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Hovel in the Hills: An Account of the Simple Life
An account of a back-to-the-land experiment told with charm and honesty. Re-published with a new introduction by the author.
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First published January 1, 1977
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 6, 2015
"The Good Life?
"She was a typist. He was a mechanic. One day Elizabeth and Alan West did what many people spend a lifetime dreaming of doing -- they took to the hills. Hovel in the Hills is the story of the first nine years of their new life in a semi-derelict farmhouse overlooking Snowdonia. It is a heart-warming and salutry tale that abounds with the joys, and the dilemmas, of opting out of the race race."
~~back cover
From the title, I thought I would love this book! It's one of my favorite reading genres: throwing over & escaping from city life to the solitude & beauty of the country. What was frustrating for me was how little the solitude & beauty were included. Instead it felt like a DIY handbook, only not a very useful one as all the "bodges" were for one off problems.
I longed for more tales about themselves and their lives, perhaps a la James Herriott, & wanted much less wittering away about rising damp, poorly done chimneys, etc. and how to fix them.
I thought it would be a story about adventure and satisfaction, not a laundry list of problems to be sorted.
"She was a typist. He was a mechanic. One day Elizabeth and Alan West did what many people spend a lifetime dreaming of doing -- they took to the hills. Hovel in the Hills is the story of the first nine years of their new life in a semi-derelict farmhouse overlooking Snowdonia. It is a heart-warming and salutry tale that abounds with the joys, and the dilemmas, of opting out of the race race."
~~back cover
From the title, I thought I would love this book! It's one of my favorite reading genres: throwing over & escaping from city life to the solitude & beauty of the country. What was frustrating for me was how little the solitude & beauty were included. Instead it felt like a DIY handbook, only not a very useful one as all the "bodges" were for one off problems.
I longed for more tales about themselves and their lives, perhaps a la James Herriott, & wanted much less wittering away about rising damp, poorly done chimneys, etc. and how to fix them.
I thought it would be a story about adventure and satisfaction, not a laundry list of problems to be sorted.
July 6, 2023
TW
I really enjoyed this book about how a pair of intelligent, resourceful people, one of whom can really write, managed to live self-sufficiently in the Black Mountains. Elizabeth West doesn't romaticise the lifestyle at all - there's a lot of hard work, discomfort, mould on the walls and smoke in the house - but there's also a lot of genuine pleasure in the simple things in life and joy in the birds, plants, landscapes and wildlife around her. I'm always interested to see which sacrifices people are willing to make and which they aren't and to consider whether I'd be willing to do the same - I found it bizarre for example that she was willing to wash only once a week yet still ironed her clothes with a flat-iron heated on the stove, but everyone has their own priorities.
This book was fascinating too as a historical document - I'd always considered worries about peak oil and the possible unsustainability of our Western way of life to be a rather modern concern, but here were a couple of people worrying about it in the sixties and seventies. The time they spent working as domestic servants to make ends meet was also a fascinating glimpse of a forgotten, class-bound world and actually left me feeling rather sorry for the old aristocrats, stranded as the social order they were used to vanished. Other historical details were less welcome - in an otherwise lovely chapter on the the garden birds whose lives they observed and followed it was rather a shock to suddenly read that they named the blackbird "N****"! That's what I put the TW there for - while I know it's something you sometimes have to expect in books written in different times it always rather spoils my enjoyment of what I'm reading.
I really enjoyed this book about how a pair of intelligent, resourceful people, one of whom can really write, managed to live self-sufficiently in the Black Mountains. Elizabeth West doesn't romaticise the lifestyle at all - there's a lot of hard work, discomfort, mould on the walls and smoke in the house - but there's also a lot of genuine pleasure in the simple things in life and joy in the birds, plants, landscapes and wildlife around her. I'm always interested to see which sacrifices people are willing to make and which they aren't and to consider whether I'd be willing to do the same - I found it bizarre for example that she was willing to wash only once a week yet still ironed her clothes with a flat-iron heated on the stove, but everyone has their own priorities.
