Really, really helpful everyone. That's exactly what I needed to know - can I find peace and quiet and where. I think I"m getting a better picture of the lay of the lay land there and that I'm looking for is doable so I need a proper, longer visit next time. We don't have a huge budget and have investigated building instead of buying finished. We had put an offer in on a house on C.C. but it fell through earlier this year.

I don't want to be a hermit but we are nature lovers and want to hear and see it with the option of course of seeing friends and going out for some great food and drinks.

Really good points made on here and I really appreciate your help.