I haven't bought any property myself, but I find these discussions really interesting because more and more people seem to be considering cottages instead of apartments lately. What stands out to me is that everyone values different things. Some people are happy to live farther away if it means more privacy and nature, while others need quick access to the city because of work or family. It seems like there isn't a universal answer, and the "best" option depends a lot on daily habits. Reading other people's experiences is probably one of the most useful ways to understand what kind of place would actually fit your lifestyle long-term.