It's been a while, compounders!

I've been busy scouting places and figuring out what my girlfriend and I am looking for.

The biggest question is:

How much land do you really need?

At first, I was fully convinced that I needed 20 plus acres. Then as I laid out my plans (veggies and fruits, some hunting, some harvesting of firewood, the possibility of zoning in land for neighbors) I realized that under 10 acres would be perfect. It may be a case of compromise in some areas based on cost, effeciency of running the land and it's uses, and the overall project we are looking at.

Taking a note from Jack Spirko's book, I think the final result will be 3-5 acres, partially wooded with the ability to expand. Spirko talks about having 3 acres. He's got some veggies, fruit trees, ducks and quail that are producing plenty. I think my goal is to utilize about 1 acre for veggies, 1 acre for fruit trees and berries, and 1 acre for a longer term crop like hardwoods for harvest and regrowth. At some point, I'll be addressing the idea of building and creating a food forest to surround the house. Foraging would be an interesting experience, provided you've set the forest up for success.

It isn't all about veggies and gardening (although it is fun), I'm looking to create a compound where I can entertain guests, get some shooting done, lift some weights and practice jiu jitsu. A large outbuilding is going to be a great source for all that in addition to a studio for podcasting and recording.

Let's hear some ideas in the comments about what your idea of the usage of this land should be for!