Moving to IOW....
Discussion
Hello All,
A while ago, I sold my business and have so far, being working for myself part time and my wife has been on maternity leave. We both agreed she wouldn't return to work after maternity.
We are now at the point, where we are debating another house move! We used to live in Ayr, then moved back to North Yorkshire back in September 2015 when the business sale had gone through. With the money in the bank still (or majority of it!), we have spoken about IOW. We want to move somewhere where it's a slower pace of life, somewhere I can still do remote work for clients with the odd day on site (majority of my customers are south based - so London, Bristol etc) and my wife will do part time work from home making craft things to sell.
We've found a beautiful house in the Shorwell area which we like, with a decent garden and driveway! We have been there about 12 times over the years on holidays and we do like it, but not debated living there until now.
So...my question is! Has anyone done it? Do you regret it? Any tips?
Thanks
A while ago, I sold my business and have so far, being working for myself part time and my wife has been on maternity leave. We both agreed she wouldn't return to work after maternity.
We are now at the point, where we are debating another house move! We used to live in Ayr, then moved back to North Yorkshire back in September 2015 when the business sale had gone through. With the money in the bank still (or majority of it!), we have spoken about IOW. We want to move somewhere where it's a slower pace of life, somewhere I can still do remote work for clients with the odd day on site (majority of my customers are south based - so London, Bristol etc) and my wife will do part time work from home making craft things to sell.
We've found a beautiful house in the Shorwell area which we like, with a decent garden and driveway! We have been there about 12 times over the years on holidays and we do like it, but not debated living there until now.
So...my question is! Has anyone done it? Do you regret it? Any tips?
Thanks
Willeh85 said:
Have you thought about perhaps living in the New Forest or any of the smaller villages around Bournemouth, Southampton, Portsmouth. There are some beautiful places around there, especially in the New Forest that enjoy a much slower pace.
The reason that I've said that, is that if you're still intending on working on the mainland on a semi regular basis you'll soon get tired of the extra travel time and expense involved in getting the ferry to the mainland.
Don't forget as well that occasionally bad weather prevents travel, so its either wait until the bad weather passes and take the next available one or get a hotel for the night. Especially annoying if you're travelling to the cities by train?
With that said, last time I was there it did seem like a nice place and its nice to be so close to the sea, but you can get all of that easily on the mainland for less expense.
Not considered those places, we did consider South Oxfordshire - around Henley on Thames was an idea we discussed too. The extra travel might not be much of an issue due to the fact I live in Yorkshire and I travel to London, Kent, Bristol and even Exeter numerous times at the moment so time wise, but extra travel I understand.The reason that I've said that, is that if you're still intending on working on the mainland on a semi regular basis you'll soon get tired of the extra travel time and expense involved in getting the ferry to the mainland.
Don't forget as well that occasionally bad weather prevents travel, so its either wait until the bad weather passes and take the next available one or get a hotel for the night. Especially annoying if you're travelling to the cities by train?
With that said, last time I was there it did seem like a nice place and its nice to be so close to the sea, but you can get all of that easily on the mainland for less expense.
aspender said:
By far the biggest thing I'd be thinking is what is it going to be like for my child(ren) growing up and beyond. I have no specific insight here but it would be something I'd research around how the education and health provisions are, prospects for jobs later into adulthood etc.
Totally aside, I do have friends that live on the IOW. They are now separated but he moved to the island as part of their relationship. I'd imagine he is now pretty much tied to it due to their child.
Forgot to mention kids, we have a 1yr old and 9yr old to consider.Totally aside, I do have friends that live on the IOW. They are now separated but he moved to the island as part of their relationship. I'd imagine he is now pretty much tied to it due to their child.
ClaphamGT3 said:
People that I know who have done it and carried on working even part time on the mainland always say don't underestimate the shag factor of getting anywhere from the island
That one seems to crop up a lot...mikeiow said:
I was born there (over 50 years ago), spent most of my adult life in the Midlands but regularly get back.....we also have a place in Shorwell (2nd home we let for holidays - pm me if you would like details)....& I have family still there as well.
