Back in December 2006, my husband and I made the move from a city of 8 million people to a rural town of 800. Relocating in the middle of winter without having secured new jobs was definitely an adventure. We were desperately longing to live a simpler and more wholesome life and we did not want to wait any longer. We purchased a property sitting on 11 acres and made the move from New York City to Woodbury, a small town located in Central Vermont. Despite all of the sacrifices we made and the hardships we endured, it was definitely the best decision we ever made. Star gazing, camp fires, sunsets, clean air, pure water, smell of lilacs, birds singing, vegetables growing, perennials blossoming, fire crackling in the wood stove have all been an integral part of our lives for the past 12 years. Our town, land, and home have blessed us with a life that is slower, simpler, brighter, healthier and more wholesome. Living close to nature and in alignment with the seasons have brough us immense joy and inner peace. We now have a 7 year old boy and seeing him running wild with our chickens and sheep fill our hearts with happiness. We took a walk yesterday and I wanted to show you our little slice of paradise.
Welcome to Woodbury, land of lakes and ponds!
Woodbury has numerous streams and 23 natural ponds, the greatest number of any Vermont town. Here is the Woodbury lake, which will be soon covered with tents housing ice fishing enthusiasts.
This is my favorite view when you enter our town…
We have a church for neighbor and I will never get tired of this view and the sound of the rope hand pulled bell ringing on Sunday morning.
We love taking long walks and be surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque views…
This is my dream property that I gaze upon on our walks with an 1903 barn and charming farmhouse…
Back in town, you can see our little post office and fire deparment where my husband has been volunteering for the past 12 years.
Our town hall was built in 1842. Woodbury was a town of just over 1,000 citizens in the early 1840s. Our town’s population is now 900. In the late 19th century, granite became the town’s biggest enterprise. One of the finest veins of granite in the world was discovered in Woodbury. Blocks from that quarry were shipped all over the world, and were used in the construction of at least five state capitol buildings.
Behind the post office and passed the wooden bridge is the Woodbury elementary school and the community ice skating rink.
Different size ice skates and hockey sticks are available for some free impromptu fun!
I had a memorable time homeschooling our son last year. He is now in first grade and made the decision to attend the Woodbury elementary school. He is probably eating cupcakes right now celebrating his 7th birthday with all of his friends.
I hope you enjoyed this little stroll through our town of 900! If you are thinking of chasing a crazy dream this year, I encourage you to be fearless, to trust your heart, and to follow your joy! I can assure you that it will change your life for the better!
With love and gratitude,
Marie-Hélène