Monday 21 April 2014

the almost cottage...














We thought this might be the one, Woodbine cottage with its cottage garden and two sweet little porch doors. One into the living room and the other the kitchen. 'A' loved it. Although we weren't too sure about some of the colour choices I agreed that it was cute and had prospects. It even had it's very own ding dong well, original stove and the funkiest little windy stone staircase. Thankfully it also had a slightly larger wooden one, as I have been known to fall down stairs when rushing...I blame my size four feet. Not big enough to balance on. Others blame clumsiness...




It was so quaint that it felt just a little bit, like being on a stage set. Quite small, perfect for two, a squeeze for four. There was a stone barn in the garden. We climbed the spindly ladder to the top floor and spied chimney sweeping tackle. It was big, with two floors, big enough for two massive rooms for studio/work space or bedrooms. Or maybe four smaller ones. Potentially it all seemed good.



It was on the edge of the Forest of Dean, close to a potters studio and gallery with sheep wandering by. We imagined the walks we could take...I was thinking of all that wool...












We went for supper, then back to the hotel. It seemed good, we just about had the budget to renovate the barn to make the extra rooms and decorate the cottage. Maybe the search would be over. We slept happily. 


But first thing next morning I woke up with an uneasy feeling. There were a couple of things that weren't quite right that hadn't occurred to me the evening before. I'm glad that I mentioned them to A because he felt exactly the same way. It's so good that with house hunting, we always seem to be on the same page...H too. 

...But there's another house that we viewed last Friday. Not the most beautiful, with lots of work to do but tons of potential and in the perfect spot. It feels like someone loved it a lot a while ago, but it's a bit neglected now. It needs someone to bring it back to life. We are all very excited about it...it could be the one...

I shan't say too much until I've phoned the estate agents first thing tomorrow morning.

10 comments:

  1. Oh you so have to be on the same page, especially with such a big investment. These homes look so cute though. Nice burger and chips and crumble.

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  2. I know we are so fortunate . We had promised ourselves that if either of us felt a uneasy about anywhere that the other wouldn't press them to go there. Fortunately so we seem to have the same feel about places. We have just put in an offer on a house. It's old and needs lots doing to it but it's in a beautiful part of England. I'm very excited.
    debx
    The food was gorgeous.

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  3. I am so enjoying your house hunting. Thank goodness you both felt the same thing. A house has to feel like home, doesn't it? I am such a homebody; my soul has a deep sense of place, geography. I can't wait to hear more about the house you viewed on Friday.

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  4. Hi Susan,
    Thank you for saying that. I worry that I might be boring everyone with all the photographs. It's good to share them and get some feedback. I really appreciate your comments. I'm the same about my home and the history. I've been trying to find out about the previous owner of the house. I imagine an independent Agatha Christie or Beatrix Potter character lived there. I'm longing to start researching it's history.
    Thanks.
    debx

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  5. fingers crossed that the next one is THE ONE :) Lovely house but you have to listen to those nagging thoughts. And you do need some room for four instead of two, because you will be four once in a while right???

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    1. Thanks Karen. We've just put an offer in on a characterful old house in Herefordshire and it's been accepted. It should be big enough for lots of visitors. Yey...we are so excited....
      debx

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  6. Such lovely photos...I love visiting England vicariously through your blog. The cottage looks so cozy...love the fireplace, and what a unique staircase! It just has to be right, though. So glad to read that you put in an offer on another place and it was accepted!!! Yay!!!

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  7. Ah thanks Emily. I had visions of someone falling down that staircase. The staircase in the house we are getting (if everything goes well) is much safer.
    debx

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    1. ps. I was just thinking that I do exactly the same through your blog. Your part of the world is so beautiful.
      dx

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  8. Hi Debby, just came across your blog recently and gosh, I get the most calming, peaceful feelings as I look at your beautiful pics and lovely writing.

    Best of luck with finding the home you guys truly desire. I have loved each and every photo of the houses you have visited. It makes me want to pack up and roam the countryside of England looking for my perfect place.

    Thanks so much again for the inspiration!

    Lia

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