Definitely a slower pace of life....many good things to commend it. Health services are pretty good, although occasionally serious issues could mean visits to Southampton (none in my experience, I just know they occur).
Shorwell is a lovely village....not sure what internet you can get (we have a fairly feeble plusnet one, need to look into that myself one day!) - nice pub, plenty of walks if you like that (we do!), & easy to get to Newport for main shopping etc.
I would struggle to live there full time, I must admit....it is an Island, and a bit "insular" in some ways....plus we have clearly developed a lifestyle and friends circle here that could not be replicated easily there.
You don't mention children, but ours were a major reason we worked hard to get our place there, it is a mildly idyllic place for kids....until perhaps they become teenagers and get a bit bored!). I "escaped" when I was 18 to head to college and never returned.....
Yes, the cost & hassle of mainland trips shouldn't be underestimated, but ferry's are frequent (although not necessarily cheap), and frankly if the weather is bad enough to cancel them, then you probably want to stay put anyway! We did have a neighbour there who commuted to Canary Wharf 4 days a week (the Ports-Lon train meets the Ryde-P'mth fastcat) for a few years before emigrating!
Unemployment is higher than surrounding areas (& very seasonal, for obvious reasons), but I love the Island in spring/autumn when there are less holidaying visitors!
Mostly very friendly people, not too many major issues....again I much prefer the far less populous West Wight than the eastern side, but it is easy to get round!
Thanks for that info, you probably will be getting a PM soon!Definitely a slower pace of life....many good things to commend it. Health services are pretty good, although occasionally serious issues could mean visits to Southampton (none in my experience, I just know they occur).
Shorwell is a lovely village....not sure what internet you can get (we have a fairly feeble plusnet one, need to look into that myself one day!) - nice pub, plenty of walks if you like that (we do!), & easy to get to Newport for main shopping etc.
I would struggle to live there full time, I must admit....it is an Island, and a bit "insular" in some ways....plus we have clearly developed a lifestyle and friends circle here that could not be replicated easily there.
You don't mention children, but ours were a major reason we worked hard to get our place there, it is a mildly idyllic place for kids....until perhaps they become teenagers and get a bit bored!). I "escaped" when I was 18 to head to college and never returned.....
Yes, the cost & hassle of mainland trips shouldn't be underestimated, but ferry's are frequent (although not necessarily cheap), and frankly if the weather is bad enough to cancel them, then you probably want to stay put anyway! We did have a neighbour there who commuted to Canary Wharf 4 days a week (the Ports-Lon train meets the Ryde-P'mth fastcat) for a few years before emigrating!
Unemployment is higher than surrounding areas (& very seasonal, for obvious reasons), but I love the Island in spring/autumn when there are less holidaying visitors!
Mostly very friendly people, not too many major issues....again I much prefer the far less populous West Wight than the eastern side, but it is easy to get round!
What else is there in Shorwell? It's an area we have been to but not taken full notice of if you know what i mean. We are aiming to get there this weekend obviously...
wormus said:
I used to commute to Newport on the IOW from Portsmouth. Found it rather an odd place and the south coast can be busy. Around the same time (1997) we discovered the IOM and we fell in love with it. Place goes mad during TT but MGP is similar albeit more grown up and relaxed. We've got a second home there now in Peel and go all year round, beautiful and loads of outdoor stuff to do. You can fly to Gatwick, Gloucester,Bristol or Birmingham and Ronaldsway is a delightful little airport. Book far enough in advance and tickets are about £20 per person!
I would definitely consider Isle of Man if you want a slower pace of life somewhere beautiful.
I did consider IOM. What is it like - in terms of living there, is there any differences (main) to UK mainland?I would definitely consider Isle of Man if you want a slower pace of life somewhere beautiful.