This book was fascinating too as a historical document - I'd always considered worries about peak oil and the possible unsustainability of our Western way of life to be a rather modern concern, but here were a couple of people worrying about it in the sixties and seventies. The time they spent working as domestic servants to make ends meet was also a fascinating glimpse of a forgotten, class-bound world and actually left me feeling rather sorry for the old aristocrats, stranded as the social order they were used to vanished. Other historical details were less welcome - in an otherwise lovely chapter on the the garden birds whose lives they observed and followed it was rather a shock to suddenly read that they named the blackbird "N****"! That's what I put the TW there for - while I know it's something you sometimes have to expect in books written in different times it always rather spoils my enjoyment of what I'm reading.
October 2, 2018
The writing here was rather dry. I expected a bit more nostalgia, a bit more whimsy.... Turns out the author was apparently a very practical person, not given to many flights of fancy, based on her writing style. There were 2, maybe 3, points during the book where she did have me laughing out loud: the tale of her husband's fancy mail box at the end of the chapter on "botchery"; and her tale about Pinny & Podger, then Pinny & Joe. I seem to remember a third such laugh-out-loud moment, but I couldn't tell you what point it was, so apparently it wasn't terribly memorable.
I found this book after seeing reference to the cookbook by the same author _A Kitchen in the Hills_. I've thus far been unable to get my hands on the cookbook, but I intend to keep searching.
If you're looking for a cosy read about a cosy life in a cosy Welsh cottage..... This isn't it. There's far too much practical and perfunctory information given on all the mechanical to-do's in the author's daily life, and not much real DAILY life. She sums up 13-ish years experience in a 190 page book, after all, and not much time is left apparently for whimsy or cosy.
I found this book after seeing reference to the cookbook by the same author _A Kitchen in the Hills_. I've thus far been unable to get my hands on the cookbook, but I intend to keep searching.
If you're looking for a cosy read about a cosy life in a cosy Welsh cottage..... This isn't it. There's far too much practical and perfunctory information given on all the mechanical to-do's in the author's daily life, and not much real DAILY life. She sums up 13-ish years experience in a 190 page book, after all, and not much time is left apparently for whimsy or cosy.
March 20, 2008
I adored Elizabeth West's writing. She made me laugh, she made me cry, she made me want to escape to North Wales and live the life of the Self-sufficient....well, for a few weeks, anyway.
I remember after finishing this novel of the hovel, I drove my husband crazy trying to find Hafod....we eventually did find it, after scouring the North Welsh country terrain for hours and hours.
This is a cracking good read for everyone!
I remember after finishing this novel of the hovel, I drove my husband crazy trying to find Hafod....we eventually did find it, after scouring the North Welsh country terrain for hours and hours.
This is a cracking good read for everyone!
January 4, 2026
I first read this book when I was 9 (36 years ago). It was on my parents' bookcase and a much beloved read of my parents. They dreamed of that escape from the rat race but sadly never escaped it.
When my mum died 13 years ago, this book and a pile of photos were all I wanted from her belongings, and I finally sorted those photos out and have now read her 2nd favourite book (her 1st was Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier) and by reading this book again I feel I know much more about her, her love of nature and the escape she craved.
The book itself is a very detailed tale of a couple escaping the rat race by buying a hovel and attempting to make a life in the wonderful wilderness of Wales!
Dated and full of excessive detail, but who cares?
When my mum died 13 years ago, this book and a pile of photos were all I wanted from her belongings, and I finally sorted those photos out and have now read her 2nd favourite book (her 1st was Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier) and by reading this book again I feel I know much more about her, her love of nature and the escape she craved.
The book itself is a very detailed tale of a couple escaping the rat race by buying a hovel and attempting to make a life in the wonderful wilderness of Wales!
Dated and full of excessive detail, but who cares?
December 4, 2019
Totally adored this book well written
August 13, 2019
This is a relatively entertaining read that follows an English couple as they try to create their own simple life in the North Wales mountains during the 60s and 70s. For some reason though I found that while West does give some chapters over the pleasures of such a life, the whole thing comes across more about the DIY and laundry issues rather than the pleasures of seeing abundant wildlife and enjoying the wind swept and snow glistened mountains. There was also a certain level of naivete both in relation to how hard life off-grid would be but also the realities of the natural world and the constant battle of survival that dictates this. Having said that, the writing itself is pretty good and flows well, although some of the DIY descriptions are a little lengthy at times, and really give you an idea of what they were up against. One does wonder, however, whether it would be the same now.
