The place I have now in VA is 3.17 acres. It was the same kind of compromise, but I love it and it's really private. We have been looking for something with enough acreage that we can build multiple dwellings as needed for aging parents, siblings, etc. We actually have a contract pending now on a place in Newton Co., Arkansas! (
). It is 33 acres which border National Forest with three springs (one of which is still running in the insane drought they are having) and a tiny solar cabin (16' x12' w/ loft and deck) that we can live in while building our permanent cabin. You can walk right down to the headwaters of the Buffalo River! When we move, it will be me and my DH, his close friend who is a great contractor, and my DH's elderly dad. Right now, the plan is that I'll be going off to school and the three men will be getting various cabins built, gardening, and caring for my chickens. It's going to be an insane half-decade.