In recent years, a growing number of Ukrainians have been contemplating a move from urban centers to rural areas. The appeal lies in the tranquility of countryside living, the proximity to nature, and the prospect of acquiring affordable housing that can be personalized. With the rise of remote work opportunities, this shift has become more feasible for many.
A YouTube content creator, known as Anika & Co, recently shared her experience of relocating from Kyiv to an old village house, where she now resides with her four cats and two dogs. She reports that she has quickly adapted to her new lifestyle, enjoying the morning routines that involve letting her pets roam outdoors amidst the beautiful scenery. However, her first month in the new home has presented unexpected challenges during the renovation process.
Challenges in Renovation
Initially, the homeowner aimed to renovate the kitchen by removing the old coverings and smoothing the surfaces with plaster. However, upon closer inspection, she discovered that the walls were in worse condition than anticipated. Large voids and damage led her to revert to traditional clay for repairs.
“I decided to fill it with clay. The more I applied, the more I realized it was becoming more crooked and looked significantly worse than before. I now understand that I won’t be able to level it out,” she explained.
During the renovation, numerous cracks and holes were revealed in the old stove, which occupies nearly a third of the house. The homeowner has expressed concerns about its functionality, particularly regarding smoke ventilation, and is considering its removal in the future.
Discoveries of Traditional Materials
One of the most intriguing findings during her renovation was the materials used for the walls. While dismantling the old coverings, she noted the unique texture of the clay mixture and recalled rural traditions from her childhood. She suspects that the original construction may have involved a mixture of clay and horse manure.
“I remembered that when I was little, my grandmother would ask me to collect horse droppings along the road. She used them to coat the house and barn. It’s likely that this mixture is based on those horse droppings… That’s the story,” she remarked.
Issues with Old Windows
Another obstacle has been the old wooden window. After removing the inner frames, she discovered not only a missing pane of glass but also significant sagging in the structure. Due to budget constraints, she is not planning to replace the window entirely at this time.
The homeowner is also focusing on the neglected garden, where she is pruning old trees using battery-powered tools, as hiring professionals is not currently an option. She intends to use some of the wood as fuel for the winter months.
Other Rural Living Stories
As reported by UNIAN, in Odesa, a designer restored a century-old house, transforming it into a modern living space with a green courtyard, pond, and gazebo. This renovation process has served as a means of personal rejuvenation and inspiration for the owner.
Additionally, a young couple shared their experience of purchasing a dilapidated village house three years ago and opting for extensive renovations instead of demolition. They replaced the roofing, ceiling, flooring, doors, windows, and electrical systems, updating the interior with lighter shades and enhancing the yard with a new fence, lawn, and trees.
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The trend of urban migration to rural areas in Ukraine is gaining momentum as individuals seek a quieter lifestyle and affordable housing. Personal stories, including challenges faced during renovations, highlight the complexities of this transition.
Source: UNIAN