Been a lurker on here terrified to tempt fate by posting.
Always wanted the big country pile. Husband got new role this year which made it possible so found one which needs work but habitable and within budget.
Can buy it without selling ours with terrifyingly large mortgage. Selling a small cottage I inherited made this even more manageable and meant we would have money to do it up.
Talked husband and children into move. Not easy but they do all like the new house and can see it will be a different life which will bring some benefits.
Exchanged on big house today - queue terrifying mortgage. Have sale agreed on ours plus the cottage so fingers crossed all comes together. If it doesn't we'll be poor until the sales go through but we can manage just.
Thanks for all who post their house buying angst on here. I've been useless replying so don't expect much in return but wanted to say how helpful it was to read that I was not alone in my worries.