November 15, 2016
I first read this book after picking up an old copy in the charity shop. Re-reading it I am struck by how much some things have changed, and how much is still the same. I am also more aware how much hard work and bodging is contained in these pages - and having more experience of 'hovels' people call home in more remote - but still developed - places, I am amazed at their resilience. And know that its not for me!
If you are thinking of leaving the rat race for the simple life, this might be a good book to read, so that some of the miserable realities of starting again with no knowledge of what you are doing in a rural community might be like. Gardening, Repair work and the like hasnt changed - there is only one way to use a hammer, but Elizabeth and Alans sheer determination in the beginning and their gutsiness will impress everyone.
If you are thinking of leaving the rat race for the simple life, this might be a good book to read, so that some of the miserable realities of starting again with no knowledge of what you are doing in a rural community might be like. Gardening, Repair work and the like hasnt changed - there is only one way to use a hammer, but Elizabeth and Alans sheer determination in the beginning and their gutsiness will impress everyone.
December 23, 2019
This book is the antithesis of the genre of 'we moved to Provence or Tuscany 'or somewhere exotic with the vague idea of writing and some free time and the cash to support ourselves.Here the impoverished couple move to Wales and set about trying to eke out a living. I enjoyed the book because of its realism and the fact that problems were not glossed over. I had read it many years ago and re-read it this time as a piece of nostalgia
July 13, 2022
I saw this in a walking shop in Llanberis and it sparked my interest. Although written in the 60's /70's this is a great read of a couple who decide to pack up and go, to live the life they dreamed of. I have the upmost respect for them both and got lost in the words, placing me a Hafod listening to birds and seeing all the wildlife. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
January 5, 2013
Gentle, beautiful and reflectively written account of a couple leaving the rat race in London & moving to a pretty much derelict cottage in the north welsh hills.
January 7, 2025
it’s 1965. elizabeth west is a typist. he a mechanic.
‘if we were not conscious of being in a rat race we were certainly aware of the pointlessness of much of our days’ activities...’
they take to the hills of north wales. they repair a cottage (just enough to make it barely liveable - no electricity, no running water (except for the winter stream off the hill behind that directs itself through their hallway)). they grow vegetables. in the absence of work (so much for 'the rural economy') they sign on.
for 14 years it works.
back in the early 80ies (when the west’s sojourn was coming to an end) my parents moved out into the wilds of herefordshire. in my mother’s case it was moving back to her home country, for my dad it was a chance to do more of the things he liked doing (growing vegetables, fixing cars, DIY on an epic scale). for me it was strictly bad news and as soon as I could head off to university in a city I did.
in the city I embraced anarchism, squatting, vegetarianism, feminism and a whole raft of other political and musical things. I became the creature you know.
my parents both retired early and got on with doing the things they liked doing. my brother also moved away to the city.
show me my book - offers the advert. it will raid your facebook account’s photos and offer you up the photobook of your life. you will be amazed. you will pay to create a photo-album of memories (remember them).
a friend is retiring and moving out of the city (the one I usually call ‘the seaside towns’) probably to one of the actual seaside towns. the pandemic gave me pause. the plague years have altered how we feel about our lives, the possibilities the city affords are based on a willingness to mingle, the possibilities of the countryside on an ability to tolerate isolation.
the ranting poet dave social control’s argument that 'there is no such thing as alienation just poor public transport' has a lot of force. I think how much more liveable the county would be if only the railway lines that existed in kilvert’s day still existed.
