as we prepare to leave the fast-paced city life of Singapore, we find ourselves dreaming constantly about our future homestead in France.
Homesteading has been a lifelong goal for us, and now that the dream is about to become reality, we wanted to share our vision of what it will look like—our plans for the land, the business ideas we’re exploring, and, of course, how we’re combining our passions to create a unique, self-sustaining lifestyle.
Why We Chose France for Our Homestead
Choosing France as our future home wasn’t difficult—it almost felt like France chose us! For Julien, it’s a homecoming to his native France, but even for Maybelline, the region’s rugged beauty, rolling green landscapes, and mild climate feel like the perfect place to put down new roots. France offers the kind of rural peace and natural beauty that we’ve both been craving, and it also aligns with our vision of living in harmony with nature.
The land here is fertile, the climate is ideal for growing a wide variety of plants, and the region has a deep-rooted respect for sustainable, eco-friendly living. This combination makes it the perfect spot for us to not only live more self-sufficiently but also build something lasting.
Our Dream of Building a Remarkable Garden
One of the most exciting parts of our homesteading plan is our landscaping project—creating a garden that’s more than just a garden. Julien has always had a passion for palm trees (quite fitting for someone moving from tropical Singapore!), and we plan to incorporate them into what will eventually become a true botanical garden.
We envision a sprawling, beautiful space with a diverse collection of rare and precious plants. Palm trees will be the stars of the show, but we’re also planning to introduce other species that can thrive in France’s climate. The goal is to create not just a garden but a sanctuary where visitors can walk through different “rooms” filled with unique plants, each space offering its own sense of wonder.
We’ve been doing our research on landscaping, and we want to create a garden that balances beauty with biodiversity—offering a space that’s both stunning to look at and supportive of local wildlife. This is an ambitious project, but it’s one that excites us to no end.
Envisioning a Homestead Business
In addition to creating a beautiful garden, we’re also dreaming of building a business around our homestead. As we transition into a self-sustaining lifestyle, we’ve been exploring ways to turn our passions into something more—something that could support us financially while also allowing us to share our love of plants and nature with others.
One of the business ideas we’re considering is starting a nursery. Given Julien’s love for palm trees and our broader interest in rare plants, we’ve been thinking about cultivating and selling unique plant species to collectors, landscapers, and plant enthusiasts. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about the idea of nurturing these plants from seed or cutting and eventually sending them off to homes where they’ll be cherished.
Beyond the nursery, we also want to build a strong online presence. We’re planning to document our homesteading journey and garden project on platforms like YouTube and social media, sharing tips, behind-the-scenes looks at our daily lives, and insights into everything from gardening to homesteading hacks.
The idea of creating an online community around our passion for plants, sustainable living, and DIY projects excites us just as much as building the homestead itself.
Living Sustainably and Self-Sufficiently
At the heart of our homestead dream is the idea of living in harmony with nature. We don’t just want to grow our own food and live off the land—we want to do it in a way that respects and nurtures the environment around us. This means creating a homestead that’s as self-sufficient as possible.
We’re planning to rely on renewable energy sources like solar panels, grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and manage our own water supply through rainwater harvesting. This vision extends to the garden, where we plan to incorporate permaculture principles, using the land in a way that naturally supports the local ecosystem and encourages biodiversity.
For us, homesteading isn’t just about independence—it’s about living more mindfully, treading lightly on the earth, and finding fulfillment in simplicity.
Turning Our Homestead into a Sanctuary
Ultimately, we don’t just want a homestead that sustains us; we want to create a space that offers peace, inspiration, and connection for others as well. The garden, in particular, will be a key part of this vision—a place where people can come to experience something beautiful and calming.
As our garden and homestead grow, we hope to welcome visitors who share our love for plants, sustainable living, and nature. Whether it’s through hosting small tours of the garden, offering workshops on homesteading and gardening, or sharing our journey online, we want to inspire others to pursue their own homesteading dreams, even if they start small.
Conclusion: A Dream in Progress
Right now, we’re still in the planning stages, but the excitement we feel is real. Our vision for our homestead in France is ambitious, but it’s also deeply personal. It’s a dream we’ve been nurturing for years, and the thought of bringing it to life is what drives us forward.
From building a remarkable garden filled with palm trees and other rare plants to creating a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle, to possibly turning this passion into a business—we’re ready to embark on this incredible journey. And we’re excited to share every step with you.
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