Counterurbansation Stories

Rigel

From City to Sanctuary: A Woman's Journey Home

Seeking for the Roots

In her fifties, a successful Prague resident made a bold decision: to exchange the bustling city life for the tranquility of her childhood village. Leaving behind her adult children and a comfortable apartment, she embarked on a new chapter.Rekindling her connection with her grandfather’s heritage, she initially rented a village home. However, faced with unexpected challenges, she transformed her dream into reality by building a house that perfectly harmonizes with the surrounding nature.

Today, she thrives in her own personal paradise, cultivating a magnificent garden, and finding solace in the simple pleasures of rural living. This inspiring story is a testament to the power of following one’s heart and creating a fulfilling life on one’s own terms.

 

Analysis overview…

  1. influence of childhood
  2. land ownership – building the house
  3. spiritual direction
  4. social events in the house – paid social events sometimes
  5. active participation in the local affairs
  6. remote work, paid events in the house

Aldebaran

Suburban Bliss: A Man's Journey to Family Life
  1. From City Dreams to Suburban Serenity

The story follows a Prague-based man’s quest to establish a family home. Faced with the exorbitant cost of city living, he made a bold decision to explore suburban options. His search led him to a developer project outside the city center.

Despite the less popular northern location, he found a welcoming community with young families sharing similar life goals. The presence of an athletic oval adjacent to his garden and the strong sense of camaraderie among neighbors have transformed the area into a thriving family hub. The protagonist’s narrative highlights the unexpected joys of suburban living, emphasizing the importance of community and personal fulfillment beyond the city’s confines.

 

Analysis overview…

  1. loose relationship with childhood 
  2. no ownership, mortgage, new house
  3. practical direction
  4. social life out of the house
  5. passive participation in local affairs
  6. daily commuting (no remote work)

Betelgeuze

Escaping the City: A Love Affair with Nature

A Modern-day Hermit

This story follows a man’s unconventional choice to prioritize a simple, nature-centric lifestyle. While owning a comfortable villa in Prague, he has found solace and purpose in a rustic cottage nestled within a small village. His daily life revolves around the rhythms of nature, from the enchanting sight of deer grazing near his garden to the physical labor of preparing for winter.

Despite the comforts of city living, the protagonist finds far greater fulfillment in the close-knit community, outdoor adventures, and the tranquility of his rural abode. His story challenges the conventional notion of success and happiness,highlighting the allure of a life lived in harmony with nature.

 

Analysis overview…

  1. strong relationship with childhood 
  2. old house, ownership by the family line
  3. practical – social – emotional direction
  4. social life out of the house
  5. passive participation local affairs
  6. daily commuting (no remote work)

Cygni

Trading City Lights for Lake Life

From City Dwellers to Lakeside Dreamers

This story follows a couple’s transformative journey from urban living to a serene lakeside existence. Once content with a spacious Prague apartment and a modest weekend retreat at Slapy Lake, they made a bold decision to invest in their cottage, transforming it into a year-round sanctuary.

To fund their dream lifestyle, they embraced short-term rentals for their city apartment, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the natural beauty of their lakeside home. While their growing age raises concerns about future mobility, their current life is filled with joy, as evidenced by their involvement in local community activities like singing workshops. This tale is a testament to the enduring appeal of nature and the courage to pursue a different path later in life.

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Analysis overview…

  1. strong relationship with childhood and youth
  2. old house, ownership by the family line – reconstruction
  3. practical – social direction
  4. in the house, paid and private events in the house 
  5. passive participation local affairs
  6. occassional commuting – business in prague

Prokyon

Urban or Suburban Dream: A Couple's Dilemma

From City to Suburb: A Couple’s Quest for Green Space

This story follows a couple’s journey to find their ideal home after receiving a substantial gift. With the prospect of starting a family, they face a crucial decision: the convenience of an average-sized city apartment or the allure of a house with a garden in the suburbs.

A shared love of nature, particularly forests, becomes a central factor in their search. The couple must weigh the benefits of urban amenities against the appeal of a more rural lifestyle. Their decision will ultimately shape their future, balancing career opportunities in the city with the desire for a family-friendly environment surrounded by nature.

Analysis overview…

  1. childhood loose relationship
  2. purchase a house, not new one
  3. practical – social – emotional direction
  4. social life out of the house
  5. passive participation local affairs
  6. ocassional commuting – partly remote work

Antares

A Compromise of Hearts: Finding Home Outside the City

From City to Countryside: A Couple’s Journey

This story chronicles a couple’s decision to leave the bustling metropolis of Prague for a quieter life in the countryside.The husband, seeking respite from the city’s crowds, yearned for a more secluded environment. While the wife was initially attached to city life, she ultimately supported her partner’s desire for a change of scenery.

