Hi all, first-time poster, be gentle :) Sorry in advance for a long post!
Me and DH are expecting twin boys and have made a decision to leave London so our kids can grow in a lovelier place with more access to nature (which we also love).
Although we both went to university in the city (12+ years ago now), we don't really know Oxfordshire or the area as a whole.
We are both in our early/mid 30s and have been lucky enough to have done well professionally so do have ~£1.6m to spend after selling our London place.
We'd love to get your views on where we should think about buying and what areas may be nice.
- We don't mind more rural settings, but would be nice to be closer to a village/town for ammenities and seeing people!
- We would be heading into London 3, max 4 times/week, so a way to get into London (train?) would be good
- Driving distance to one of the better/academic independent pre-preps would be great (we really only know of the Dragon, Summer Fields - any more suggestions would be great!)
- How far is too far to drive young boys to school? We were thinking around 35 mins would be ok?
- Wouldn't mind being within decent driving distance to Oxford for a nice dinner or a play once in a while.
Lastly, is it difficult to make new friends in the area? We are friendly and easy-going, but we don't really know anyone else in Oxfordshire and are leaving behind good friends in London. We are excited to build our new life somewhere new!
Thanks so much for reading all this! Would love to hear your views, suggestions and critiques.