Sometimes It Takes A Village

Sometimes it really does take a village. If it’s time to take a break from urban chaos, slow down, get back in touch with nature, enjoy a serene yard and perhaps even grow your own food, you could be the ideal person to rent my lovely, furnished 3-bedroom home in the woodsy village of Middle Lake, Saskatchewan beginning September 1, 2012 (or late August). 

Where the heck is it? Middle Lake is 40 km directly north of the small city of Humboldt, SK, and 1.5 hours northeast of Saskatoon. It’s a pretty farming community, with gorgeous Lucien Lake about a 10 minute walk from my door. Fishing, swimming, boating, hiking ... it’s all right here. Serene woodland walks and freshwater swimming in the springfed lake await you. The village offers an old-school grocery store, a thriving K-12 school, post office, a gas station, Credit Union, a restaurant (and lakeside canteen May – September), and friendly neighbours. Five hundred folks call the village home. More restaurants, banks, stores, etc. are just down the road in Humboldt.

What about this house? It’s an artsy 1.5 storey home with a double-car garage, patio, and deck. One bedroom’s currently not furnished – it could be your office, meditation room, exercise studio, or storage area. There’s also a sunny, second floor reading nook).The large yard is surrounded in a six foot privacy fence, and the rich soil is perfect for floral and vegetable gardening. There are many perennials, loads of raspberries, rhubarb, and a Heyer 12 apple tree. It is – in large part – very easy to subsist on what you grow right here. Eat fish? You’re laughing.

So how much? Rent is $900\month plus the utilities in your own name. Security deposit is $900. Two of the bedrooms contain a double bed. Watch the sun set over the field from the antique dining room table; they don’t call this province “The Land of Living Skies” for nothing. I’m talking cinema. There’s an upright grand piano is in the front room, and the large kitchen contains a breakfast table, ample cupboards, microwave, and a dishwasher.

 Would I be right for this? Yes, if you’re one who appreciates the tranquility of a beautiful garden (and has a desire to maintain it), enjoys birds, play the piano (!), and would embrace living in a small, safe and friendly community. You should also be mature, responsible (the usual clichés), petless, strongly desire the time and space to be reflective and creative, and long for a simpler lifestyle. The home and community are idyllic for those who want to take extended time away from their “real lives” to retreat and pursue their art; professionals “from away” who may have found employment in the area; downsizing seniors, those pining for their home province; those who needs a “breather” after a major life transition; or the gainfully self-employed. Single or couples only please; the house isn’t suitable for children.

What if I want to know more? Then contact us via shelleyaleedahl@gmail.com. Minimum one year lease required, but in order to full take advantage of the self-sufficient \ money-saving lifestyle this property offers, a longer lease would be better.