I have been house hunting for a long time without success.. now ending up in rental. I am looking for somewhere semi rural , close to amenities and culture, good transport links but with great countryside . I know Edinburgh well and have been looking around Edinburgh/East Lothian but prices are ridiculous and i am not finding what I'm looking for. Have seen a couple of place in Perthshire but got worried there would not be enough to do, especially in Winter. My search has included Somerset and Dorset, Devon and areas around Bath and Bristol. The search area is so huge i have become overwhelmed, stressed and frazzled.
My question is, which areas would you all recommend to live with the above criteria? I am looking for somewhere detached preferably, something like a barn conversion or similar with a nice garden , three decent sized bedrooms and good walks etc nearby, non estate if possible. Around £500,000 k. Help me please, or I will be in rental for ever!