Their search for a new home was guided by practical considerations, such as proximity to relatives, and aesthetic preferences, including the presence of hills, forests, and greenery. Despite initial reservations, the wife has embraced their rural lifestyle and found unexpected joys in their new surroundings. This narrative highlights the complexities of making a significant life change and the rewards of compromise.

Analysis overview….loose realtionship with childhood 

  1. purchase a house, not new one
  2. practical – social direction
  3. social life out of the house
  4. passive participation local affairs
  5. half commuting – half working from home

VEGA

Family First: The Search for the Perfect Suburb

A Strategic Suburban Escape

This story follows a financially secure couple’s journey to find their ideal family home in the suburbs of Prague. With three children, safety was a paramount concern, leading them to invest in a premium location. Their focus on a specific,sought-after area in the south of Prague allowed them to strategically plan their children’s education by considering proximity to specialized schools.

The couple’s meticulous approach to their home search resulted in a newly built house that perfectly aligns with their family’s needs and aspirations. Their story highlights the importance of careful planning and financial stability in achieving the ideal suburban lifestyle.

Analysis overview 

  1. relationship with childhod not clear
  2. building a new house
  3. practical, analytic, no sentiments
  4. social life out of the house
  5. passive participation local affairs
  6. daily commuting

SIRIUS

From City to Countryside: A Family's New Beginning
  1. An Environmental Move

This story follows a couple’s decision to escape the pressures and costs of city living in Prague for a more fulfilling life in the countryside. The couple, eager to start a family, inherited a cottage in a sought-after suburban area, providing a catalyst for their move.

The wife, a teacher, sought to create a traditional childhood for her children, free from the structured and isolated lifestyle often associated with urban upbringing. By relocating to a village, she aimed to foster a sense of community and independence for her kids. The husband, while appreciating the convenience of the cottage’s location near Prague, also embraced the opportunity for a slower pace of life and greater connection with nature. Together, they have built a new life centered around family, community, and a genuine appreciation for rural living.

  1.  

Analysis overview …

  1. strong relationship with childhood
  2. an old house, ownership by a family line
  3. social – emotional  direction
  4. social life out of the house
  5. active participation local affairs
  6. partly commuting, local job

Arcturus

A Labor of Love: Restoring a Castle

Living History: Contemporary living in a mansion

Two kindred spirits, a journalist with a flair for the dramatic and an actor with a penchant for the historical, embarked on an extraordinary journey together. Their shared love of history and a desire to escape the mundane led them to purchase a crumbling castle on a whim. The imposing structure, a relic of a bygone era, was in desperate need of restoration. With a blend of passion, determination, and a touch of musae, they set out to transform this architectural gem into a vibrant cultural center.

Juggling their demanding careers in journalism and acting with the monumental task of castle restoration proved to be a formidable challenge. Yet, fueled by a shared vision, they dedicated their weekends and evenings to the project. Slowly but surely, they peeled back layers of time, uncovering hidden beauty and architectural marvels. Their goal was not only to restore the castle to its former glory but to breathe new life into its walls, hosting art exhibitions, music performances,and literary events. It was a labor of love, a testament to their enduring partnership, and a commitment to preserving a piece of their country’s heritage.

Analysis overview …

  1. no relationship with childhood (negative)
  2. purchase an old house, reconstruction
  3. emotional direction
  4. events are happening in the house (paid and private) – the house is a part of a business
  5. active participation local affairs
  6. partly commuting, remote job… the object is a part of the job

SPICA

A Quest for Quiet: An Urban Escape

Tired of the relentless hum of city life, a young couple decided to break free from the confines of their cramped apartment. The constant noise from neighbors, ranging from late-night parties to early morning construction, had become unbearable. Yearning for privacy and a space to nurture their growing relationship, they sought a more tranquil existence. A desire to start a family solidified their decision to leave the urban jungle behind.

Opting for a location west of Prague, they invested in building their own home. This choice not only granted them the ultimate in peace and quiet but also offered financial advantages compared to purchasing an apartment in the city. With their new home, they gained the freedom to live without restrictions, enjoying noisy gatherings without fear of disturbing neighbors.

  1.  

Analysis overview …

  1. no relationship with childhood
  2. building a new house 
  3. practical – social direction
  4. private events in the house
  5. pasive participation local affairs
  6. partly commuting, the job is close

Castor & Pollux

From City to Sanctuary: A Holistic Retreat

Two urban dwellers, seeking a profound life transformation, found their epiphany amidst the exotic allure of a distant land. During a shared moment of meditation, a vision emerged: a tranquil countryside retreat dedicated to holistic healing and herbalism. The dream ignited a spark, propelling them towards a new path.

