Memories of Living in a 19th-Century Rustic House

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in one of those charming country houses often seen in Hollywood movies?

Well, I did and I was fortunate to experience it firsthand.

After my graduation, I accepted a cultural exchange invitation to stay with the Lennings family at their farmhouse in Westchester County, New York. Having spent most of my life in the city, I saw this as a rare opportunity to embrace countryside living.

The House

Built in the 1800s, the house originally consisted of a single block but was later expanded into three. Tucked away at the end of a long private driveway, it felt almost hidden from the world, as if no one would ever suspect a house, let alone a family, existed there.

The walk from the doorstep to the main road took a solid seven minutes, which gives you an idea of just how vast the surrounding land was.

*My bedroom* *– It was the first time I slept on a single bed*

The family lived in the right wing of the house, which had four bedrooms, while I occupied the left wing with three bedrooms all to myself. Some walls were made of stone, and surprisingly, the ceiling felt much lower inside than it appeared from the outside.

I spent most of my time in the cozy living room, where I enjoyed simple pleasures such as sitting on the couch watching the snowfall, reading a good book, and playing the piano. However, my favorite part of the house was the spacious open-concept kitchen. It was here that I discovered my love for cooking.

The Tranquil Surroundings

Nestled near a river and surrounded by dense woods, this place was nothing short of a nature lover’s paradise.

Fishing was just a few steps away from the doorstep, while the backyard offered endless opportunities for running, hiking, and even skiing through the trees. The privacy of the vast flat lawns and perennial gardens made it more serene.

**Swipe to see the Croton River in Winter and Spring time**

One of my fondest memories was walking across the historic Quaker Bridge that led to a nearby park, enjoying the sight and sound of the gently flowing river beneath me.

I loved sitting on a riverside bench, getting lost in a book while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. The only company I had was the ducks gliding across the water, and watching them always brought a smile to my face.

What I Did Not Expect

One of the biggest surprises was the complete darkness at night. With no streetlights in the area, I had to rely on a flashlight just to get to my car. Driving was another challenge as I had to constantly stay alert for any deer that might suddenly appear out of nowhere.

Another unexpected reality was the lack of mobile network coverage. Since I couldn’t make or receive calls, owning a phone felt pointless. To add to the unplugged experience, the family had no TV channels, as they had chosen not to subscribe to any. Thankfully, we had internet access. Without it, I’m not sure how I would have coped!

*This was before the condition got worse*

Perhaps the biggest challenge came toward the end of my first month when the skin on my hands became so dry that it cracked and bled. Seeking medical care in the countryside was nothing like what I was used to. I had to search online for a dermatologist who accepted my insurance and was within a two-hour drive. Thankfully, I found one and got the treatment I needed.

Looking Back

At the time, packing two bags and heading into the “unknown” didn’t seem like a crazy idea. But I never imagined that living in this rustic farmhouse for almost a year would test my adaptability and shape me into a very independent person.