How a Kyiv Family Transformed an Abandoned Plot into a Thriving Garden After Moving to a Village Two Years Ago

The Synko Family’s Rural Life

According to Главком: Two years ago, a family from Kyiv relocated to an old house in a village in the Khmelnytskyi region. Since then, they have turned a neglected piece of land into a productive vegetable garden, orchard, and vineyard. Kateryna Synko shared their journey on the YouTube channel Synko Family. The family, which chose to embrace countryside living, emphasizes that their decision is not merely romantic-it represents a practical effort to build an autonomous, self-sufficient lifestyle with all necessary comforts.

The house they moved into is old, heated by a stove, and lacks running water. They purchased the property for $2,000. Their land now hosts a variety of plants, including:

• chamomile
• blackberries
• strawberries
• corn
• cabbage
• peas
• beets
• carrots
• herbs

Part of the garden has been set up using raised beds, which makes plant care much easier.

Challenges and Ambitions in Rural Living

This season brought some setbacks-the lawnmower broke down, making yard maintenance more difficult. Still, the family continues to expand their agricultural projects. They plan to plant over 200 new grapevines, reflecting their strong commitment to growing their farming operations.

The Synko family’s story demonstrates how a forgotten plot of land can be turned into a flourishing homestead that meets modern demands for autonomy and self-reliance.

This case highlights a growing trend in Ukraine, where more families are choosing rural life as a path to independence and self-sufficiency over urban living. Such stories can inspire others to explore new opportunities and farming methods, helping to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector. Given today’s societal challenges, the pursuit of self-reliance may become a key element of economic stability for many Ukrainians.