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Country Matters: The Pleasures and Tribulations of Moving from a Big City to an Old Country Farmhouse
With his inimitable sense of humor and storytelling talent, New York Times bestselling author Michael Korda brings us this charming, hilarious, self-deprecating memoir of a city couple's new life in the country.
At once entertaining, canny, and moving, Country Matters does for Dutchess County, New York, what Under the Tuscan Sun did for Tuscany. This witty memoir, replete with Korda's own line drawings, reads like a novel, as it chronicles the author's transformation from city slicker to full-time country gentleman, complete with tractors, horses, and a leaking roof.
When he decides to take up residence in an eighteenth-century farmhouse in Dutchess County, ninety miles north of New York City, Korda discovers what country life is really like:
Owning pigs, more than owning horses, even more than owning the actual house, firmly anchored the Kordas as residents in the eyes of their Pleasant Valley neighbors.
You may own your land, but without concertina barbed wire, or the 82nd Airborne on patrol, it's impossible to keep people off it!
It's possible to line up major household repairs over a tuna melt sandwich.
And everyone in the area is fully aware that Michael "don't know shit about septics."
The locals are not particularly quick to accept these outsiders, and the couple's earliest interactions with their new neighbors provide constant entertainment, particularly when the Kordas discover that hunting season is a year-round event -- right on their own land! From their closest neighbors, mostly dairy farmers, to their unforgettable caretaker Harold Roe -- whose motto regarding the local flora is "Whack it all back! " -- the residents of Pleasant Valley eventually come to realize that the Kordas are more than mere weekenders.
Sure to have readers in stitches, this is a book that has universal appeal for all who have ever dreamed of owning that perfect little place to escape to up in the country, or, more boldly, have done it.
At once entertaining, canny, and moving, Country Matters does for Dutchess County, New York, what Under the Tuscan Sun did for Tuscany. This witty memoir, replete with Korda's own line drawings, reads like a novel, as it chronicles the author's transformation from city slicker to full-time country gentleman, complete with tractors, horses, and a leaking roof.
When he decides to take up residence in an eighteenth-century farmhouse in Dutchess County, ninety miles north of New York City, Korda discovers what country life is really like:
Owning pigs, more than owning horses, even more than owning the actual house, firmly anchored the Kordas as residents in the eyes of their Pleasant Valley neighbors.
You may own your land, but without concertina barbed wire, or the 82nd Airborne on patrol, it's impossible to keep people off it!
It's possible to line up major household repairs over a tuna melt sandwich.
And everyone in the area is fully aware that Michael "don't know shit about septics."
The locals are not particularly quick to accept these outsiders, and the couple's earliest interactions with their new neighbors provide constant entertainment, particularly when the Kordas discover that hunting season is a year-round event -- right on their own land! From their closest neighbors, mostly dairy farmers, to their unforgettable caretaker Harold Roe -- whose motto regarding the local flora is "Whack it all back! " -- the residents of Pleasant Valley eventually come to realize that the Kordas are more than mere weekenders.
Sure to have readers in stitches, this is a book that has universal appeal for all who have ever dreamed of owning that perfect little place to escape to up in the country, or, more boldly, have done it.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
24 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Michael Korda
75 books187 followersis an English-born writer and novelist who was editor-in-Chief of Simon & Schuster in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 29, 2014
I've moved like 10 times in the past 2 years and it seems like whenever I live in the city, I am forever seeking out some kind of storytelling (in books, movies, or tv shows) that paints a picture of country life.
This book was my soul food this summer living in Denver. Yeah, I know Denver wouldn't seem super city-like, being so close to the mountains, but after moving here from a teeny tiny mountain town, its big enough.
Michael Korda describes his and his wife's country life with such detail, that I can still see his home, barn, and acres of trees. If reading about daily life including (but not limited to): horses, fences, roofs, leaky pipes, hardware stores, commutes from big cities to small cities,hunting adventures, nosy neighbors, hillbillie neighbors,cats, being "retired" in the country yet never bored, cooking, cozy winters,crazy country people, entertaining crazy city people, and an endless amount of details regarding pig raising... sounds interesting to you, than this is the book for you.
It definitely helped with my country cravings while working in the city.
