I maybe need talking through/out of this idea

whitesatin

davidmcn wrote: »

Or given the OP is in Hertfordshire, from Luton or Stansted to Glasgow (I don't think Prestwick currently has any routes to London).

But depends where on "the west coast" they're talking about as that could be several hours' further drive.

I'm thinking from Largs to further south, e.g. Ayr, Troon or somewhere like that. An easy train ride to Glasgow and between the towns.

whitesatin

Pixie5740 wrote: »

It's not a silly idea but you really need to think about how often you'll use the place in Scotland. Would it work out cheaper to rent a holiday cottage/flat as and when you need one? Would you be happy living a couple of hours from where you live now or would you feel as if you are living in no-man's land, close but not close enough?

What about making the move to Scotland more permanent and booking accommodation down in Hertfordshire as and when you need it?

That is one option as I wouldn't have to rent, just stay with my son or daughter when required to childmind etc.

whitesatin

ProDave wrote: »

Why not move back here? you would have a pot of money left in the bank after buying a nice house up here. And you will still be 2 hours away from down south (by air) for regular visits.

Does it have to be West? I know the scenery is best there, but around the Moray Firth (where I am) is a lot drier, and being close to Inverness Airport with Daily flights to Luton would have you back south as often as you like.

And the West coast is a day trip from here on a nice day.

Interesting. Luton is very near my daughter and her family. I suppose my hankering for the west coast is because that's where my family and friends are, and where I was brought up. We used to do day trips to all those seaside places. But, thanks, I will explore the possibilities you suggest.

whitesatin

tacpot12 wrote: »

Selling your existing house and using the money to buy two smaller places, or buy one place and use the rest to rent somewhere during the school holidays would seem the most sensible options, but if you know that you will want a car wherever you are, you might find the costs of driving the car up and down or flying & then renting a car makes it very expensive.

At your age, this might be the last move you make. I think I would rent somewhere as needed, say for the first 12 months, to see how many times you stay over and for how long, and what the travel costs you. This should help you decide whether it makes sense to buy a second property or just to use the cash to make sure you can travel to see your children and grandchildren whenever you want to.

I do think it is an entirely reasonable aspiration to move to somewhere you would like to live having spent so long looking after your children and grandchildren. Eventually the grandchildren will be old enough to travel on their own to see you and travelling to Scotland will be more interesting for them than popping across town.

Thanks for not thinking it's not unreasonable. I do know what you mean about it possibly/probably being the last move I'll make. My husband is from London but is very self-contained and could live anywhere as long as there are nice walks and places to sit and enjoy the scenery. He doesn't drive at all. I do but don't enjoy it and take public transport whenever I can. (Bus pass/railcard etc., it all helps).

I will consider the renting for a year or so. We are actually planning, later this year, a trip to Scotland to see how we like different areas in the bleaker weather.

Thanks for your thoughts.

GaleSF63

whitesatin wrote: »

... the west coast of Scotland, an area I still love very much (despite the weather).

I'm on the west coast (Firth of Clyde) and it's pouring with rain at the moment!


.

whitesatin

GaleSF63 wrote: »

I'm on the west coast (Firth of Clyde) and it's pouring with rain at the moment!


.

LOL, I remember that well! Mind you, with the heatwave we've had here recently (thankfully over), I don't mind rain at all. Good friends, good food, nice walks (even in the rain)…..

zagubov

Nope, this sounds doable. Another vote for downsizing and splitting money into two house purchases.

getmore4less

whitesatin wrote: »

As I would only be required here in the holidays really, I could envisage a good few extended stays there each year. I have this idea that I could see old friends and family regularly. Neither of us like the sun and don't mind the rain and cold, so it could work out for us. We generally stay in the UK for our holidays these days. I already go up two or three times a year, it's not that far really, from London to Glasgow then a local train.

OK you covered my question, where have you been on holiday the last 5 years.

Seems to me you might be better living in Scotland and assisting one of the child minding locations to get another room for you to stay on the longer trips down south, supplementing with hotel/B&B to get out from under them.

If Glasgow is your access point then there is the train jump on/off at MK I found it much more pleasant than the Luton Airport route and not a lot longer.


With family it should be possible to arrange use of a car at both ends.



Running 2 houses and cars is not a economic solution.

Pixie5740

whitesatin wrote: »

That is one option as I wouldn't have to rent, just stay with my son or daughter when required to childmind etc.

In that case I suggest making the move to Scotland more permanent. Downsizing to somewhere a couple of hours from where you live now sounds like the worst of both worlds.

(I am biased though )

getmore4less

To back up a previous post, we used to spend the holidays with the grandparents one set in north Scotland(not far from prodave) the other in the Midlands for weeks at a time in the summer.