After nearly 3 months of searching for a place to buy and having 3 locations chosen, only to fall through, we gave up the search and began to look for a lease option.  We had been continuously watching the rental market for another farm that might fit our needs.  We talked with a couple of others who were considering selling or leasing, but timing just wasn’t working out.  And then, today, I discovered a brand new posting of a farm for lease on Craigslist.  I immediately called, and after an outside only tour with Anna and the kids, met with the owners this evening to see the interior.  I signed the lease on the spot for a 3 year lease.

The farm is 4 acres in Griswold.  The house is 2,900 sqft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath.  The girls will likely share a bedroom, but there is plenty of space in the house.  There is a full, unfinished basement and a 2 car garage.  8 stall barn.  The entire 4 acres is usable, which is actually more space than we have been using on the 6 acres where we are now.  While there is no arena, there are plenty of flat paddocks to put in an arena.  The house is getting some updates, however, the appliances and floors will still be a little outdated.  But that is fine for our family.  We will have to do some fence repairs, but that’s better than having to clear land.

And the property directly borders Pachaug State Forest.  Like, ride out the back on the state land and trails.  And it is just about a mile from Mt Misery and only a few hundred yards from linking up with the equestrian trails.  Oh yeah – how about hunting right out the back door (and the neighbors were already complaining about the number of deer eating the apples off trees).

We had already begun preps for the moving potential.  Now it is a matter of choosing what sells, and what goes.  The good news is, all the animals can go (although we may reduce our chicken flock).

The kids will be changing schools in the fall, but I think that will work out fine.