Homegrown joy in the South Downs

There is something deeply rewarding about growing your own food, whether it’s herbs on a windowsill or a vegetable patch at the bottom of the garden. More than just a hobby, it’s a way of life that influences how people think about property and home.

Here in the South Downs National Park, homes with established gardens, vegetable patches, or even small orchards are becoming increasingly sought after. As a house search agent, I have seen first hand how outdoor space is climbing the priority list for many buyers.  Families in particular are drawn to properties that offer room to grow their own produce, keep chickens, or simply enjoy a more self sufficient lifestyle.

It’s not just the land itself that appeals, but the sense of connection it brings to nature, and to a slower, more rooted way of living. I have even had buyers ask about soil types, something that rarely came up a few years ago!

As a gardener myself, I completely understand the appeal. When my sons were young, our garden was full of life: potatoes, beans, courgettes, radishes, carrots, tomatoes, and lettuces, alongside apple and plum trees and a herb garden. For the boys, it was an adventure, from watching things grow to digging up the harvest. I still remember how quickly those freshly dug potatoes were washed, cooked and eaten.

That passion hasn’t faded. Today, I still enjoy growing herbs and cooking with my own parsley, rosemary and mint and have fruit trees.  There’s something grounding and satisfying about using ingredients you have nurtured from the soil. It takes patience, but the rewards are worth it.

Beyond the kitchen, growing your own food offers physical and health benefits. With rising food and energy costs, it’s a practical way to ease household expenses too.

Whether it’s a few pots or a full kitchen garden, the joy of homegrown food is something everyone can enjoy. It connects us to nature and in the beautiful setting of the South Downs, there is no better place to dig in.