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Original poster

Can you find me the perfect place to live?

57 replies

herladyship · 27/12/2013 21:53

Criteria are quite broad..

I'd like to be within 20 minute drive of the sea & in the UK

DH would like it to be mountainous or at least very hilly!

DC would like to be near an airport & train links to major cities..

Surely this place must exist?!

OP posts:
EachAndEveryHighway · 27/12/2013 21:57

Cornwall fits all criteria except it's not near airports or train links to major cities I don't think ... but it's lovely! Hang on, doesn't Exeter have an airport - that's only about a hour - hour-and-a-half from Cornwall.

broadsheetbabe · 27/12/2013 22:00

Sunny South Devon fits the bill.

Newton Abbot is five miles from Dartmoor, five miles from the some of the UK's best beaches, on the main train line and just 20 minutes from Exeter Airport.

I wouldn't want to be anywhere else! :)

wetaugust · 27/12/2013 22:04

I don't think Cornwall or Devon could be described as 'mountainous'.

How about Cumbria?

Pembrokeshire?

EagleNebula · 27/12/2013 22:06

Lancaster? Short drive to the Lake District, 10 minutes from the sea and on the west coast mainline.....Manchester and Leeds airports an hour away.

Original poster
herladyship · 27/12/2013 22:07

I LOVE South Devon/Cornwall but DH is very grumbly about it & thinks Western Scotland to be much nicer! Shock

I think a cottage in the South West with holidays in the Scottish Isles might be the perfect compromise? (Hopeful)

OP posts:
Oakmaiden · 27/12/2013 22:08

Cornwall or Devon aren't mountainous, but they are hilly. The moors are lovely - I would go for Tavistock myself - very nice shopping, close to Plymouth for rail links, close to Dartmoor for the hills and walking countryside, within spitting distance of South Devon and Cornwall's beaches, and less than an hour from the airport at Exeter...

OldRoan · 27/12/2013 22:08

Around Worthing/Hove/Brighton.

South Downs behind you (not quite mountainous...), beach and sea in front, easy trains into Brighton/London/Gatwick Airport.

ARealPickle · 27/12/2013 22:08

South Dorset area. Purbecks (hilly rather than mountains! But nice coastal paths for walking). Bournemouth airport (ok its dinky but it does the job) and trains to london etc.

Oakmaiden · 27/12/2013 22:09

The beaches in Scotland are mostly pebbles... does that matter to you? Plus, it is rarely beach weather... The most beautiful landscapes though...(brought up just north of Glasgow)

Original poster
herladyship · 27/12/2013 22:11

hmmm, Cumbria is so beautiful but because I've always been a tourist there it's hard to imagine as 'home' if you know what I mean? Any MNetter's with experience of living there?

Pembrokeshire is a on our list, but the DC are NOT keen!

OP posts:
Oakmaiden · 27/12/2013 22:11

Ooooh - Wales! Duh!

Swansea area - close to the Brecons, has the Gower and the most fantastic beaches, rail link into London (about 3 hours), close to Cardiff...

Oakmaiden · 27/12/2013 22:12

Hah - cross posted! I wouldn't go as far west as Pembrokeshire myself, but Llanelli and the Gower areas might suit...

CMOTDibbler · 27/12/2013 22:14

No sea, but Malvern region? Nice hills there and others close by, much closer to Birmingham than you think, easy to get to other cities. Birmingham airport is brilliant (I fly from there very frequently)

Original poster
herladyship · 27/12/2013 22:15

my brother lives near Christchurch on South Coast. I love it there but DH is less impressed..

Off to search Worthing/Hove/Brighton on Right Move!

OP posts:
scottishmummy · 27/12/2013 22:16

Scotland,west Coast.Glasgow- and drive to loch fyne,good transport,great scenery

Oakmaiden · 27/12/2013 22:16

Funnily enough, herladyship, I used to live near Christchurch too. It is a very busy area in the summer... I was never that fond...

I have also lived in Devon, near Glasgow, and now live in Wales... :)

Original poster
herladyship · 27/12/2013 22:26

Oakmaiden... You could be our 'try before you buy' guide Grin

OP posts:
beatricequimby · 27/12/2013 22:27

Does it have to be the sea? We live half an hour from Loch Lomond (massive loch, stunning scenery, great for paddling and picnics) and it mostly satisfies my seaside cravings and of course there are loads of mountains.

We are on the edge of Glasgow so all the benefits of city life too, good train service, easy to get to the airport.

AgentProvocateur · 27/12/2013 22:27

Another vote for glasgow.

Original poster
herladyship · 27/12/2013 22:32

We've visited Western Scotland a lot.. Driving up the West coast of Loch Lomond... Never been to Glasgow though (whispers) it makes me think of trainspotting! Maybe we need a city break there? I'd love to love it :)

OP posts:
OldRoan · 27/12/2013 22:35

Can I ask - people who live by lakes (especially lochs/water in the middle of lovely Scottish countryside) - are there lots of midges?

Sorry for hijack, OP.

scottishmummy · 27/12/2013 22:36

Glasgow is a stunning city ,Victorian architecture.galleries,parks
but if you can't get past sterotypes and a movie that's your problem

Original poster
herladyship · 27/12/2013 22:41

I suppose when all you've ever seen of a place is the stereotypes it's hard to ignore them? I have no 'first hand' experience!

I did say I'd love to love Glasgow & DH & I have just been investigating a few nights there..

OP posts:
rhiwpix · 27/12/2013 22:44

South Wales does have plenty of places that will meet your criteria.

scottishmummy · 27/12/2013 22:44

In that case don't go to oxford,folks getting murdered all time.or east end london
You can differentiate fact from fiction I presume?

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