Moves Afoot! Part 2

"If they think I'm going rush around finding another property now, just before Christmas, they can whistle". So spoke my nearest and dearest when being told that, as we had accepted an offer to sell our house, there was, at the bottom of the chain we had just joined, a 'buy to let' individual who, because of imminent changes in the legislation, would want to move before 1st April 2016.

I could understand his point of view. We already knew that there were no properties we were interested in in Buckfastleigh and following our previous foray in October we were, thanks to Rightmove, keeping an eye on other areas we were interested in. We knew there was nothing forthcoming at the moment, also that looking for properties just before Christmas, there might not be the choice. Having just lost the property we had thought was our 'dream home', we were a little sore.

While Alan had a doze that afternoon, I picked up the laptop and, expanded the search area from Buckfastleigh a little. To my surprise, quite a few properties came up; some in the village called Liverton. One in particular caught my eye that I instantly liked the look of. Lumbering into the loved one's napping area, I showed him what had caught my eye. Loved one wasn't best pleased at being woken and told me to go away, but shouted as I went to save these properties I was interested in so we could talk about it later.

Cue for a virtual wander around an area about 4 miles from Newton Abbot, which until now we didn't know existed.

Later that day, we looked at what I had discovered. There were some properties worth investigating in Liverton. So we made the decision to pay another visit after Christmas to Devon, this time staying in a small hotel, which fortunately accepted small dogs, the Furzeleigh Mill Hotel, a charming place with just the right amount of 'quirkyness'. With at least 4 properties to view, our hopes were raised that maybe,we might find one that suited, or even one that, is not completely satisfactory, would be OK to use as a base until we found one better, as part of a five year plan.

It was a rather tense but postive couple (plus Jessie) that made their way down to Devon at the beginning of 2016 . As we came closer to that county, inevitably the excitement built up. We had arranged viewings for the following couple of days that we were in the area, so had no need to rush down. But, having made good time, we were able to visit Liverton beforehand to suss out what the surroundings where three of the properties were, was like. What we saw impressed us, the small estate encircled by fields, woods and hills. Of more importance to my loved one was the fact that there was a local pub, which we visited to refresh ourselves and to gain further information about the village.

As we arrived at the hotel situated near to Buckfastleigh, I switched on my phone to find I had a message from one of the estate agents. Apparently he had been waiting at one of the properties we were to view. In all the rush to sort things out I had agreed the wrong date. Fortunately, we were able to book another viewing for the following day, but it was not a good start.

After a surprisingly good night's sleep, we headed off to our first viewing, a 4 bedroom 'status home'. And it appeared, as with our choice of estate agents, that there was going to be a fairy tale element to it all. This first one was judged to be too big with a garden that was tiny; the second, a really lovely bungalow with a very striking exterior was judged, to be too small. After a quick pub lunch, we viewed the first property again, and found that from Alan's point of view, it really wasn't going to suit.

So it was with a sinking heart that we parked outside the last property of the day. Alan first words as we stopped were, "Well, this is more like it." And throughout the viewing he continued to enthuse about the layout and what a lovely bungalow it was. I did find out later that it was because it reminded him of his mum and dad's property, while they were still alive. Whatever the reason, it did evoke very strong emotions for him. He, in effect had fallen in love.

From my point of view, I was initially horrified. It was all electric. The third bedroom, used as a study was tiny. I could see the amount of work required, but when I started to mention the faults, I was hushed up. I hankered for the first property, believing less work would be required. In its favour, however, was the size of the other 2 bedrooms and the layout of the living room, dining area and kitchen, which was pleasant.

Returning to the hotel having made an offer on the first property (for my benefit), we also decided to make another offer on the third 'just right' property. This offer took into account the amount of work required and was what we both termed, a 'silly' offer. We had nothing to lose really and went to bed after one of the most intense chats of our marriage with no idea as to whether we would end up with a property at the end of this trip.

The following morning, I woke with a splitting headache and feeling generally rotten. Not being able to lift my head up from the pillow without feeling nauseous, we agreed that Alan would keep a final viewing appointment that we had agreed in Buckfastleigh and I would rest. There had already been a phone call refusing our offer on the larger property, and we had arranged, whatever the response to our 'silly offer', to view the other property we had made an offer on in the afternoon. So all I could do was rest.

On his return, when we were just discussing his last unsuccessful viewing, the mobile rang. It was the estate agent from the 'just right' property, to say that our offer had been accepted! And on our 2nd viewing, I have to admit, I could see the benefits. It was a lovely bungalow that needed updating. It is a funny thing though; you can spend hours agonising over a minor or cheap item for the house, or on a trinket or piece of clothing. Yet the biggest purchase you can make is all decided in relatively few minutes.

