyard.
Waterfront
Yes, you can still get waterfront property in this region! We have 1,200 km of shoreline to prove it. And sure, there are million-dollar options complete with mega mansions on-site, but living large is a thing of the past; a tiny house is more than a trend and anything but a sacrifice.
Pros A growing amount of research is showing a strong relationship between proximity to water and increased well-being and the effects of it are immediate. Maybe it’s the view, the fresh breeze on your face or even just the quack of the ducks…having a home on the water gives a quality of life that just can’t be beat.
Cons Get your VMS (Visitor Management System) up and running because everyone is going to want to visit. You’ll also have to invest in a bigger BBQ and a second fridge just for drinks. Don’t forget the flamingo floaties.
Buy the Farm
What is it about farms, especially old barns, that fascinate us? Is it a longing for (seemingly) simpler times? A need for reconnection to the land? Whatever the reason, the BoQ has barns just waiting for restoration.
Pros Ready to grow your own food? If you choose this backyard, you will measure it in acres instead of feet because you’ll have space! Perfect for that giant vegetable garden and even some chickens! You can have an entire flock of them complete with a rooster! Being self-sufficient has never looked so good.
Cons Roosters get up really early. It’s also going to be a long walk to borrow a cup of sugar from your neighbours. Sometimes you won’t see another person for a few days (but privacy is golden, right?).
Forest Dwellers
Living in the forest is as truly Canadian as you can get and the BoQ has trees to spare. And the fresh air mentioned earlier has the same incredible health benefits in the forest. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to wake up to the sound of a babbling brook or the wind through the branches…then maybe this is the backyard for you.
Pros Tree forts are way easier to build when you have different types of trees to choose from. Mother Nature does all the landscaping and gardening for you. Deer and wildlife visit all the time, so invest in a good pair of binoculars and some books by Audubon.
Cons You’ll have to stock up on flannel and plaid, and you may even need to invest in a toque or two. Also, woodpeckers are everywhere in the forest, and they are noisy neighbours.
Room For the Kids
Even the more urban backyards are spacious. Remember playing outside? Live here and the kids can actually go out and play… with other children… in nature. There’s room for playhouses, trampolines and sand boxes, even your own backyard skating rink for the future NHL’er in your family.
Pros Video games, TV time and things like, “Mom, I’m bored”, will significantly decrease in favour of frogs, fireflies and life experiences.
Cons There will be more laundry due to sweat, dirt and grass stains. Be prepared to pump up bicycle tires, hang swings and assemble tents.
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