It looks like we may need to move to the Stirlingshire area, we're in Aberdeenshire and I know nothing about that sort of area so Im hoping some of you can help! We're not sure where to even start looking for a home as no idea what areas are bad/rough or which are nice, property prices and good schools etc.
We know we have to be realistic as property prices where we live now are much cheaper than down that direction unfortunately. Our budget will likely be around the £450k mark. Id rather be North as closer to visiting home, within say 45 mins drive to Stirling (and thats north part of Stirling). Im looking at Crieff, Auchterarder, Dunblane etc.
I do have some big wants though sadly!
- Ideally an edge of village/town location, we're used to a very rural lifestyle but my eldest son is now at the age it would be great if he could walk to see his friends.
- I want to retain as much country feel as possible so cant be on a busy road for example.
- We have 3 kids - 2 primary age and 1 at secondary. What are good schools and which should we avoid?
- Because we have 3 kids, and would have the odd visitor - ideally we need a 4/5 bed house, ideally detached (or if attached, maybe a steading conversion etc.). With decent sized garden. My kids are used to a decent sized house with BIG garden and acreage.
- Prefer newer build or at least not needing work/cost a lot to run. NOT on a development.
- One of my biggest concerns is ideally we'd need a couple acres too and an outbuilding as I have 2 horses...(or at least land very close I could rent long term). I will livery if I really have to as I know it looks to be extremely difficult to find a house with this amount of land and anything else is way over our budget.
Its all a bit depressing currently as I feel we'll have to really downsize from what we have now as we need to be in a nice area with good schools but yet don't have a huge budget either!
Any guidance would be very much appreciated! Thanks in advance