Searching for the impossible - South West or Scotland

[bumblebee61]

Hi My husband is retiring in July and we have to move out of a house provided by his job. We have been searching for somewhere to buy for two years, mainly in Scotland, but have been thinking about Devon or Cornwall, or Somerset. It is terrifying. Just can't find anywhere and every time I think I've found a great area to move to i read negative reviews or comments and it puts me off. During this time my thoughts about what we need have changed constantly. I think we need to be near lovely countryside, great walks and hopefully the sea. But we also need doctor, library and food shop within a reasonable distance, hopefully a walk away. Good transport links are important too. I have been searching in Bridport area and across all three counties generally but just cannot find anywhere that seems right in terms of the house and the area. We don't want a modern house on an estate but don't want to be too remote either. It's an absolute nightmare. I would prefer to be somewhere with culture - theatre, cinema art galleries within a half hour drive if possible but hate city traffic, noise and grime. Am I asking for the impossible? My son lives in London so good transport links so he can get to us and vice versa would be great. Am I just impossibly picky? A vibrant active community with people of all ages is also on the wish list.

How about Dorset. We recently moved near Wareham, which has shops, doctors, small library and is only 10-15 min by train to Poole and Bournemouth. Though It does take a little longer to drive. Also has direct trains to London. The countryside round here is beautiful with plenty of coastal and hill walks( to lovely country pubs).

You don't have to buy straight away ! Why not rent 6months in Scotland and 6months in south and explore ! Or buy a camper van ?!! Just put all your stuff into storage and spend some time traveling and enjoying the freedom !!

My parents live in Redpath in Scottish Borders. Tiny village (population around 75) but really strong community centred around lots of stuff going on at the village hall - new year, curry nights, impromptu bands, etc. Very welcoming to those who want to join in! Good train access to Edinburgh from Tweedbank. Melrose book festival is fab. Mum a member of the ramblers. 1 hour drive to coast - Eyemouth, St abbs, Bamburgh. You may not get exact property you are looking for but will get quality of life.

Tynemouth/Cullercoates/Whitley Bay?

Sw vs Scotland is very different - weather wise being the main one! It might be easier to decide on one or the other and the rent a house for a couple of weeks and have a holiday/ area search.

For Scotland i would recommend North Berwick but also Dunbar which is cheaper as on the London rail line to Edinburgh rather than the North Berwick line. Is a nice wee town. St Andrews area also good - Dundee has really changed in the last few years.

Just on the weather alone I would pick the south west. I would want somewhere a bit less touristy though and would want to maybe be closer to London so maybe Dorset. Those roads through Devon and Cornwall are very long and hilly.

BTW I live in Scotland and would pick the south west. Also bear in mind the political climate in Scotland at the moment.

Look at villages just outside Taunton. Bishops Lideayard would tick your boxes, then you can drive to Taunton for culture.

Cornwall has a dearth of culture. But you can see theatre and opera at the cinema, and its quite arty in other ways. Have a look at Looe or Fowey. Looe is cheaper.

I have family who live in Peebles, equidistant between Edinburgh and Glasgow. They love it. But they do say they find tbe weather difficult. It's a lovely town and the countryside is great.

I am about to make a huge change and move to Cornwall. It's terrifying making a huge choice like you have to make. I only went to the village I am moving to once before I made my mind up to move there!