This book was my soul food this summer living in Denver. Yeah, I know Denver wouldn't seem super city-like, being so close to the mountains, but after moving here from a teeny tiny mountain town, its big enough.
Michael Korda describes his and his wife's country life with such detail, that I can still see his home, barn, and acres of trees. If reading about daily life including (but not limited to): horses, fences, roofs, leaky pipes, hardware stores, commutes from big cities to small cities,hunting adventures, nosy neighbors, hillbillie neighbors,cats, being "retired" in the country yet never bored, cooking, cozy winters,crazy country people, entertaining crazy city people, and an endless amount of details regarding pig raising... sounds interesting to you, than this is the book for you.
It definitely helped with my country cravings while working in the city.
February 7, 2020
This was a fun memoir — for me, it’s like having an armchair anthropologist look at the area you grew up in (a nondescript small town in the rural mid Atlantic, full of folks just like the ones in these pages). Sure, the author’s got a little (sometimes a lot of) snobbishness to him, but I don’t think he would pretend otherwise. He accurately locates the wonderful heart of life in these places — that behind the gruffness and unsentimental posturing, rural people look out for one another, know what community looks like (dropping in on neighbors unannounced, offering unsolicited advice), and are always available to offer a helping hand.
I particularly enjoyed this ex-Brit learning firsthand the distinct flavor of rural places in his part of America: the surprising willingness to let go of certain elements of the past and adopt 20th century modern life wholeheartedly (snowmobiles, sports cars, TV dinners and frozen food) while holding tight to other traditions. Lots of good laughs, too, at the quirks and charms of the old timers and their way of getting work done. One of the best chapters is him describing a “day in the country” to his hypothetical city friend who thinks country life is nothing but relaxation — Korda tries to sit down in his office and write, but is interrupted from sun up to sun down by all manner of contractors, neighbors, bills to pay and deliveries to be made, horses to care for, new repairs to be scheduled. Whereas in the city, once you lock the door on your apartment door, no one can find you: the ultimate way to escape is to hide out in city.
At best, Korda is able to tease out the unmistakable ambivalence of rural people to change — take some of it, leave some of it, life moves on. In all the small towns of America that missed the chance to transform into quaint tourist towns, there exists this tension, this question of what to make of the unformed future when it’s possible that the best days are indeed behind. I appreciated how Korda integrated himself into the community (not without some comical missteps) and am glad to see that he and his wife eventually found a place to truly call home in the country.
I particularly enjoyed this ex-Brit learning firsthand the distinct flavor of rural places in his part of America: the surprising willingness to let go of certain elements of the past and adopt 20th century modern life wholeheartedly (snowmobiles, sports cars, TV dinners and frozen food) while holding tight to other traditions. Lots of good laughs, too, at the quirks and charms of the old timers and their way of getting work done. One of the best chapters is him describing a “day in the country” to his hypothetical city friend who thinks country life is nothing but relaxation — Korda tries to sit down in his office and write, but is interrupted from sun up to sun down by all manner of contractors, neighbors, bills to pay and deliveries to be made, horses to care for, new repairs to be scheduled. Whereas in the city, once you lock the door on your apartment door, no one can find you: the ultimate way to escape is to hide out in city.
At best, Korda is able to tease out the unmistakable ambivalence of rural people to change — take some of it, leave some of it, life moves on. In all the small towns of America that missed the chance to transform into quaint tourist towns, there exists this tension, this question of what to make of the unformed future when it’s possible that the best days are indeed behind. I appreciated how Korda integrated himself into the community (not without some comical missteps) and am glad to see that he and his wife eventually found a place to truly call home in the country.
April 13, 2017
I'm in the middle of chapter 20 and I've had it. I got to the point where he talks of a friend's "Magyar gloom" and I'm done with Michael Korda's stereotyping.
Here's what I thought I was going to read upon selecting this book from the Library shelves: A story of a man moving from the city to country and all he learned and loved about the move - the struggles - the accomplishments. I felt, this could be something I can relate to - moving from a small city to a town - an old farm community - I have an old house too, and acerage. But, NO. Let's be clear - Michael Korda and his wife are wealthy New Yorkers - from New York City. They own horses and have both have decided to buy this very old second home to enjoy some peace and quiet. But alas, it is not as quite as Korda and his wife planned..
