Move or improve? What would you do?

[mylittlepuds]

My dream is to live in a gorgeous village about 20 mins away from us. It's in the middle of the countryside but so well connected as it's close to a major road. It's gorgeous (did I already say that?!). Beautiful English village with quaint pubs, outstanding school, village hall, cricket club, green with village events - lots going on. It's also very, very expensive.

We live in a lovely suburb. Low crime, very good schools, parks, shops, a big Tesco, small Tesco, nice families. We have a lovely big house too.

My dilemma is this...there is scope to extend our home and make it truly fabulous. But - and this is a huge but - that would mean accepting the suburbs and shelving the village dream. My DS is 2 and I wouldn't want him to start school here and then pluck him out. I want him to start school where we'll be staying.

If we move to the village our house will be a semi. Our house now is a four bed detached (we have a newborn DD so space is required).

What would you do/what have you done - do you regret it or are you happy?

[lalalonglegs]

I'd improve to make my house more valuable then move. I think you overestimate how difficult it is to move children from one school to another - most settle in pretty easily so unless you think there is something about your son that would make it super-traumatic, I don't think you should let that influence your timetable enormously.

[poocatcherchampion]

I'd move to the semi with a view to upgrading in the future. I'd want to settle in the village and make friends etc early on and go from there.you can't give up your dream!

[Mandy21]

I'd move too - I think now with newborn DD (presumably materity leave) and a 2yr old is perfect friends-making timing - baby groups, people stopping you to ask about a new baby. That would be my driver and then be settled into the new village and life there by time you have to apply for school for your 2yr old.

[greenformica]

Follow your dream and move while it's simpler.