Returning to Sussex the following day, we were keen to get everything started. From our point of view, it seemed fairly straightforward. But the question still hovered in the air - would we actually get to Devon and realise our dream?

The 'Just Right' House

A Big Adventure - Moves Afoot!

Apologies that nothing has been written in quite a while, but there have been moves afoot (quite literally).

At the beginning of 2015, nothing could have been further from our minds than a house move. We had looked at the possibility of moving to Tavistock in Devon back in 2003. However, too many negatives had reared their heads at the time, one of which had been my poor health. The other had been that we hadn't seen anywhere that we wanted to buy. That dream had been buried with a decision made to move from Brighton to Seaford, opting for a smaller move rather than the big adventure we had hoped for.

In 12 years, life had changed. My health following two operations and other treatment, had become immeasurably better. We had started travelling to different areas, in Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset and Devon on camping trips and experiencing different surroundings and the most beautiful scenery. All of which was very good for the soul.

 And it was in those trips, where the television wasn't immediately available, that there was time to chat, not just with each other, but with the people that we met on sites and in the places that we visited. We talked with those who had moved from one end of the country to another; and from others who were now retired, enjoying regular trips away in their mobile homes. We listened to people just like us, who were now living their 'big adventure' now that they were no longer working. Over time the thought took root - how about a move to somewhere we really want to live, not just for convenience but for ourselves? But where?

Camping at the Runt in Tun

It was during the trip to 'The Runt in Tun' in Heathfield, Sussex (not far from where we lived), that the subject was first broached.
"How about," Alan said, "moving to Heathfield?" We had had a lovely week at the site, enjoyed some great walks and liked the nearby town. It was a possibility we both thought worth pursuing.

So, after registering with Rightmove, I started looking at properties for sale and found that financially it was a possibility. Then, I had a light bulb movement - what about the big move to Devon that we had dreamed about all those years ago? Discussing it with Alan. after checking prices, it also seemed a possibility.

We didn't need much persuasion to go back to Devon. But, as this was now October and because we needed the time to explore, we decided to leave the tent was left behind and to stay in a static caravan near Ashburton.

Before we went on our travels, our home in Seaford had to be valued and put on the market. The decision was made to get three estate agents to visit and to make the choice from them. We had an idea of the possible value, This all took place in a few days and the impressions I received reminded me very much of a fairy tale - the Three Bears. One was too high, one too low and the last 'just right' (ish).

View of Devon from our base

Having found our estate agent, we went down to Devon and started our search. And it was the first property we viewed that we fell in love with. A stone faced bungalow surrounded by trees and shrub reached by steps,a large double garage being beneath. Situated in Buckfastleigh, we thought we'd found our dream home. Our offer having been accepted, all we had to do was to sell our home. Simple!

Except it wasn't. Although we'd had many viewings to start with, our home was either too big, or too far from town, or not in the right town. We had wondered whether we would have issues because we knew that the kitchen and bathroom needed updating, but were assured that it would not be a problem by the estate agent. We were also assured that the price was right, only to have them request to drop the asking price twice in less than a month. The old confidence started to drop.

And then there were the viewings! I'm not the tidiest of individuals - let's just say it doesn't come easy. So to have every day for three months ensuring the house was clean and tidy was my idea of purgatory. Especially when Alan decided that the best way of presenting the house was to pack half my books away and to dismantle a large wardrobe in the smaller bedroom!

Then two weeks before Christmas, we had the phone call that we had been dreading but expecting - the vendor of the property in Buckfastleigh had received another offer. We comforted ourselves with the belief that maybe that property wasn't meant for us. Alan confided that he had started to have doubts about managing the garden, so for him it was a kind of relief. For me, if I'm blunt, it was the loss of a status symbol and I was a very disappointed, but resigned. And the viewings for our house had dried up.

Our home in Seaford

Then, one week before Christmas, we had two viewings and both potential buyers viewed the property twice. Interestingly, I had to do the viewings as the estate agents had said they were busy. And from that came an offer. But what would we do now with no property to buy and all the other potential properties in the area sold subject to contract or totally unsuitable?

Holiday Memories 2015 - Dreamy Devon and Beyond

Dorset we enjoyed with its picturesque coast, towns and countryside. It will be a county that we will continue to visit. But I do have a love affair with Devon, the pull of the area becoming stronger with every visit.

Yealm Cabin

I did wonder when we rebooked to stay in Yealm Cabin this year whether it would be as good as last year. All doubts were banished when we arrived. And the week was if anything better, I think because we knew what to expect, although it is difficult to analyse why.

