Right, we've had enough of paying a huge mortgage on a mediocre house

[lizziehoney]

so have decided to bite the bullet, up sticks and go live somewhere else! We live in the South of England, and tbh, I've had it up to here with watching half our monthly income disappearing into the mortgage black hole, when all we have to show for it is a boring as hell 3 bed semi. We both have jobs which are reasonably transferable (and have a national pay scale, so we'll earn the same wherever we live). The plan is to make our home the top priority - we want detached, old, preferably characterful and 4 bedrooms. Rural would be nice, and obvs want decent schools, but other than that we really don't mind where we go. Our extended family are scattered all over England so no preferences there. I've been quite depressed recently, and talking things over with dh, we both feel this feeling of constantly scrimping and worrying about money and not even liking the house we're in is a major factor. So - suggestions please about where we could move!

We were in Lampeter last week. Not a lot there really, especially since it has a university. But the whole area is gorgeous.

Countessdracula - I want it!!!!

Oh that's lovely. Was about a mile from where we were staying

Sorry to bang on, but I'm interested. Why NOT East Yorkshire? Wide open spaces, rolling countryside, dark skies, millions of stars, lovely beaches, not many people, etc. etc.

is goole in east yokshire?

Yes - that would be a reason why not IMO. I'm talking more Driffield, Hornsea, Beverley-type areas.

It's a bit flat?

goole scares me

Not the Wolds. Beautiful rolling countryside. And some of Holderness is gently rolling as well. And the vistas and the light - absolutely fab. But if it's destined to stay a hidden gem so much the better. Wish I still lived there.

I agree Goole etc. is flat as a pancake - would never recommend living round there.

Twinklemegan- I'm interested in East Yorkshire! I'm interested in anywhere that I can spend 280k and have something more than a 1970s teeny 3 bed shit boring semi!

East Yorkshire's a long way from a city though.

But if you did want to live in a place with reasonable access to several thousand restaurants and nightclubs and chi-chi boutiques and buzzy metropolitan type things, then East Yorkshire isn't the place to be.

Well then, you won't get what Lizzie wants for £280k! That's the trade off isn't it. But what about Hull? Great city IMO.

try this - not too bad

This is now my mission. Here's some pics of East Yorkshire. Honestly have a look.

here

and here

and here

Right Twinkle, you've converted me. I want a house in East Yorkshire!

Aha, my work is done! Seriously though, I'd be happy to give you more info about the area if you want. It really is lovely. Even though I'm moving up to the Highlands of Scotland part of me still hankers after the Yorkshire Wolds.

That house in Lampeter is gorgeous!

northc east coast

Beverley is really nice, I've got friends who moved there from London and they are very happy. Hull I'm not that keen on I'm afraid - in-laws are there so I go a lot.

We have just bought a house in Sleaford, Lincs for £177 k. It is detached, 4 bed, ensuite plus family bathroom and cloakroom, 3 receps inc HUGE (20 ft by 20ft) conservatory with hard wood floors. The price inc all fixtures and fittings, curtains etc.

Some of the posters are right; the average wage around here is something like £17 k, however if like the OP you are on national salary scales then you are fine. Lincs is a bit of a backwater, but it is getting better and has some really pretty villages. As a general rule, stay away from the coast (isolated, poor) and stay close to Lincoln, Newark or Sleaford and you can get some gems. There are some reasonably paid jobs as well...I work as proj Mgr in local gov for 4 days a week for £35k.

expat I don't get why you are being so negative. What lizziehoney wants is perfectly feasible. We live in a four bed detached (but no character it is a newbuild) in Yorkshire, and the identical house next door recently sold for 240K. So your extra 40K might buy you a bit of character.

We live in a village close to the M1 - so with reasonable access to Leeds and Sheffield, but loads of towns nearer. The schools are OK - it is two mins walk to the village primary.

PS: Schoo,s around here are goos as well...if you like the grammar school system that is. That said, results in the area are generally good.

Maybe you should move here and cheer up Expat....

Can i just add seeing as you're considering Wales- unless you're both fluent Welsh speakers you won't get work as a teacher or a social worker in Wales

Expat: Its Shottingham for future reference

There are lot's of lovely villages just outside of Nottingham within a commutable distance. I would say you could live almost anywhere north of Birmingham on that budget. I would just avoid the centres of anywhere, personally.

PIxie - my non-welsh speaking friend has a teaching job in south wales....