The whole book Korda does nothing but judge people. And that includes everyone. His neighbors and those in the community are lazy and helpless until you stalk them. They seem uneducated in manners but handy around the house - which Korda isn't and did not feel the need to learn a damn thing - why should he, he's loaded. He also judges his old friends - they seem like a bunch of snobs - everyone who comes up for a vist. Most of the chapters are about how the Kordas spent a bunch of money buying sports cars (that he thought he could drive in the snow??), fixing this or fixing that, which turned into building a horse arena, building a barn. Towards the end it becomes about retiring old horses and buying new ones. Comments on how the locals let the institution of the diner and small quality supermarket die. Thank goodness all these RICH folk from the city came to save the day buy demanding better things - thus reviving these institutions to a somewhat decent resemblance. Give me a break ! Ugh!!
By chapter 20 I just couldn't take it anymore. If you are quite rich and have the money to spend on updating at 1780's farmhouse, buyout a small house near the property, gut it and renovate it, and then install hired hands - this book will inspire you and you will most likely enjoy it. If, like most people, you aren't but still find moving to the country something you would like to read about or relate to - find another book.
There were about 2 chapters in the whole book I enjoyed.
Here's what I thought I was going to read upon selecting this book from the Library shelves: A story of a man moving from the city to country and all he learned and loved about the move - the struggles - the accomplishments. I felt, this could be something I can relate to - moving from a small city to a town - an old farm community - I have an old house too, and acerage. But, NO. Let's be clear - Michael Korda and his wife are wealthy New Yorkers - from New York City. They own horses and have both have decided to buy this very old second home to enjoy some peace and quiet. But alas, it is not as quite as Korda and his wife planned..
The whole book Korda does nothing but judge people. And that includes everyone. His neighbors and those in the community are lazy and helpless until you stalk them. They seem uneducated in manners but handy around the house - which Korda isn't and did not feel the need to learn a damn thing - why should he, he's loaded. He also judges his old friends - they seem like a bunch of snobs - everyone who comes up for a vist. Most of the chapters are about how the Kordas spent a bunch of money buying sports cars (that he thought he could drive in the snow??), fixing this or fixing that, which turned into building a horse arena, building a barn. Towards the end it becomes about retiring old horses and buying new ones. Comments on how the locals let the institution of the diner and small quality supermarket die. Thank goodness all these RICH folk from the city came to save the day buy demanding better things - thus reviving these institutions to a somewhat decent resemblance. Give me a break ! Ugh!!
By chapter 20 I just couldn't take it anymore. If you are quite rich and have the money to spend on updating at 1780's farmhouse, buyout a small house near the property, gut it and renovate it, and then install hired hands - this book will inspire you and you will most likely enjoy it. If, like most people, you aren't but still find moving to the country something you would like to read about or relate to - find another book.
There were about 2 chapters in the whole book I enjoyed.
July 30, 2018
That brings us to the present. Country Matters had boiled up to the top of my wishlist. It took eight years and by then I had forgotten that I already had a copy. My library didn't have a copy so I had to do an interlibrary loan, even though I had a copy sitting on my shelf in my bedroom!
Was the book worth the effort? Not really. Korda's memoir is outlined as a series of essays about the lessons learned from living in the countryside. It's rather homely and cute but it's also rather dry. There's not a lot of there, there. There's no sense of the town, no sense of Korda.
Was the book worth the effort? Not really. Korda's memoir is outlined as a series of essays about the lessons learned from living in the countryside. It's rather homely and cute but it's also rather dry. There's not a lot of there, there. There's no sense of the town, no sense of Korda.
November 22, 2013
One of my neighbours gave me this book because she couldn't get into it. I understand why. Many of the stories do not have a strong theme. The premise is good, but... The anecdotes were disappointing. Yes, there were some good chapters, but it took a long way into the book to find them. I think that this book could have done with a good editor to suggest a clear focus. I wonder if it would have been published at all if the author hadn't been the editor-in-chief at Simon and Schuster.
September 29, 2018
A bit elitist and dated but readable and mildly entertaining.
