I cleaned the windows this morning, I always feel better when my windows are clean and sparkling. We only have seven windows here so it doesn’t take long. While I’m polishing the glass I can see into all my neighbours gardens, we all live on top of each other here. The Lansdowne estate is pretty with various quaint building styles squashed into a tight space but there is no privacy.
When we bought this place several years ago it was the perfect bolt hole for us to spend winters before we returned to France each spring. It’s quiet, comfortable and easy to maintain but our circumstances have changed, it's really too small now that our daughter uses it as her home when she is on leave from the RAF and not suitable for Rick as we don’t have a garden.
Early next year we shall put it on the market and start looking for a bigger place, something rural with a good sized garden. In fact we have already started looking on the internet but we can’t decide where to relocate to. Property in Wiltshire is expensive and houses are far more affordable if we head north so we have been looking at Shropshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk. Kat is currently at Brize Norton but she could be posted anywhere in the UK so we would like to stay relatively central. These counties are totally unknown to us so it is really scary trying to choose the right area. We have got a lot of research to do; next year will be a challenge.
I wish I had 7 windows, there are over 20 on the ground floor and more upstairs. We need a much smaller place.
ReplyDeleteYou need a window cleaner.
DeleteIt's exciting that you are looking for a new place Sue. I know that you and Paul will choose wisely.
ReplyDeleteExciting and daunting. Buying and selling property is never straightforward.
DeleteDon't forget Rutland. Could be ideal location for you.
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten all about Rutland! I shall investigate.
DeleteMy niece lives at Uppingham. Very good.
DeleteWhat a great project you have ahead of you ! We have stayed in Shropshire and loved the rural areas and Shrewsbury is a great town for a largish centre to go to for big stuff. Rick would love walks on the Long Minde ( think that's the name !) I understand from watching "Escape to the Country" that prices can be a little cheaper there too . We play the " Where would we live if we could " game often when we visit and there are so many nice areas it is not easy but Shropshire often is in contention, especially around Little Stratton. I look forward to hearing about your forays around the country.
ReplyDeleteWe've only been to Shropshire once but the countryside seemed very attractive, lots of hills and woodland.
DeleteLittle Stretten and Church Stretten I meant !
ReplyDeleteGo through all the counties and try to place them on the map; put a tick against any you can't position. Now draw a line between Liverpool and The Wash, and forget anything to the North. You should by now be getting near your goal. Herefordshire, or Shropshire should both be on your list. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan!
DeleteI can recommend Shropshire or Derbyshire. We live in neighbouring Staffordshire (which also has some lovely parts) and in our current house hunt we have looked seriously at both.
ReplyDeleteBon courage ...
Thanks Gaynor, that's good to hear. Are you moving house too?
DeleteI'd say Herefordshire or Shropshire - Derbyshire can be cold and snow-bound in winter. If I were to relocate to the UK, I'd start looking in Herefordshire. Might look at Norfolk and Lincolnshire as an alternative. Then again, Devonshire has a definite appeal.
ReplyDeleteDevon and Cornwall would be on my wish list but that part of the country would make a difficult commute for Kat.
DeleteHow about Somerset - we moved here about 6 years ago and it is a lovely part of the country and generally has fairly mild weather.
ReplyDeleteI know Somerset and it is a lovely county but just a bit too far west for us.
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