Embracing Rural Life

SOLICITOR ANd pARTNER AT WILKIN CHApmAN LLp, RELOCATEd fROm bRISTOL TO A VILLAGE IN EAST LINdSEY WITH HER HUSbANd dAVE ANd SON fREddIE IN 2013.

We relocated to the area when Dave took up a new role with Lincolnshire Police. I was on maternity leave at the time, so I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to find a new job, due to moving from a large city to a more rural area. However, once I found out that Wilkin Chapman LLP is one of the largest law firms in the area, I sent off my CV and was delighted to secure a great position with a company that has a great future.

We’ve both settled into the area and our jobs really quickly, and we’re enjoying the blue skies, having the beach on our doorstep and the local fêtes and markets. I love the fact that our three-year-old son Freddie can grow up having the freedom to play on the beach, but we’re near to all the high street stores in Grimsby, and the independent boutiques and artisan shops at Louth.

The value for money is outstanding here, particularly in terms of property. We live in a four-bedroom detached house in an idyllic rural area, for the same price as our previous two-bedroom terraced house in Bristol. We’re animal lovers and we enjoy walking our dog on the beaches and in the countryside, as well as visiting the local equestrian sports and agricultural shows – including the world-renowned Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford.

Now that I’ve got a better work-life balance with a much shorter commute to work, I’ve taken up a voluntary position as a non-executive board member with the Lincolnshire Rural Housing Association. I’m really enthusiastic about providing sustainable affordable housing in rural areas, so it’s great to be involved with such a great cause.

We’re also really pleased with the standard of nurseries and schools in the area. Freddie attends the award-winning Red Hen Day Nursery in Legbourne, which is situated on a working farm. It’s perfect for him as he loves spending time outdoors, and gets to grow fruit and vegetables in the gardens and learn to care for the animals.

I’d definitely recommend relocating here to anyone who wants to enjoy living in a rural area and still have great opportunities to progress their career.