Looking for a bit of 'Phil & Kirsty' advice - where to live?

[Prodwell]

I'm a long-ish term member on PH under a different username, I've taken an alias as I'd like to have a little anonymity.

I'm at a point in life where I feel the need to move on, physically move on.

I've lived in the same general area (central Scotland) all my life. I'm late 40's, married, no kids, no debt, no mortgage, and have some money in the bank - mainly as a result of the estate of my last surviving parent just being distributed.

I'm thinking that I'd like to find a house that has, ideally, 2 or 3 bedrooms, is detached, reasonably rural, has a garden (not too big), and has a garage or outbuildings for car related fettling

I'm thinking somewhere in England, east midlands maybe, rather than Scotland. The thought process behind this is that there's a bigger market so hopefully what I want exists at my price, and that there just seems to be more going on down there - work or leisure. The SNP bleating on and on doesn't help either...

My budget would be around £200k cash - i.e. no borrowing required. I'd like to remain without debt as far as possible.

My current employer has places in Derby, Northampton, Nottingham, Stoke on Trent amongst others so I could probably get another job in these areas. That isn't essential though. I'd rather find an ideal place to live and then look for work. My income requirements are modest.

I just don't know where to start and whether I'm about to fall into the trap of looking for something that doesn't exist.

Does what I'm looking for exist in my price range? What parts of the country are in/out of budget?

Any advice gratefully received

Mods, please move this thread if it's deemed more appropriate elsewhere.

[Prodwell]

Thanks.

I've taken holidays in the Derbyshire/Peak District area and it certainly seems a nice place.

[Prodwell]

Alex@POD said:

There must be thousands of places to choose from.

I think that's the nub of it right there.

I realise that my search requirements at this stage are way too broad and that's why I'm looking to others to see what they can say to help me draw in the net a little.

[Prodwell]

caterhamboy said:

Hi Prodwell,

i live in derby and know most of Derbyshire very well. ( buy and sell house's around here)

How far would you consider commuting everyday, is your employer in derby itself?
An area i would consider up and coming is Belper around 5 miles out of Derby, its got a good high street and a good train link into pride park.

Also Ashbournes worth a look and is nr the A50 giving good access to both derby and stoke.

Just to keep the pistonheaders happy there's also a waitrose there!!

Haha, been to waitrose in Ashbourne so I know that's there!

I've been spoiled all my working life so far and never had a big commute - it's currently about 3 miles. I'm realistic enough to know that I can't expect the same forever, but I'd rather not be commuting far at all. The right house is more important and I'll find work nearby if at all possible. My employer has a place on the southern outskirts of Derby.

I'm trying to get my work life balance in order, i.e. more living and less working (or working in a more fulfilling way).

[Prodwell]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

She's totally on board as it happens, so that's one less obstacle to overcome.

The anonymity thing probably isn't necessary but I feel that I'm sharing information publicly that perhaps I wouldn't otherwise, as well as that both our employers know nothing about it and - until there is actual progress - I'd rather keep it that way.