we are starting a new life in the west country and want what is best for our two toddlers (another one maybe on the way soon?). We are in the very lucky position of being able to choose between two fab houses -- which one would you go for?? (I do know how lucky I am by the way and count my blessings all the time, we have had some bad times in the last few years, but it has suddenly all come ok)
The first house is in a tiny village, no pub/shop etc, but a small village school that kids could go to until the age of about seven I suppose. It is in the middle of all our new friends, a twenty minute commute for dh and it is a biggish house that has just recently been done up.
The second house is totally ramshackle, needs loads of money spending on it (the price in the end would work out about the same as the other house), but is in the most gorgeous position, high above a river (views from most windows) and almost walking distance from a village with a pub (but no shop/school etc), we could even have a little boat. There is a school about a 10 min drive away. But it is a 45 minute commute and about 35 minutes from most of our friends -- I don't know if it is a very 'young' area, since it is quite expensive (if you aren't buying a ruin like us!).
The first house is the practical option and the kids would have loads of friends nearby, but the other house is the romantic option and we would have amazing weekends.
Head vs heart!!! What would you do?