Many of us have been tempted at times to run far from the madding crowds and set up home in the middle of nowhere. But is it really for you?
Tracy Kellett from BDI Homefinders has had the same brief from her clients many, many times: "Find me silence. People are constantly asking for silence." The trouble is that BDI's patch is the South East. "As you can imagine, silence is terrifically difficult to find."
And aside from that, says Tracy, often her clients haven't thought through the reality of living in the isolation that goes with such silence.
"The mistake London buyers often make is to go to the ultimate extreme. But you take them out to see what 15 acres looks like and they realise that they want all that, but they still want to be close to Starbucks too.
"It's very easy to fall in love with a Georgian rectory for half the price of your Chiswick home. But people often end up moving back again because they want more facilities."
Tom Carter, partner at McCartneys in Newtown, mid Wales, who has just sold Laura Ashley's family home in Powys agrees, pointing out that residents of remote spots may have to do without more than a local Waitrose.
"The brief is often complete isolation. But often these places also need a lot of work. We've got one house without mains electricity. And often they'll have private drains and a borehole or spring.
"Some people like the idea but, once you've got them out there viewing properties, they can panic and change their minds."
Having second thoughts on a viewing is one thing, but deciding that you are a city type after all once you've moved in can be a costly mistake.
"The vast majority of our clients make an informed decision, but," warns Tom, "we do occasionally have properties that come back on the market within 12 to 18 months."
Right place, wrong time?
So, how do you know if life in the sticks will suit you?
The first question, says Tracy, is can you work nearby? If you are never at home because you have a long commute what is the point?
Then there are the kids to consider. Parents often crave their own rolling acres to allow their children the sort of freedom unthinkable in a town.
But country living can also bring its own problems for families. Replacing a street full of friends with a muddy field can mean that your children spend more time inside watching telly than outside building tree houses.
And if you have teenagers, you will almost certainly end up feeling like a taxi driver.
Then, once children have flown the nest, living somewhere isolated can start to feel lonely.
For older people, Tom warns, it's vital to consider what your future as well as immediate needs might be in, rather than find yourself forced to move out of a home you love because of its distance from basic amenities.
Prepare for success
Finding the right property in the perfect location can take time. "It's easy to fall in love with the first little chocolate box cottage you see," says Tom. "But carry out as many viewing as you can, or you might be phoning us again in 12 months time."
Tracy even suggests you try before you buy. "Don't burn your bridges. Rent there first. Or, if you can afford it, keep your city home and buy a country place initially for weekends and school holidays."
Once you've found your ideal home, make sure you look carefully at what's beyond the garden fence. Farm smells and noise, a neighbouring millionaire's helipad, or even a vociferous cockerel can quickly lead to your dream home losing its charm as you lose your sleep.
And, although you may be trying to get away from the masses, be prepared to make new friends. "Seclusion is one thing," says Tom. "Isolation is different. Don't distance yourself. Try to integrate with the local community. You'll find that people help each other out here."
And, if you know deep down that you ought to be closer to humanity, a shop, pub, school and doctor's surgery, why not limit your search to properties on the outskirts of a village? "A lot of properties can give you the best of both worlds," says Tom. "For instance we just sold a property, Milford Hall, which is a mile from Newtown Town Centre, but it's got three acres and is surrounded by trees."
More for your money
Aside from the uninterrupted views, beautiful birdsong and clear night skies, you also get a lot more house for your money when you move far from the city.
Cameron Ewer from Savills in Edinburgh is currently marketing the seven-bedroomed Ardvourlie Castle on the on the shore of Loch Seaforth on the Isle of Harris for offers over £695,000.
"Its isolated, but not inaccessible," says Cameron. "There's a Sunday ferry, and it's quite easy to get to, just half an hour from the airport at Stornoway.
"The island has its own doctors and dentist, and there's great community spirit. And there are fantastic estates around here, perfect for people with a sporting interest.
"There's a perception it would be wet and windy here, but you don't get much frost, and it didn't stop functioning in the snow! But when it's sunny there's no better place."