Perseverance!

My wife and I spent a year and a half finding a place. We looked at a few dogs, a lot of also-rans, and a couple of close-but-not-quites before we found the right place at the right price. We ended up buying empty acreage with nothing but old fence, after not finding existing houses/barns we could live with (and afford).

We have spent a lot of time and effort putting in everything we want (and are still working on it, for 20 years come September 18), but have enjoyed bulding it at least as much as having it be home.

"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever."
-S. M. Stirling
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