‘if we were not conscious of being in a rat race we were certainly aware of the pointlessness of much of our days’ activities...’
they take to the hills of north wales. they repair a cottage (just enough to make it barely liveable - no electricity, no running water (except for the winter stream off the hill behind that directs itself through their hallway)). they grow vegetables. in the absence of work (so much for 'the rural economy') they sign on.
for 14 years it works.
back in the early 80ies (when the west’s sojourn was coming to an end) my parents moved out into the wilds of herefordshire. in my mother’s case it was moving back to her home country, for my dad it was a chance to do more of the things he liked doing (growing vegetables, fixing cars, DIY on an epic scale). for me it was strictly bad news and as soon as I could head off to university in a city I did.
in the city I embraced anarchism, squatting, vegetarianism, feminism and a whole raft of other political and musical things. I became the creature you know.
my parents both retired early and got on with doing the things they liked doing. my brother also moved away to the city.
show me my book - offers the advert. it will raid your facebook account’s photos and offer you up the photobook of your life. you will be amazed. you will pay to create a photo-album of memories (remember them).
a friend is retiring and moving out of the city (the one I usually call ‘the seaside towns’) probably to one of the actual seaside towns. the pandemic gave me pause. the plague years have altered how we feel about our lives, the possibilities the city affords are based on a willingness to mingle, the possibilities of the countryside on an ability to tolerate isolation.
the ranting poet dave social control’s argument that 'there is no such thing as alienation just poor public transport' has a lot of force. I think how much more liveable the county would be if only the railway lines that existed in kilvert’s day still existed.
September 7, 2019
A light-hearted look at a couple’s venture into living the good life in rural Wales. There are troubles aplenty with their run down cottage but both are determined that nothing will keep them from their dream. The writing is fun & descriptive, giving the reader a real sense of camaraderie between husband and wife as they battle the elements to create a cosy home in the hills.
October 30, 2022
Its hard to know if this was written for its entertainment value or as an instruction book on how to take on a derelict building and make a go of off grid living.
It felt a bit preachy and superior and lacking in humour. There surely must have been some comical situations but they don't get much of a look in.
I was rather disappointed as I had big hopes of this title.
It felt a bit preachy and superior and lacking in humour. There surely must have been some comical situations but they don't get much of a look in.
I was rather disappointed as I had big hopes of this title.
June 29, 2019
A sweet little book. Some of it was poetry (birds, moths, landscapes and gardens, neighbors) and some quite dull (wind power, fuel for the stove, jobs) but I enjoyed this book. It’s quiet and rural, and probably out dated, but definitely a reach for living ‘the good life’.
May 23, 2020
Charming and slightly offbeat. I looked forward every day to getting back to reading. My sis-in-law gave me this book that she had bought 40+ years ago and had liked but was going to donate. I'm so glad she gave it to me instead of giving it away! I'm going to keep it.
February 19, 2021
Interesting read that made me chuckle from time to time.
September 3, 2024
While it had fascinating moments, this was less of a how-to than I was hoping, more of a memoire.
October 3, 2015
"A warm, funny, moving account of simple life in rural Wales". Yes. The account covers the period between 1965 and 1974. It is fascinating. It's very detailed about the lengths they went to in order to repair their cottage, the 'hovel' in the title, and it gets laborious. But it serves to give us an idea of what it takes to move to such a place in northern Wales. I enjoyed her chapters on the wildlife and the birds, although as one reviewer noted, her name for the resident is jarring. I decided not to let that spoil the book for me though. The Wests chose to live a simple life, making do largely with what they had, could make or grow. That results in a lifestyle that many of us could not sustain, especially if one of us were not extremely handy with our hands. If you don't have an 'Alan' in your life, forget about it.
December 14, 2014
This book did not lead to me sell the house and down-shift to a remote place, infact it had quite the opposite effect as I was unable to weight up just how green and eco-friendly this couple really were. They were quite opposed to owning a car or vehicle yet happy to burn coal as a main fuel to heat the house.
December 3, 2017
Delightful insight into the simple life in near isolation in North Wales. Set in the early 1960's it is a quaint but realistic story of self sufficiency, persistence and 'making do'.
Loved the imagery and the sheer beauty of the natural world around them.
I will certainly try to find the next book - Garden in the Hills.
Loved the imagery and the sheer beauty of the natural world around them.
I will certainly try to find the next book - Garden in the Hills.
July 8, 2016
Liked it, an easy read and just so similar to what we are doing on this Welsh smallholding. Damp walls, floods, spring water, trees, vegetables, many many birds...
October 19, 2011
An absolute inspiration.....
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews