I live on the big Island about 30 miles south of his house.
We are about 1800 feet in elevation which means that we don't need heat or a/c, and we have almost 2 acres that my T/W can grow all kinds of things that she is used to eating in Thailand.
Our house is small - 2 bedrooms with huge lanai's (patios) where we spend most of our time, as the weather is usually perfect.