July 31, 2025

Family Compound Living (And What It’s Really Like)

When we first started dreaming about land, animals, and a slower pace of life, the idea of a family compound wasn’t part of the plan. Not exactly. Back then, we were drawn to the practical side of sharing — splitting costs, pitching in on chores, and having more hands for projects like fencing or animal care.

But now, with kids in the picture? That practical dream has turned into something much more meaningful to us. Today, it’s less about shared responsibilities and more about shared life. The kind that’s rich in connection, full of help when you need it, and deeply rooted in love.

The Layout: How It Works for Us

We live on about 40 acres total. Our home sits on five acres, and my parents are just up the way on a bit more. The rest is shared space — pastures, trails, a big hay-shed, and our favorite recent addition: the “Lake Pond” we finished this summer.

Thanks to the heavy cottonwood trees, the river, and a large canal, each home has its own pocket of privacy. We can’t even see each other’s houses from most parts of the land — which helps when you need solitude — but the truth is, we’re together most days by choice. That’s the beauty of it.

The Everyday Rhythm

We’ve found a sweet balance between privacy and connection. The layout helps, but the foundation is that we genuinely like being around each other. We share meals often — sometimes at our place, sometimes at my parents’, sometimes gathered by the pond with sandy feet and paper plates.

As our daughter Tinsley gets older, she’s started scooting or dirt-biking over to grandma’s by herself. It gives her that little taste of freedom while still being safely within the arms of our family’s land. That kind of independence, paired with deep-rooted belonging, is exactly what we hoped for.

What We Love Most

There’s something sacred about raising kids this way. They grow up with grandparents who are present — not just on holidays or weekends, but in the daily in-between moments.

We also get to do more with the land because we’re not shouldering it alone. Things like road work, building infrastructure, or putting in automatic waterers become realistic and manageable when we’re doing it together.

And yes — I’d be lying if I didn’t say that having built-in babysitters just a walk or ride away isn’t a total gift.

What’s Hard? Honestly… Not Much

People often ask if it’s hard to live so close to family. For us, it’s not. We respect each other, we communicate clearly, and we genuinely enjoy the life we’ve built side by side.

That said, we laid the groundwork early. We had honest conversations about shared expenses, boundaries, and responsibilities from the start. And it helps that we share the same values, hobbies, and a strong belief in doing life together.

Thinking About It?

If you’re someone who has a close relationship with your family and you crave a slower, more connected lifestyle — this might be for you. Especially if you’re drawn to a rhythm of life where everyone pitches in. Where grandparents help with the kids, someone’s always around to feed the animals, and you’ve got a neighbor who won’t mind helping you irrigate when you’re out of town.

This kind of living isn’t for everyone. But for us? It’s the best kind of rich. Not just in space or stuff — but in belonging and full of love.