View from Yealm Cabin

The cabin itself is about a mile away from the main road. The view from it is mainly of fields - not a
view that constantly changes, except for the clouds. Yet we could sit there for hours, just looking - it was so good for the soul, with occasional visits from rabbits and birds - one of which flew into the cabin and then out before I'd realised what it was.

River Yealm

Then there were the walks! Down a path beside the cabin we were able to get to the River Yealm - a suitable soggy route to Yealmpton and a satisfying self-righteous sort of distance to have a bitter shandy and a full Sunday lunch as a reward.

One evening we took a walk 'round the block' to experience the beauty of the area, walking at one point along the banks of the River Yealm, seeing in an hour and a half only one person and some interested sheep.

Gates of Burgh Island Hotel

We also had the chance to visit the glamorous sounding 'California Cross' (which had a Camping and Caravan site, a pub and a garage), Modbury and Burgh Island (of Agatha Christie fame), driving down roads so narrow, you had to breathe out to ensure there was enough space to drive along. Hats off to my dear husband who performed a very nifty manoeuvre to ensure a refuse lorry could pass.

And then it was back home to Seaford, staying again in Dorset.

Our site at the 'Runt in Tun'

Our three weeks away left us hungry for more adventures when we arrived home. And so, in September, we were off again. Our destination this time was not so far away - to Heathfield, staying in a field  behind the 'Runt in Tun' public house. What was only going to be 3 nights turned into 6, with a friendly pub, great food and walks nearby in a lovely part of Sussex. It was a very relaxing and funny time with lots of laughs each day. And the question started to develop for both of us - what about a complete change of scenery? What about moving house?

Holiday Memories 2015 - Dorset Beauty

When the weather isn't that brilliant and we're still in winter mode, it is so good to think back to our most recent holiday, part of which involved travelling through Hampshire and Dorset to get to our destination, a log cabin in Devon.

Except this time, we didn't just drive through Dorset. We stayed for a few days on our way there and back. And what a surprise that was.

For more years that I care to think about, I have driven through Dorset, the usual thought being 'Oh, this is a pretty county - must stop and have a further look,' only that was about as far as it went. I can also remember seeing signposts for Corfe Castle and wondering what it looked like. So when Alan mentioned a stop in Corfe Castle, courtesy of the Camping and Caravanning Club site, I was pleased to have the chance to visit what, in my ignorance I thought was just a small village.

First Glimpse of Corfe Castle

Imagine my surprise to see us following the directions to the campsite and to find an immense hill with the remains of a castle on top, looking broodingly down at us. I was thrilled.

2nd Glimpse of the Castle

The camp-site was about 20 minutes walk from the town and on our way down we were treated to the teasing sight of Corfe Castle, which dominates the whole town. On the day before we left we visited the ruins of the castle itself. An impressive structure even ruined as it is, with amazing views of the Purbeck countryside as well as the steam railway going down to, Swanage and the town itself.

Even better was the public house right at the foot of the castle which produced the most mouthwatering food!

On our way back, we had booked at a different Camping and Caravanning Club site, based at Moreton in Dorset. We must have enjoyed it because we had originally booked for 3 days and stayed for 6, meeting lovely people and seeing some fantastic sights.

The Church at Moreton

Visiting the church at Moreton itself was an experience. Bombed in the 2nd World War, as a result of which all the stained glass windows were smashed, it had been decided to renew the windows with etchings by an artist called Laurence Whistler. The result is a bright and light church interior. When we first visited, the sun was streaming through and the first impression was 'Wow!'. I found that the more I looked at the windows the more I was struck by the detail of the designs and how it matched in so well with this old church. Incidentally, the funeral of T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) was held in this church and we had the privilege to visit his grave in a cemetery a short walk away.

Stair Hole at Lulworth Cove

Finally, we visited the Jurassic coast and Lulworth Cove in particular. For someone like myself who was brought up in St Ives, Cornwall, I was in my element. I love being beside the sea and seeing all those rock formations was awe inspiring, thinking about the energy and time taken to produce the 'lulworth crumple'. What was interesting was that my dear husband was not so enamoured with coastal views, having loved all the things we had seen inland. Well, we're all different, aren't we?

It is wonderful having such beautiful memories to look back on, and even now I'm transported back there by reviewing the photographs today.

Our Local Co-op - 6 Months On

My apologies before I commence. I had intended to write a review of our new local Co-op store after 3 months, 6 months and the a year, but moves are afoot! As I have been preoccupied with these 'moves', my poor blog has become neglected and starved of its reasonably regular posts. I will tell all in a later posting, but, for now I want concentrate on how our local store is doing.

