Proto
Legendary Member
- Location
- East Devon/West Dorset
My wife and I, both retired this year, looking for a new life. Sold the family house in Thame, Oxfordshire and went travelling for a few months in our van. Thought we'd then look for a new house in the west on our return.
Attraction of West Country is closer to three of our Children (2 x Bristol, 1 x Totnes and 1 x Norwich!!!), closer to the sea, quieter life etc. Cornwall is too far from anywhere. Considered Totnes, Kingsbridge, Topsham and Bridport in Dorset. Don't want a cottage on top of Dartmoor where we'll never see anyone, my wife likes the idea of town living - walk to shops, library, cinema and such like. Actually talk to your neighbours.
On returning we started looking for new pastures, and hoped we might find a new life Somerset somewhere. Currently renting near Frome. However, so far we're not too impressed with what's available. Casting our net further afield stumbled on a fab looking house close to the centre of Bideford. Lot's of pluses - away from South East, close to the sea, small market town, etc., and it's very affordable.
But, in reality, I know nothing about Bideford. Never been there (Croyde/Barnstable I do know). I'm guessing it's not as wealthy as Gerrards Cross(!) but I'm not sure that should bother us too much.
So, anyone live there, or know it well? Avoid like the plague or get on with it?
Thoughts please.
Attraction of West Country is closer to three of our Children (2 x Bristol, 1 x Totnes and 1 x Norwich!!!), closer to the sea, quieter life etc. Cornwall is too far from anywhere. Considered Totnes, Kingsbridge, Topsham and Bridport in Dorset. Don't want a cottage on top of Dartmoor where we'll never see anyone, my wife likes the idea of town living - walk to shops, library, cinema and such like. Actually talk to your neighbours.
On returning we started looking for new pastures, and hoped we might find a new life Somerset somewhere. Currently renting near Frome. However, so far we're not too impressed with what's available. Casting our net further afield stumbled on a fab looking house close to the centre of Bideford. Lot's of pluses - away from South East, close to the sea, small market town, etc., and it's very affordable.
But, in reality, I know nothing about Bideford. Never been there (Croyde/Barnstable I do know). I'm guessing it's not as wealthy as Gerrards Cross(!) but I'm not sure that should bother us too much.
So, anyone live there, or know it well? Avoid like the plague or get on with it?
Thoughts please.
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