Is there a smaller Brighton anywhere?!

[donttrythisathome]

I live in Brighton and love it, but want to move somewhere a lot smaller and more rural. I've realised that my dream is somewhere like Brighton. Not, as in, for example, lots of drug deaths and hen parties. More the sea, open-mindedness, lots going on. Just smaller, and greener. Somewhere you can walk to countryside easily, and hear owls at night.

Stop laughing, you over there....!

So, is it an impossible dream?

A small seaside place, that is vibrant and progressive, with a great community. And noticeable owls, or at least easy access thereto?! Oh and work for a future childminder and current carpenter/furniture maker?

[ArielThePiraticalMermaid]

Falmouth is on the sea yes. It's quite well known for it .

I would say Falmouth has the best job prospects of any Cornish town at the moment. It has its rough elements like anywhere though.

[AberdeenAgnes]

phew.

I used to live in Brighton and the real lentil weavery types all seemed to emigrate to Falmouth.

[LIZS]

sorry Hastings is not on the radar (apologies to MNetters there, maybe my view is 20 years out of date), even made Eastbourne seem upmarket and happening! Maybe Rye or Pevensey is nice but probably too small for you.

[Smugfearnleyshittingstool]

SALCOMBE tis stunning! And always sunny.

[LIZS]

West Dean or Rottingdean, Chichester ?

[thebestisyettocome]

I would second Conwy, Whitby and even Hebden Bridge (though it isn't near the sea).

[thebestisyettocome]

Oh and what about Abersoch? It is beautiful and full of rich people from Cheshire who may want to buy furniture.

[Kewcumber]

isn't margate supposed to be trendy these days? [clueless emoticon]

[ArielThePiraticalMermaid]

Margate is trying to be the new Bilbao. Not sure how it's doing....:)

[noddyholder]

these people andthis house There sorted!

[Kewcumber]

second (or is it thiors or fourth) re Hastings - we stopped there on teh way home from a holiday near Rye... big mistake.

[donttrythisathome]

Oh wow, so many options. I can see what you are saying about Hastings, but the depth of deprivation means it might never get out of it. Husband thinks Thatcher did for it in the 80s. I hope it does though as it has potential for sure.

Falmouth sounds interesting. As for the type of people I'm looking to live amongst. Well seeing as I';m going for an IDEAL, then I'll say all sorts, but with a healthy proportion of lentil weavers, open-minded people, other blow-ins, young families, friendly types, not up their own arses too much or too money-obsessed.
Haven't been to West Dean or Chichester (besides driving through). Might be worth a look. Considered Rottingdean, is still on the radar but not sure I'd hear the owls there
Salcombe/Totnes tempting too.
Need to narrow my focus I think!

[miaowmix]

Sandgate? Haven't been for a while but it looked as though it could go either way, has a lovely stretch of property called the Riviera I think.
Agree re Hastings, a step too far, but a shame as some beautiful property - also Ramsgate/Margate.
I think you want Lewes but just by the sea... so Brighton?

[donttrythisathome]

Ooh thread moved on while posting!Hmm Wales coming up a lot. But what about the rain (escapee from Ireland mainly due to rain).
Didn't get the link to the house Noddy. Had an 'oriole boss, truly vile, who lives in Folkestone. Puts me off a bit .

[noddyholder]

Rottingdean is lovely I walk there most weeks. It just has a nice vibe

[SamsGoldilocks]

Why do you want to leave Brighton? Whereabouts do you live? I live up in fiveways and in a five /ten minute walk I can be up on the downs, walking to the hill fort.

The other thing is What kind of work do you do or is it a job in general you're looking for?

[noddyholder]

bargain

[OctopusSting]

I moved from Hove to near Stroud. Beautiful part of the world but I do miss the sea a teensy bit. Not enough to want to move though.

[donttrythisathome]

Oh, but why would I go to Folkestone rather than stay here? is it a lot smaller and....owlier?

[slacklucy]

Aldeburgh in Suffolk - Very "arty" choice of sea or river view, gorgeous restaurants , houses a bit pricey but on par with Brighton.. Countryside lovley you can walk from the beach inland to the woods & end up in a nice pub

[EdlessAllenPoe]

Hastings has been a shithole for much much longer than a mere 30 years...

worthing is a bit bog standard really. nice cafes though, good seafront...soon to be better for the new swimming pool (old one an appalling eyesore) slightly mixed choice of secondary schools..(good if you want an all-girls school) just none of those interesting little shops you get in Brighton. good charity shops.

[noddyholder]

It is a lot smaller I went to school there for 18months in the 80s and it was pretty but boring I think it has improved.I think you should stay in Brighton too It is a one of a kind place and if you love it thats a lot more than most people say for where they live.

[donttrythisathome]

Does the link noddy thanks. Does seem cheap but is a flat. Want a house with garden (spoiled).

Octupus I live in Hove. Want a more rural (yet vibrant) vibe, plus a garden. Only have a yard now. I want to change job in a couple of years to a childminder with a focus on natural and outdoor learning. Husband carpenter/furniture - maker.

sams yes I would miss the sea. I'm from a harbour town, need the water connection. Guess a lake or largish river might do me though.

[pamplemousse]

Hastings NOOOO, St Leonards yeeeesss, although not a huge owl population...Hmm yes Lewes could be good? Much more countrysidey.
Totnes is lovely but very touristy and quite lentil weaving too, though thats not a bad thing!
Sidmouth is ime quite a lot like eastbourne, high percentage of retired people and a lot of seaside teenage drinkers with quite crap sea front pubs. Although this is based on going there a lot when I was a teenager! Its probably lovely.