Is the rat race getting you down? Why not jack it all in and buy one of these country properties, perfect for small (and not-so-small) holdings. Whether you want to grow produce or keep livestock, these rural homes will make you want to leave city-living behind for good.

From the outside, this straw-bale home in Ontario’s farming country might not look like much but with several outbuildings, 76 acres of land and the means to live and work completely off-grid, it’s an eco dream. And just wait until you see inside.

In the luxurious master bedroom, fiberglass windows let in oodles of natural light, while reclaimed and recycled materials give a modern edge to the old-world style, plus there's a delightful freestanding bath behind the screen to the left.

Downstairs, the property features reclaimed rustic beams, and yes, those walls are packed with straw. The interiors offer a chic twist on traditional farmhouse style.

This solar-powered home is perfectly set up for sustainable living. The kitchen comes complete with a European wood-fired oven and has a separate food prep area that leads off to a courtyard herb garden.

Outside, there are 20 acres of pasture, 50 acres of workable land, as well as a huge barn, heated stable, a unique round building and a drive shed. Plus, there are walking trails, an orchard and a spring-fed pond. It can be yours from $998,000 CAD. 

Nestled in the rolling countryside of Vermont, Sunny Meadow Farm is a slice of agricultural idyll, boasting a stylish main house dating back to 1807, along with seven acres of land and an array of facilities for animal rearing.

Inside, the main farmhouse is bursting with character, from original exposed beams to rustic pine floors and a stone fireplace. Offering four bedrooms and three bathrooms, there's plenty of space for the whole family to relax and unwind after a long day in the fields.

It might be a working farm, but that doesn't mean comfort has to take a back seat. This country-style bathroom features tartan-effect wallpaper, a compact tub – ideal for a soak at the end of the working day – along with stylish antique fixtures.

When it comes to keeping horses and livestock, Sunny Meadow Farm has every convenience you could wish for. The estate contains a large post and beam barn, generous hayloft, grain room, two stockyards, five box stalls and an exterior paddock, along with seven acres of farming land. Round up the cattle – we're moving to Vermont!

Talk about the perfect equestrian estate! The picturesque Swedish farm estate, on sale now for 12,000,000 SEK, comes complete with a large red-roofed main house, cellar and beautiful south-facing garden, plus its own horse track and stables.

Is a Swedish house even complete without a sauna? After a long day on the farm, come and unwind in the property’s luxurious mini spa. There’s even a dog shower for your pampered four-legged friends.

The current décor is very homely, with hints of Little House on the Prairie-style rustic living. Large open windows ensure the interior zones are bathed in natural light for an airy and spacious feel.

But for us, the biggest draw is those stables, which include a total of 16 boxes, plus plenty of space for your horses to stretch their legs – either out on the track and in the grounds by the small pond.

Perched high in South Australia's Adelaide Hills, this estate overlooks a lush landscape dotted with vineyards and wandering cattle herds. A daring modern farm, this new-build brick property features oversized Western Red Cedar barn doors and can be yours for a mere $ 1,950,000 AUD.

Modern features abound, with blacks and greys giving the interior a contemporary edge. Plus, fantastic views of the verdant countryside can be glimpsed from virtually anywhere in the property, including the bathtub.

Leading off from the main open-plan living area, a separate wing with vaulted ceilings currently houses a billiards room and bar, and again – just look at that priceless view.

For those who’d like to do more than just admire the views from poolside or beneath the huge covered veranda, there is also a paddock set up for irrigation, along with cattle yards and a large hay shed.

Looking to move to the Netherlands? This farmhouse, known locally as ‘The Barns’, is a lesson in sustainable living, with thermal heating throughout and three layers of glass providing ample insulation. It's currently on the market for €2,995,000.

The term ‘stripped-back’ could have been coined for this place. High ceilings, exposed wood, and stone floors give everything a very edgy industrial look, while nice touches such as an open-fire ensure the space still feels homely.

We love this extra large wine cellar, which can also double as a dining room for candlelit dinners. After ploughing the fields or tending to livestock, everyone needs some downtime after all.

The 1.4-acre plot offers tranquil views of the rolling countryside, dotted with grazing Galloway cows, as well as plenty of land and a large multifunctional outbuilding for your own agricultural endeavours.

If this farm, tucked away on the sprawling Saratoga Estate, looks like the country house idyll, then it may not surprise you to learn that it was the place to be in the 1950s. Not only has HRH Princess Margaret been a guest but it also hosted Jacqueline Kennedy and Bond author Ian Fleming, who wrote Diamonds Are Forever and Goldfinger here.

There are greenhouses and then there are greenhouses. Sure, the plants inside here look like they thrive but we can’t help but think it would make a splendid setting for afternoon tea too.

One can only imagine the discussions that took place in this lounge as Ian Fleming sat across from his good friend (and the property’s former owner) John Felix Charles Ivar Bryce, a former British intelligence officer, who no doubt provided many a story that fed the Bond escapades.

And what self-respecting country estate that once hosted the rich and famous doesn’t come with its own outdoor swimming pool? We can almost picture Jacqueline Kennedy reclining by its edge, feet dangling in the water. Love this? See more celebrity holiday homes.

This pretty 17th-century Grade II-listed farm, which has been restored and extended, comes with five bedrooms and is positively brimming with period features. Plus its impressive wine cellar can accommodate 1,500 bottles a  major selling point for vino enthusiasts.

The epitome of old English style, original wooden beams create a snug communal space and an inglenook fireplace with brick surround makes a gorgeous focal point. And is that a decanter we spy? Just throw in a good book and a blanket and this is our perfect Sunday afternoon hideaway.

With a touch more colour, we expect this is the sitting room where you'd host guests for tea and cake. Again, a real fire gives the setting a classic English aesthetic and we wouldn’t want it any other way.

Don’t be misled by the cosy interiors though, this is a large estate – the gatekeeper currently lives in the annexe. The grounds include manicured gardens, a tennis court and acres of pastures used for livestock grazing and shooting.

With a reed-thatched roof and historic brickwork, this stunning secluded property with generous grounds provides a luxurious sanctuary from modern life.

On the market for €5,200,000, the property boasts a gorgeous pool which creates an oasis of calm for lazy afternoons or a chic setting for busier pool parties.

Bringing the outside in, practical brick flooring means no need to worry about those muddy wellies and clever built-in storage helps separate the working farm from family life in this rustic kitchen/diner. Love this look? Keep your own clutter at bay with these amazing storage hacks. 

This huge living room somehow retains a cosy feel thanks to an old-style fireplace, handmade shelving and exposed beams, which create natural divisions between areas.

Love this? Check out these ranches for sale, fit for a cowboy.