My family and I reside on a non-working farm, although we have a couple of horses and the usual stuff like pigs, cows, and chickens. We really don't have an honest-to-goodness farm, more of a hobby farm.
I personally believe the film turns out better when shot in one short schedule, plus it doesn't stress the actors.
You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.