January 29, 2022
Michael Korda is funny, with a wonderful blend of a dry sense of humor, perplexity of the things of the country, and occasional self effacement. This is a wonderful book. “ Country Matters” tells of the Korda’s purchase of a home in Pleasant Valley , New York. Starting with their decision making process Michael Korda drolly notes the schadenfreude,( is it?) of his newly acquired neighbors, with their questions of country home matters to which he almost ruefully admits he didn’t know the answers.
It is a book about what it is to have private property, about digging up the yard with backhoes, allowances to the locals for bird hunting and you name it, lessons about pigs, and certainly horses, an ever expanding collection of newly found cats (or maybe they found him), the seemingly never ending arrival of repairman with their trucks in the driveway, all fixing up the roof, the walls of
“the old Hubner place”, or, for the even more mature generation, the crenelated “old Hewitt farm”, until which, with due time, it becomes “ the Korda place”, where, finally , yes, it’s yours.
Mr. Korda is on these pages,learning, learning about “country matters”, including a few self-acknowledged trials and tribulations and “infelicitous”repair jobs (love that word!). We have all been there; many of us have learned this by putting up a Christmas tree.
It is a book about country living, and the locals, meeting at the hardware store, or for more portentous conversation, at Dunken Donuts, discussing the potential for big snow and bad weather conditions; the locals with their unquestioned abilities, as they know innately by merely looking at the sky between sips of coffee, or, if just driving into town by noticing the cows laying down in the fields at midday, or the geese hovering together. The price and availability of hay here is still a disquisition from those that know.
Much of this may seem hyperbole to city folks, but, as you well know we know it to be true, for it is “their love of the soil, their understanding of nature, and their solid common sense about all those country things...”
It is a book about what it is to have private property, about digging up the yard with backhoes, allowances to the locals for bird hunting and you name it, lessons about pigs, and certainly horses, an ever expanding collection of newly found cats (or maybe they found him), the seemingly never ending arrival of repairman with their trucks in the driveway, all fixing up the roof, the walls of
“the old Hubner place”, or, for the even more mature generation, the crenelated “old Hewitt farm”, until which, with due time, it becomes “ the Korda place”, where, finally , yes, it’s yours.
Mr. Korda is on these pages,learning, learning about “country matters”, including a few self-acknowledged trials and tribulations and “infelicitous”repair jobs (love that word!). We have all been there; many of us have learned this by putting up a Christmas tree.
It is a book about country living, and the locals, meeting at the hardware store, or for more portentous conversation, at Dunken Donuts, discussing the potential for big snow and bad weather conditions; the locals with their unquestioned abilities, as they know innately by merely looking at the sky between sips of coffee, or, if just driving into town by noticing the cows laying down in the fields at midday, or the geese hovering together. The price and availability of hay here is still a disquisition from those that know.
Much of this may seem hyperbole to city folks, but, as you well know we know it to be true, for it is “their love of the soil, their understanding of nature, and their solid common sense about all those country things...”
October 22, 2020
I normally love books about rural living and read every memoir I can find on the topic. I have lived in the country most of my life (with a stint in the suburbs after I married my husband) and now live on a mini farm.
This may be a true account of the authors life, and if so, I feel sorry for him. To spend $250,000 (and I believe that was back in the 70’s) on a house on 20 acres and sink money into it continually, while it never actually improves sounds like a nightmare. But he also got taken (by workers) repeatedly because he knows absolutely nothing, nor does he care to try, about the most basic maintenance. His solution is to have someone else fix everything and accept that every project doubles in cost. Did he not get an inspection on this house? It sounds like he spent way more money in small repairs than it would have taken to just renovate the whole house and have it be in good shape.
He is stereotypical about the country neighbors, since he is obviously superior (being from England and all), then goes on to also be judge mental about his friends who are from the city, making fun of them after naming them by name. He said many of his visitors weren’t repeat visitors, saying the country was too much for them. I think they just found him repulsive and rude.
If you’re dreaming of the country life, don’t read this book. It is not an accurate representation of one. Do things go wrong on old houses? Of course. Do animals get out sometimes? Yep. But for the most part, it actually IS quiet, peaceful, and enjoyable.
