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Original poster

so where would you move - the house of your dreams, the practical place or the compromise?

51 replies

MissChief · 21/04/2006 12:45

Okay, we're still floundering on the moving front and if anyone's prepared to indulge me by reading about our relocation angst, please let me know which of the following 3 options you'd go for. MN jury needed, might provide some kind of steer to our decision-making!

Option 1) village around the town in which we currently live (practical option)
PROs - able to keep in touch with friends,maintain links,
be close to dh's work
CONs - no amazing villages nr where we live
plane noise in the area
interesting period property is expensive

Option 2) house/place of dreams type scenario- period stone cottage in Oxfordshire/Glos
PROs - as said "dream" stone period house
nearer to my home area so closer to friends/family
slightly more affordable period housing
CONs
long commute for dh
away from current links

Option 3) Godalming area (somewhat of a compromise possibly)
PROs
we love Godalming
it's 45 mins to dh's work, so not too far
CONs
we're unlikely to get a period house in the area in which we'd need to live school-wise

OP posts:
starlover · 21/04/2006 12:50

can you go for option one but spread the net a little further to avoid the plane noise and get a place you'd like?

moondog · 21/04/2006 12:50

Do you have a house in mind for each option?
Am, confused by reference to 'period house' in no. 3.
Well 1 and 2 both have something bad.Plane noise (which will only get worse) and the soul destroying long commute.

I wouldn't be worried about going to a new area.
You will always make new friends and contacts.I speak as one who has lived in many different places and countries all my life.

Original poster
MissChief · 21/04/2006 12:52

maybe, SL, need to look more.
By period, in 3rds option meant pre-1930s. We'd probably have to go for 1950s-brand new an d personally don't like newer houses

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moondog · 21/04/2006 12:54

Well I don't like new houses but I a have brand new one and let me tell you,it's great!

LIZS · 21/04/2006 12:56

I'd ditch option 1, can't see much to be gained there tbh. Option 2 sounds most appealing, just how long is a long commute ? Do you actually know Godalming or is your view superficial, in which case you could go through all the upheaval only to be disappointed ?

beckybrastraps · 21/04/2006 12:58

How does dh feel about a long commute? And how long is long?

Original poster
MissChief · 21/04/2006 13:00

option 2 would mean at least 1 1/4 hr commute each way for dh.

We're getting to know Godalming having visited it many times over the past 2 months- it ticks lots of boxes but we don't know anyone there

OP posts:
moondog · 21/04/2006 13:01

The only thing stopping you is your fixation with period properties.
Let it goooooooooo
Smile

Kelly1978 · 21/04/2006 13:01

I wouldn't do the long commute so 2 would def be out of the question. There doesn't seem a lot going for option 3 neither, if you can't get hte house you want and you are going on superficial grounds.
I think I would be still looking for more options, personally, not sure I could settle for any of those.

beckybrastraps · 21/04/2006 13:01

What are his working hours like? If my dh had a commute like that he wouldn't see the children at all in the week. He wouldn't be happy with that.

starlover · 21/04/2006 13:02

that is a long commute.... ok now and then but would he want to do it EVERY day? makes his day so much longer.

starlover · 21/04/2006 13:02

yeah, i agree with the others... compromise on the housing!
you know, if you look you might find something you really like, even if it isn't as old as you'd like

LIZS · 21/04/2006 13:03

dh's commute to London can take that long - he leaves around 7.30 and usually home at 7. Not ideal but he breakfasts with the kids and then still sees them before bed.

Original poster
MissChief · 21/04/2006 13:05

oh i go all gushy over sash windows and cast iron fireplaces, moondog! Leave alone fudge-coloured stone cotswold towns! what's to like about new houses other than their practicality?!

OP posts:
beckybrastraps · 21/04/2006 13:06

Like I said, depends on working hours.

LIZS · 21/04/2006 13:07

I think to an extent houses are what you make them. You could still make your mark on something apparently less appealing or that perhaps has character but needs some doing up. Don't rule out an area just on that basis.

moondog · 21/04/2006 13:08

So do I MC,but new houses can be very low maintenence, and light and airy.
I won't be living in my new house for ever but for now,it suits.

Original poster
MissChief · 21/04/2006 13:08

he typically works 8.30-6 with regular national(and occasionasl internat.) travel. he cd work 1 day from home probably

OP posts:
moondog · 21/04/2006 13:10

MC,mine is abroad most of the time and I am alone with the children.New house=less housework and starin on me.
My dh has a home office too.

Original poster
MissChief · 21/04/2006 13:19

thing is, I've moved around a lot too and as dh regularly points out, it's a v expensive habit! I've had to promise not to want to move again for a long time. If we went for a new property, I'm sure I'd be lusting after some dusty old cottage in the cotswolds within the year!

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moondog · 21/04/2006 13:22

Hmmmmm,it's difficult then.
I would rather a less than ideal home and a dh not ground down by a long commute when push came to shove however.
Is there another area to look at??

beckybrastraps · 21/04/2006 13:26

I'm with moondog. We compromise.

Original poster
MissChief · 21/04/2006 13:57

that's why we're interested in Godalming. It's around 25 miles from where dh works and so c. 45-50 mins (rush-hour). It's not drop-dead gorgeous cotswold stone, but the centre is lovely with some great Tudor buildings and we might be lucky and get a 1930s house within the catchment we're after. I just wish I could make a bloody decision and go for it! (and of course, get an offer on ours!)

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Original poster
MissChief · 21/04/2006 13:58

among the more distant possibles are Wallingford, Goring & Streetley, Burford (for that fudge-coloured stone).

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Original poster
MissChief · 21/04/2006 14:24

in case anyone knows those - bump!

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