For the reasons mentioned, this is now a review after 6 months, not 3. And what a 6 months it has been. The Co-op has put the C into convenience! It is a joy to walk into, with clean floors, well stocked shelves, an airy feel and friendly staff. I know many of us watched to see how the store would develop, whether it would remain as good as when it started. I am happy to say that it is as good if not better! I think the best word to describe it would be consistency.

There is also a new manager as Conor left the store to work in Newhaven. Bart has kept to the high standards the store started with and wants the store to get even better. Sam, the highly capable and lovely deputy manager has also worked hard to maintain the shop's good name. The rest of the staff, (sorry can't mention you all by name - I might miss someone) are great workers and so helpful.

I know that some would think that shopping in a smaller store is more expensive than at the larger supermarkets, but with the regular vouchers and the special offers, I find that the cost is comparable.

I only have 2 gripes. The first is the parking. Not the fact that it can get crowded - but that the spaces seem to be for slimmer cars. I did have one funny instance last week when, having shopped, I went to get in only to find that the space between me and the next car was not enough for me to even open the door. The driver was on her mobile at the time, completely oblivious to the problem until prompted.

The second is the convenience of it all! It is so easy to pop down and to purchase something you fancy - some wine or chocolate for example. It is doing nothing for my weight loss at the moment!

I think I should close by saying I haven't been asked to write this and Co-op is not paying me. I am just a customer who has been won over to shopping regularly at my local Co-op and like any convert, I want to tell the world.

My local Co-op

Holiday Memories 2015 - Packing and Getting There

One of the most stressful activities prior to going on holiday for me is the preparation. It doesn't

matter whether it’s three weeks or three days, I always wind myself up about what to take with me. And it’s even worse when you go camping, because space is so limited. Apparently, the tent, sleeping bag, cooking materials, gas tank and associated gear are more important than my clothes!

Will it be cold? Will it rain? If we’re going away for three weeks, should I take twenty one changes of knickers with me? Or will we be going anywhere where I can wash things? Or will the weather be hot with no need for jumpers and fleeces? So should I pack sun-dresses, shorts and T shirts? I never know what to pack and it can takes ages just to decide what to take, with clothes being laid on the bed for consideration. Goodness knows what I would be like going on a cruise!

I like to think I'm fair low maintenance when it come to cosmetics and washing gear, but I then have to consider what reading material to take with me, together with the all important notebook to jot down things that occur to me; my Kindle and my MP3 as well as my mobile and the relevant chargers, the sad truth emerges that I'm very high maintenance in other areas.

It’s not just the packing; it’s the thoughts that occur in the days before we go. Will the tent go up alright? Will there be any unexpected holes or other damage to make us vulnerable to wet weather? Will the sites that we've planned to go to be fine? Will the log cabin be as we remembered? I do acknowledge that I am a grade A worry guts. It wouldn't quite so bad, but it is Alan that does most of the work. So why do I worry?

It’s not until everything is crammed into the car and we set off, that I start to relax. What’s not packed will have to stay at home. And it is only when we are all sorted at the first site, based near Chichester that I really start to enjoy our break. With the tent erected, air bed and sleeping bags sorted and Alan cooking our meal – traditionally the first night we always have a curry; all I really need to do is enjoy myself and look forward to the rest of our time away.

Our First Site in 2015 - The Osiers, near Chichester

The Convenience Store That Is (Almost) Too Convenient.

The Convenience Store That Is (Almost) Too Convenient.

Our New Co-op in Princess Drive

Just one month in and I continue to be impressed with our new Co-operative store. When walking Jessie near to the store, I find it fascinating that when people come out of the shop, they’re either saying to their friends who are with them, or to complete strangers like myself what a lovely store it is.

When I do visit, I find all combinations of people shopping together, old and younger – something I never saw in the shop’s previous incarnation. And there is a buzz in the air.

Shopping there is an enjoyable experience. It feels spacious with a wide range of good value products on offer. I am currently trying out some own name products and so far have been impressed with the quality, which is unusual for me as someone who always used to go for named brands.

What also impresses me is the fact that my lovely husband now sidles down there, buying the odd beer or two, or a ‘snack for the evening’. It truly is a convenience store – but it much more than that. With polite, cheerful and helpful staff, a clean store combined with good products, it has become a pleasant shopping experience. Long may it last.

It is my intention to review the store again after 3, 6, and 12 months after opening, just to see whether this is just a flash in the pan or part of the Co-op policy. Having said that, while away in the past week, I dropped into a Co-operative store in Heathfield

and loved the experience there too.