Serendipity intervened when a neighboring vacationer, sensing their longing for a simpler life, mentioned a house for sale back home. Intrigued, the duo returned to find a charming countryside abode that perfectly aligned with their vision. With hearts aflame, they embarked on a gradual transition, transferring their lives and businesses from the city to their newfound sanctuary.

Their days now revolve around nurturing the land, cultivating a diverse array of herbs, and crafting potent remedies.Simultaneously, they continue their massage practice, offering solace and renewal to clients seeking respite from the frenetic pace of modern life. Their home has become a haven of peace, where the rhythms of nature and the healing power of touch intertwine, creating a harmonious existence.

Analysis overview …

  1. no relationship with childhood
  2. purchasing an old house – renovation 
  3. practical – social -spiritual direction
  4. public events in the house
  5. active participation local affairs
  6. partly commuting, project work, partly job the house is the business

Regulus

From Concrete Jungle to Green Oasis

For years, the couple had yearned for a patch of green to call their own. Their Prague apartment, while comfortable,offered no space for gardening, a passion they both shared. With their sons now adults and largely independent, the time felt right for a change.

The decision to move to a village just north of the city was impulsive yet liberating. Unlike many who might have been deterred by the area’s reputation, the couple embraced the opportunity to rent a house rather than buying. This approach alleviated the pressure of making a significant financial commitment.

Their new home offered the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. A sprawling garden, a canvas for their horticultural endeavors, quickly became their pride and joy. Growing their own vegetables not only provided fresh,organic produce but also became a therapeutic outlet.

The couple’s careers in the film industry allowed for flexible work arrangements, enabling them to balance their professional lives with their newfound rural idyll. Their home became a sought-after gathering place for friends from the city. Summer barbecues and garden parties transformed the once-quiet village into a vibrant social hub. The proximity to Prague meant their city life was never far away, but their hearts now truly belonged to their green oasis.

Analysis overview …

  1. no relationship with childhood
  2. renting a house 
  3. social – spiritual direction
  4. private events in the house
  5. no participation local affairs
  6. partly commuting, partly working from home, project work

Deneb

A Love-Inspired Relocation

Her life was comfortably nestled in the heart of Prague until love introduced a new chapter. Her partner, deeply connected to his children living nearby, made it clear that uprooting them was out of the question. A compromise was reached: she would join him, their love story becoming the catalyst for a significant life change.

To soften the transition, he offered her the ultimate gift: the freedom to choose their new home. With a generous budget at her disposal, she embarked on a search for a property that would perfectly suit her lifestyle. The result was a spacious house that offered not only ample room for the couple but also a dedicated space for her beloved dogs. A home gym, a luxury she had always desired, was also incorporated into the design.

This new chapter brought with it a sense of freedom and independence. No longer constrained by the limitations of apartment living, she embraced the space to nurture her passions and create a haven for herself and her partner.

 

Analysis overview …

  1. no relationship with childhood
  2. purchasing an old house- renovation
  3. practical – social direction
  4. social life out of the house
  5. active participation local affairs
  6. partly commuting, project work

 

Alfa & Proxima

A New Chapter in the Countryside

Life had dealt Alfa a complex hand. A tangle of family property issues had cast a long shadow over her existence,overshadowing even the joy of motherhood. It was a burden she carried with weary resilience, until a glimmer of hope appeared in the form of a deep connection with another woman.

Her partner, Proxima, offered a sanctuary in her idyllic countryside home. The decision to relocate, though fraught with uncertainty, was a leap of faith. The proximity to Prague offered a comforting balance between rural tranquility and urban accessibility. The house, with its sprawling garden, promised a fresh start.

Together, Alfa and Proxima envisioned a space that would not only be their home but also a hub for their community. A workshop, a place to nurture creativity and share skills, and a child-friendly garden for events and gatherings were their shared dreams. Investing in someone else’s property presented a unique set of challenges, but their love and shared vision outweighed any doubts.

Yet, a part of Alfa remained tethered to her past. Memories of childhood summers spent in another corner of the countryside tugged at her heartstrings. The realization that this place, too, held a special significance led to a bold decision: to purchase a second home. It was an investment in herself, a tangible expression of her newfound independence and the belief in a future filled with possibilities.

As she navigated this new chapter, Alfa found strength in the love and support of her partner, the joy of motherhood, and the promise of a future shaped by her own hands. The journey was far from perfect, but with each step, she was building a life that was truly hers.

 

Analysis overview …

  1. deep relationship with childhood
  2. following a partner 
  3. social-emotional direction
  4. public events in the house
  5. active participation local affairs
  6. partly commuting, once a week – an office in the city