This may be a true account of the authors life, and if so, I feel sorry for him. To spend $250,000 (and I believe that was back in the 70’s) on a house on 20 acres and sink money into it continually, while it never actually improves sounds like a nightmare. But he also got taken (by workers) repeatedly because he knows absolutely nothing, nor does he care to try, about the most basic maintenance. His solution is to have someone else fix everything and accept that every project doubles in cost. Did he not get an inspection on this house? It sounds like he spent way more money in small repairs than it would have taken to just renovate the whole house and have it be in good shape.
He is stereotypical about the country neighbors, since he is obviously superior (being from England and all), then goes on to also be judge mental about his friends who are from the city, making fun of them after naming them by name. He said many of his visitors weren’t repeat visitors, saying the country was too much for them. I think they just found him repulsive and rude.
If you’re dreaming of the country life, don’t read this book. It is not an accurate representation of one. Do things go wrong on old houses? Of course. Do animals get out sometimes? Yep. But for the most part, it actually IS quiet, peaceful, and enjoyable.
May 24, 2018
I'm marking this as "read" even though I couldn't finish it. I tried multiple times an made it 3/4 of the way through, but I just can't read anymore about city slickers moving to the country to keep being city slickers there. I keep picking it up forgetting why I put it down. Two things pushed me over the edge. His company gave him a motorcycle as a 20 year anniversary present but he ended up trading it in for a Harley so he could fit in. They built the biggest building in town (on land they bought so nobody could move in across the street) so his wife could ride show horses indoors. I can't identify with people who worry about one patch of grass not matching the color of the rest, or have an extra house where their horse keeper lives. Anything I might glean from this book is overshadowed by the rich people mentality. It's not often I part with a book, but I'm not even keeping this one in my library.
November 28, 2022
Korda, author and publisher, moves to the country with his wife Margaret and her horses. Although he started out going into New York City during the week for his job, Korda eventually made the switch to living in Duchess County full-time. This memoir, with witty and charming stories, details the many barriers to becoming a "country squire" in a community that shuns outsiders. It took pigs, the employment of many locals, and sheer persistence to truly become residents of Duchess County. The chapters could be stand-alone essays and are charmingly illustrated by the author. Memorable characters include Harold Roe, the neighbor's infamous boar, and the 18th-century house itself.
June 17, 2020
As a girl who moved from a small city, to a suburb, finally ending up in my own 18th century farmhouse much of what Korda writes about is relatable and brought laughter bubbling up.
An old house that always needs work, projects you are never caught up on, and all the other oddities that go along with being a newcomer in a tight knit community were spot on.
I’ll keep this book in my library when I want to reread and remind myself we aren’t the only crazy ones out there that elected to live this life.
An old house that always needs work, projects you are never caught up on, and all the other oddities that go along with being a newcomer in a tight knit community were spot on.
I’ll keep this book in my library when I want to reread and remind myself we aren’t the only crazy ones out there that elected to live this life.
August 11, 2020
I was trying to put a finger on something that wasn't working for me about a book I'm currently reading and this book popped into my memory. This memoir works beautifully - the engaging and accessible prose fits the content and the result is seamless, entertaining and a delight. Well written without being pretentious or writerly, Korda offers readers and intimate and humble view of life on the wrong side of the Taconic.
June 24, 2023
A combination of the writer's style and empathy of subject, combined with the fact that I live (much less grandly) in an old country farmhouse makes this a sure winner. I'm not a laugh out louder, but could frequently be heard guffawing between 10 and 11 as I made my way through this entrancing book. Also sad as I knew half way through of the after life of this wonderful couple. In fact, the chapter on a day in the author's life was so real I've "bored" all of my friends with the details.
October 16, 2022
This book was a hidden gem I found at our local used book store. For anyone who has ever lived in a rural area the stories will be relatable and humorous. Although written several decades ago human nature and the classis urban vs rural take on things hasn't changed. An easy read with each chapter a separate slice of Michael Korda adjustment to rural living.
January 21, 2024
While I only checked this out as setting research for my novel, I’m happy to report this was far more delightful than I could have imagined!
It’s a charming picture of the American countryside, and the philosophy of midwestern life (as told by a lovable & snarky British city-dweller). Light-hearted, hilarious, and totally heartwarming 🤠
It’s a charming picture of the American countryside, and the philosophy of midwestern life (as told by a lovable & snarky British city-dweller). Light-hearted, hilarious, and totally heartwarming 🤠
July 15, 2018
Some parts were dry, but a good book overall. Loved the anecdote format. Too much about horses, but that's just their lives.
