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Rural living

Looking to relocate to the countryside? Find advice in our Rural Living forum.

Suggestions for rural isolation

22 replies

NotAnotherUserNumber · 29/05/2020 10:04

One of my favourite things in life is untouched nature and during lockdown I have been dreaming of rural isolation. We have been thinking of this for years, but after this is all over, we want to make a big lifestyle change and make a home somewhere rural.

Ideally we want a small cottage or bungalow, somewhere as isolated as possible. I don’t care at all about proximity to any shops, restaurants, pubs etc. and we don’t need access to schools. We would want access to adequate internet and deliveries.

The big problem will be budget as we are looking in the £250k to £350k range, which is going to rule out many areas.

The plan is to shift to working from home the majority of the time, but we would have to travel to London probably a couple of times a month.

My research so far has suggested my budget is more feasible in Wales, Scotland or the North of England. However my family all live in the London area, so if we can find somewhere only a few hours away then that would be better.

Any comments or suggestions would be much appreciated!

OP posts:
Finfintytint · 29/05/2020 10:07

Shropshire , especially North Shropshire as you will get more for your money. About two and a half hours by train into London.

NotAnotherUserNumber · 29/05/2020 10:21

Thank you, will definitely have a look at Shropshire.

OP posts:
WingBingo · 29/05/2020 10:23

I live in a bungalow in rural Devon that would match your budget.

Rural does mean cheaper in some areas.

ILikeyourHairyHands · 29/05/2020 10:39

I think Shropshire's a good call, or Herefordshire, anywhere in the Welsh Marches, Radnor, Presteign, as far over as Llandrindod, all very rural and and you get a lot of bang for your buck!

Travel wise it's not too onerous to get to London, but not well-connected enough to attract commuters pushing house prices up.

Notmyrealname855 · 29/05/2020 10:41

Shropshire, maybe Suffolk? Wales is so beautiful but transport is tricky. Very excited for you!!

KoalasandRabbit · 29/05/2020 10:52

Would have thought Suffolk would be possible depending on your definition of small. I found this on a quick look though don't know area, looks rural:

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-92518799.html

ShaniaPayne · 29/05/2020 11:03

In my experience, 'rural' and 'adequate internet' are fairly mutually exclusive.

hazelnutlatte · 29/05/2020 11:23

How about Herefordshire / Worcs/ Glos borders? The Wye valley and forest of Dean are beautiful, lots of isolated properties and you can get the train to London from Gloucester or Hereford. House prices in FoD are fairly cheap although some of the towns are a bit grim, which wouldn't really matter if you are intending to live further out. Not sure of Wye valley house prices but there are some really lovely villages.

NotAnotherUserNumber · 29/05/2020 11:46

Wow, lots of great suggestions. Thank you everyone.

OP posts:
ILikeyourHairyHands · 29/05/2020 11:53

You can get satellite internet in areas that don't have fibre.

NotMeNoNo · 29/05/2020 12:18

So you are looking for a farm cottage or barn conversion type place? Norfolk? I would look at auctions.

HeddaGarbled · 29/05/2020 12:23

Fenland.

NotMeNoNo · 29/05/2020 12:24

I'd look for somewhere not too far from the main railway into London Kings Cross or Euston (both fast and electrified) but watch out for the HS2 proposed route.
My sister recently bought a very isolated cottage, in Yorkshire, they bought it at auction and have refurbished it.
Smaller barn conversions tend to have several dwellings so may not be isolated enough for you.

If you are looking for truly isolated rather than edge of village, you are likely to be looking at farm cottages or maybe railway/lock keepers cottages. Good luck!

HeddaGarbled · 29/05/2020 12:28

Are you up for a project?

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-69013422.html

Hoppinggreen · 29/05/2020 12:29

Most isolated place I lived was Weardale in County Durham
As a 20 year old I bloody hated it but visiting later it was lovely. Cheap houses too and really nice people.

HeddaGarbled · 29/05/2020 12:33

Or this one:

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-70696369.html

lubeybooby · 29/05/2020 13:04

we had the same thoughts and same budget and went for shopshire. In the hills overlooking ludlow

Greenvalleymama · 29/05/2020 13:31

Shropshire is beautiful and so sparsely populated, that's a great option. Every time I drive through Shropshire I think I could happily live here.
We are fairly rural South Cheshire and our internet speed is fine.

Furries · 07/06/2020 15:08

Essex or Suffolk - look at villages a few miles in from the coast and you’ll get more for your money. Access to London Liverpool Street easily by train and by car easy access to a London/M25 etc. I made the move from London 7 years ago and have never looked back!

LuxLazL0ckd0wn · 13/06/2020 18:18

And same area
Property 67562401

HalloumiSalad · 24/06/2020 23:47

Kendal area. lake District on your doorstep and direct train to London from oxenholme train station makes family visits and regular London trips realistic.

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