Britons yearning for the Good Life

The poll by speciality cheese maker Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses reveals that a majority of people would prefer a simpler, self-reliant existence – free from the pressures of modern living and consumerism.

Eighty-two per cent of those questioned said they craved a homespun lifestyle, with a third wanting to emulate Tom and Barbara Good from the classic ’70s TV sitcom The Good Life.

One in four claimed to be either growing their own food, baking bread or making jam and chutney in an effort to become more self-sufficient.

The poll also suggested the notion of keeping up with the Joneses has been turned on its head, with 31 per cent saying that 
their neighbours and friends now liked to boast about how self-reliant they were.

As a result, competitive parents have started exaggerating their own home-making abilities – almost a quarter (22 per cent) 
saying they had lied about their skills.