April 24, 2019
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this tale of country life and the ups, downs, trials and tribulations. I am also from the country and could relate to much of what he wrote about.
I enjoyed this tale of country life and the ups, downs, trials and tribulations. I am also from the country and could relate to much of what he wrote about.
May 31, 2019
tape while mowing. pertains. matters indeed
June 13, 2019
A list of complaints from a self-proclaimed farmer, whose "farm" is managed by hands. Clearly meant to amuse city folk who want to know about quaint country life rather than being an actual farmoir.
July 31, 2022
I loved this book! If you are a horse person, you will totally relate to the author’s trials and tribulations of moving to the country and dealing with horse and neighbors.
Fun read!
Fun read!
April 10, 2023
Very enjoyable read. Country life! I've never experienced it--they certainly had a lot of interesting adventures.
June 2, 2024
One of my favorite books of all time
October 9, 2025
It's a cozy book to read about anecdotes of countrylife. Chill, a little informative
March 19, 2014
Knowing exactly where this author's house is and being familiar with Pleasant Valley gives this book a certain intimate feel as you get to see the area through someone else's eyes. But Korda often paints his neighbors with a pretty broad brush, falling back on the stereotypical "country folk" image of bad grammar, lack of education or ambition, and a disinterest in anything beyond the few square miles of their birthplace. There are many niggling small errors in the book which annoy a reader who knows the county but will go unnoticed by the casual reader. To be fair, he also treats their city visitors to some stereotyping as well (over-dressed, ignorant of anything outside of a city, naive about real country life). Some of his misadventures in becoming the owner of a very old house will make you smile, or perhaps groan in sympathy if you own such a house yourself. By the end of the book he is waxing nostalgic as he looks back over 21 years residence and observes the changes that have come to the area, which he now considers home.
May 31, 2010
I wish there was a zero-star option. I barely made it to page 80, telling myself that I needed to finish at least 25% before passing judgment. Like others have said, Korda simply comes off as a pompous jerk. He manages to be condescending to both the locals in Pleasant Valley and the rich, high-class friends that come visit. Somehow it is only he and his model wife (a profession he never forgets to include, with requirements he never omits) that manage to exist as this wonderful bridge. Ahh, to have such an ego.
October 2, 2009
I finished this book thinking that Korda was a pompus twit with more money than good manners. His condescending observations of his neighbors left me irritated time and time again, as well as the name dropping and implied superiority of himself vs. the "lowly" country folk.
If you discounted the snide comments, the first part of the book was pretty interesting. However, the last 4 chapters became rambling and could have been condensed into one chapter.
If you discounted the snide comments, the first part of the book was pretty interesting. However, the last 4 chapters became rambling and could have been condensed into one chapter.
February 21, 2011
Korda is a good writer, hence his position as best selling author & editor at S & S. I enjoyed some chapters more than others simply for the fact that I lived in Millbrook area & recognize many of the places if not the type of people who live in that area of NY. I also worked in a dressage barn & his description of the horse people I found to be pretty right on. All in all, its a tongue in cheek cute story of the typical city vs country mouse but place & class specific.
May 29, 2012
Really enjoyed this book probably due to having living in a near-rural setting for almost 20 years, I was able to relate. Well, I didn't own horses OR pigs but I did get snowbound more than once and neighbors DO drop in without calling first! An accurate picture of non-suburban/rural life. If you're considering a move out of the suburbs or city, read this first! Checked this one out of the library but wouldn't have minded purchasing it. Yeah,it was THAT good!
September 22, 2013
If you are someone who finds humor in looking down your nose on people from rural areas, chuckling at their habits, clothing, mannerisms, and various idiosyncrasies, then this is the book for you. If, on the other hand, you don't believe that wealthy white British men represent the pinnacle of all that is civilized in the world, then drop this book and run in the other direction.
December 2, 2013
I found this book interesting as I had little knowledge of horses or life inside or outside of New York City. Michael Korda nicely lays out the highs and low of each. His perspective is from a life of privilege but one of hard work too. If you have ever commuted to work by train you'll readily identify with his description of the pluses and minuses.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews