That describes our life in rural Norfolk exactly Steve. We're an hour away from the hospital, station etc. We do spend quite a bit on petrol, as there are no buses from our village.
But we're known to so many people in all the supermarkets, shops etc. And the entire village knows our every move!

We're not that far from the coast, the Broads, the woods and rivers. But we have the whole of Norwich to meander round as well.

The wildlife here in the Wensum valley is wonderful. And for someone who isn't keen on hills or mountains, the flat landscapes and huge skies are a joy to behold.