The hunt
My last post explained how quickly our plans were progressing for the move westwards, but now it feels like we’re wading through treacle. My contract at work has been extended by five weeks, so rather than enjoying some lovely time off, I’m immersed in the world of busy trains and pushy commuters for a little longer. Of course, the extra wage will come in handy when I am jobless and on the hunt for new employment, but this little delay in freedom seems to have taken away some of the sweetness of escaping! I’ve never been a patient person, so perhaps this really is just a test of my resolve – something I’ll need lots of during the house hunt we’re currently engaged in.
We have been on the look-out for a cottage to rent for a month or so now. We have an idealistic dream of finding a characterful cottage with plenty of space for visitors to come and stay, a wood-burner, and a little green space to cultivate. And like a vision of perfection, this ideal cottage appeared on the market a few weeks ago. It was in precisely the location we wanted and seemed cheap for how lovely it was. We arranged to go to view the property as soon as we could, but knew another person had first refusal.
Travelling to Taunton on a sweltering May weekend, fuelled by our picnic and thermos of coffee on the train, we tried not to get our hopes up too much, forever keeping in mind the ghostly ‘other’ who loomed over our prospective dream abode. Within ten seconds of ducking through the low door and thick walls of the cottage, we fell in love. The inglenook fireplace was huge, the floors slightly wonky, and there was ample space for our bookshelves and blankets. We ooh-ed and aah-ed our way around the place, trying not to appear too excited in front of the landlady. Our rival was coming back for a second look shortly after our visit and the landlady promised us an answer as soon as she had one. We left the cottage trying not to let a feeling of jubilation overwhelm us, telling ourselves constantly that it would not, in all likelihood, be ours. But that kind of hope wheedles it’s way in however much you try to stop it, and by the next morning I was convinced it would be good news. It wasn’t. The blow came early the next day; the other party had decided to take the cottage and we had lost out.
It has taken a little while to get over the disappointment – it was such a perfect place for us – but we’ve re-entered the house hunt with tentative gusto. We look at the property websites every day and can only hope that a cottage just as lovely and in just as good a location pops up again soon. As someone very wise (probably) once said, “There are plenty more cottages in the country”.
Hi Jane,
I might have something for you – 1 double 1 twin bathroom and seperate wc sitting room w log burner kitchen diner + adjacent annexe w double and reception and bathroom. 1/2 mile from PO shop & pub and also the coast. At Kilve at the end of the Quantocks. The kitchen door opens onto fields woods & then the sea. Furnished.
There are 2 catches:
1/Budget would need to include my fees, my reg fee & 1st months rental £700 approx. You thought it might be out of your budget when we discussed before. This would total approx £1200.00
2/The landlord who lives nearby originally wanted it used as a weekend retreat by an artist or for parents visiting their children at the Taunton schools. They have since said that they are open to the “right” tenant.
If you are interested, email me with your details and will see if I can persuade the landlord.
I like happy endings! Except it will be your beginning!
Regards Gigi
Hi Gigi.
That sounds like an amazing property. The only downside for us is the location. We need to be in cycling distance from Richard’s course near Lydeard St Lawrence, and ideally on the bus route to Taunton too so Kilve is a little too far away sadly.
Thanks for thinking of us for though, it really does sound like a wonderful place!
Jane
Hi Jane
Approx 11 miles according to map, downhill to the course more puff back up! Am sure buses too as big tourist area with lots of camp sites.
Problem is the Quantocks are not densely populated and rather exclusive. House owners there have the best of both worlds fab houses, fab views, rural yet near to Taunton & 3 public schools.
LSL is in a very rural out of the way location, if you dont have the use of a car.
Watchet & Williton are towns on the main road to LSL have you tried them?
Hope you have some luck.
Gigi
Hi Jane,
I’m sure you must have seen it but just in case…
http://www.gth.net/lettings/property-search-results?display=details&pg=1&pid=BRI110105
4.9 miles from the centre of Bishops Lydeard. I’m not on commission :~)
SP
Gigi: Oh yes, we’re looking at Watchet and Williton too. We’re casting our net northward too. Thanks for all the tips, it’s really helping.
Steve: Yes, did see that, it looks lovely but I think it may be too rural sadly. We need a shop within walking distance. Crumbs, I sound pickier and pickier!
Hi Jane, When I was looking to move from London to Norfolk six months ago I thought I had found the perfect property through an Estate Agent and after handing my notice in at work, arranging removals, packing etc as well as letting my London flat out, I was extremely upset to hear that the Agents had put forward a sales offer to the Vendor which they accepted without any thought to us!
However all ended well as I advertised my requirements on Gumtree for free and very luckily found us a most stunning property which had just been newly refurbished in an idyllic location close to the sea and because it was a private let there were no fees involved. So Gumtree worth a try but be careful as you will get a the odd scammer e-mailing you but they are very easy to spot.
Hi June.
I’m very happy to hear that all worked out for you, what a horrible situation to be in! Whereabouts in Gumtree did you advertise? Are there location specific sections?
It’s a great tip so thanks!
Jane
Hi Jane,
I advertised in the lettings section for Norfolk. It was a long shot but I did get 3 genuine replies.
As I am a property consultant I even drew up our Tenancy Agreement for us so no admin fees which can be several hundred pounds in some cases.
Let me know how you get on or need any help.
Good luck.
June