Relocating - advice on villages

[Suz1000]

Hi - we are moving out of London suburbs to Bath area. Happy to live 20mins from City and looking for house with large garden and great views but also accessible to sports clubs and places to eat. Have seen 2 great houses; one in Bradford on Avon and one in Norton St Philip. House in Norton has the wow factor but concerned its too far out and nothing going on. Older son going to Prior Park in Sept 2015 and younger one hopefully to local primary. Anyone any advice?

Norton is quite quiet; you will also have a problem with schools there as the village school is a first school and so only goes up to year 4.

Bradford is a bit twee, but will fit the bill for having stuff going on (no idea about the sport though). It's an easy commute by train, less joyful by car, although still not bad.

But to be honest, you might be better off looking on the actual outskirts of Bath. Its gravitational pull is so huge that the local villages tend to be, well, village-y and quite quiet.

Thanks - I think we had come to the same conclusion about Norton. Happy to live on Bath outskirts but can't find a house we love (and can afford.)

Hi Suz hope you are well.

We had the same problem re affording a lovely house. We nearly bought a beautiful 3 storey house in Weston. I am so glad we didn't as every time we go past they have scaffolding up!

I have tweeted a link to this thread so hopefully one of our followers will be able to help

hello we're also moving to Bath over the next few months. DD is joining RHS. Any advice on sensible, accessible and affordable places to live please? And advice in estate agents would also be great! Also looking for a short-term rental, three months if anyone has a lead please! Thank you.

Hi tigermum you might like this RHS

We moved to BOA earlier this year (also from London ) and love it so far. Plenty to do and there are lots of incomers so people tend to be pretty friendly and welcoming. It is a bit twee but there are a lot of people who are committed to the community and keeping it going which isn't a bad thing - loads of kids' clubs, an art festival, street markets and groups etc. All the schools are very well thought of. It's 10 minutes into Bath on the direct train and just over 30 into Bristol. We're really happy here.

Hi Pizdets - thats really good to hear- we have had an offer accepted on a house on the outskirts of BOA so fingers crossed it goes through. How old are your kids? Any advice on the primary schools?

Hi Suz, DS is only 10 months so no personal experience! Both primaries are meant to be very good and not heard any complaints. Christchurch supposed to be slightly better although not sure of the reasons why! The primary in Winsley is also rated 'outstanding' by ofsted depending on where you are.

Congrats on the offer being accepted, hope the move goes smoothly and I'll probably see you around come the autumn!