The Good Life

Living self-sufficiently on a Central Otago homestead

On Gillian Swinton's 2.7-hectare property in Central Otago's heartland she's living simply: trying to be as self-sufficient as possible, living with the seasons, building community and remembering not to take it all too seriously. With her partner Hamish, their two dogs, a cat, a few sheep, bees and a lot of chooks, Gillian just want to live an honest, simple, good life.

It's a lifestyle of self-sufficiency, community and learning that harks back to our grandparents' generation and earlier, to a time when people led a simpler life - working with the seasons, raising animals for meat and growing vegetables.

In this gorgeously illustrated guide to living off the land, Gillian tells the story of how she became a modern-day homesteader, and how you can too - whether you're looking after livestock on a lifestyle block, or tending to an inner-city garden (or planter box).

Includes more than 25 recipes for pickling, preserving and delicious meals to help you get the most out of your kitchen, garden and paddock.