Wow, I'd like to thank you all for the replies, very informative!
I may be sending a couple of PMs here! It's defo give us food for thought, IoW is still winning at the moment - the reason behind is this we are thinking it really is slow paced life being on an Island as such more than just living out in the sticks somewhere. We are heading down Thursday to view property, spend a few days in the area to decide and then take it from there.
I may be sending a couple of PMs here! It's defo give us food for thought, IoW is still winning at the moment - the reason behind is this we are thinking it really is slow paced life being on an Island as such more than just living out in the sticks somewhere. We are heading down Thursday to view property, spend a few days in the area to decide and then take it from there.
Yes, unfortunately I don't have a pilots licence! So that is out of the question...
When I looked at the ferry crossings and cost, I didn't think they were too bad. For instance, if I was using for work - I could get it for £36 return which to me is acceptable.
Thanks again for all the help so far, I am finding them very interesting to read.
When I looked at the ferry crossings and cost, I didn't think they were too bad. For instance, if I was using for work - I could get it for £36 return which to me is acceptable.
Thanks again for all the help so far, I am finding them very interesting to read.
Huntsman said:
We are planning to move to IOW too! Hopefully later this year.
For the last ten years we've spent a lot of time on IOW as we have a small boat, typical year we'd spend 40 to 50 nights onboard, most of which would be on the Island. As a result, we've come to love it over there.
We live in Southampton, the South Coast is one big horrid traffic infested nightmare.
The Island food is excellent, a real foodie scene. There's a great Jazz scene too. Plenty of attractions for the kids and loads to do for little cost.
IOW schools were in a state, until about 3 years ago when Hampshire Education Authority took control, its much better now.
A friend of ours had an aneurism in Yarmouth, helicopter to Southampton General and he was saved!
You'll spend some money on ferry fares, but property is cheaper.
See you there!
Excellent For the last ten years we've spent a lot of time on IOW as we have a small boat, typical year we'd spend 40 to 50 nights onboard, most of which would be on the Island. As a result, we've come to love it over there.
We live in Southampton, the South Coast is one big horrid traffic infested nightmare.
The Island food is excellent, a real foodie scene. There's a great Jazz scene too. Plenty of attractions for the kids and loads to do for little cost.
IOW schools were in a state, until about 3 years ago when Hampshire Education Authority took control, its much better now.
A friend of ours had an aneurism in Yarmouth, helicopter to Southampton General and he was saved!
You'll spend some money on ferry fares, but property is cheaper.
See you there!
What area are you looking to move too? The house we want is just under £600k which I don't think is bad considering size, location and land with it.
Huntsman said:
And out of all the cars, they shove a Saxo VTR on it!!Thanks for everyones feedback.
We decided to leave moving to IOW for a while, as something came up work/project wise which meant we were going to stay put. However, that hasn't pulled off so we have decided to open back up to IOW, we both agree it's best to move there - a lot of my work can be done remotely so that isn't an issue.
We need to start looking for a decent house now, as the other one was pulled from the market.
We decided to leave moving to IOW for a while, as something came up work/project wise which meant we were going to stay put. However, that hasn't pulled off so we have decided to open back up to IOW, we both agree it's best to move there - a lot of my work can be done remotely so that isn't an issue.
We need to start looking for a decent house now, as the other one was pulled from the market.
Huntsman said:
Its on!
I've got a new job over on the Island. Just in the process of renting a house and selling out place. Boat already in Bembridge in the store.
We''re taking a CR-V (I hate it), a Silver Shadow, a Morris Minor and we've just bought a VW T4 to help with carting junk.
What is the job and when are you going?I've got a new job over on the Island. Just in the process of renting a house and selling out place. Boat already in Bembridge in the store.
We''re taking a CR-V (I hate it), a Silver Shadow, a Morris Minor and we've just bought a VW T4 to help with carting junk.
We've got a few cars to take, but maybe it's time to sell a couple.
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