Oops I did it again...
“I could live here”, I said to my husband as we sat out in the morning sunshine of our holiday cottage overlooking Slapton Ley. He smiled and nodded but didn’t look up from his phone. After all, he’s heard this about 1000 times before. It’s easier to just agree until we visit the next place by the sea and I decide that’s the perfect place too.
I’m not the only one
In my defence, I’m not the only one who’s thought about moving to a holiday destination. According to Zoopla, over two-thirds (71 per cent) of Britons have researched property prices in their desired UK holiday spot, with 38 per cent looking while on the trip itself and nine per cent making the move.
I fell in love with the southwest of England when we started holidaying there regularly when we became dog parents (yes, I’m one of those). Our love of the great outdoors and dog-friendly pubs has meant we’ve covered a lot of ground across both coastlines of Cornwall and Devon, and later Dorset and Somerset. The amazing scenery, crystal clear water and often milder temperatures make Devon and Cornwall seem like an idyllic place to live. I’m guilty of spotting a ‘for sale’ sign and jumping straight on the Rightmove app, often with no filters applied. £1.5million for a four bed with sea view – what a bargain for Carbis Bay! Mad but true.
That said, I’m not sure my blood pressure could handle the narrow, hedged-lined lanes during peak season. We’ve been spoiled with holidaying in the quieter months but are now faced with navigating school holidays (sobs). My reversing skills only go so far when faced head-on with a muddy tractor or a supersized Chelsea tractor on a single winding road to an unspoilt cove. It’s always been worth the white-knuckle ride to sink your feet into the white sands and turquoise water of a hidden beach. Ok, I’m daydreaming again…
Back to reality
But of course, there’s the small matter of reality. Gosh, that word - sticks - in my throat. “Why don’t you just move down there? What’s stopping you?” someone recently asked me. The fact is Edie is about to start school. We have grandparents on the doorstep up here, which I know from reading The Juggle, is like sitting on a gold mine. The house prices are crazy down there. So as much as I’d love to throw caution to the wind, I know (albeit begrudgingly) it’s not the right time. Just yet…
So, for now, I’ll stick with my daydream and sail off into the sunset like Iggle Piggle in the Night Garden.
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Kat x