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