"Wendy Scott" was considered one of the most notable cases of Münchausen syndrome on record, in part because of the severity of her condition and in part because she is a rare case of complete recovery from the syndrome, which many doctors consider untreatable.

More Wendy Scott on Wikipedia.

To develop it, he would have lost a piece of himself.

It's his wishes. For his peace of mind. (If he'd had to sell the farm to the highest bidder) It would break his heart to drive by and see it in housing developments. His identity is tied to this land. He worked this land for years and years.