It's time to begin.....

Kakiste

Arrrgh! Massive spanner in the works- new neighbour has had cold feet about moving- hasn't moved any of her stuff at the weekend and then told work friend this morning that she wants to stay in the cottage. Work friend has offered me the house- so I'm going back to see it this afternoon after work (I did look round it for a few minutes the other week but that was more out of interest as it wasn't going to be my home then

Plus side- it would mean getting the garden, offroad parking and then also significantly more room but it is massive compared with the cottage so it would be so much more in bills. 

I know it was my original first choice but I'm going to have to reframe/reorganise everything now. 

First job- see the house again. 
second- recalculate bills. 

Argh!

Humdinger1

@Kakiste financially, can you still make it work? I know I'm on the outside looking in but I would say the imperative is to move.  You're so organised I think you'll find a way of making it happen.   How inconsiderate...your work friend must be mightily unimpressed? Love Humdinger xx 

joedenise

I think in the long run the house will probably be better as you'll have the garden so somewhere for your daughter to play in the summer.  You'll be able to grow vegetables which may help you reduce your food shopping.

I'm sure you can find some more positives too.  

I really hope you can make it work.

badmemory

Off road parking is more secure too.  You will also be more able to spend better time on your own "territory" rather than having to go to a park etc.

Makingabobor2

Everything happens for a reason. This could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. As others have said...garden - grow veg and your daughter can play; off road parking - a lot safer. Also if the house is bigger, you will have more room to spread out and maybe make a playroom for daughter, or a special space for you, like a craft room or hobby room or something. IF you can make it work with the money, I would take it. Your priority is to move at the end of the day. 

enthusiasticsaver

Hope you can make the finances work but I understand the frustration. Your work friend must be annoyed too. 

stymied

Has it already been painted to new neighbour’s choice or can you still choose? At least the house is ready to go straight away. Hopefully once you’ve seen it again all will feel right.

CRANKY40

I'm another that thinks that the house is a better option. Daughter's bed is already there for starters - maybe that's the universe trying to tell you something? Daughter can have a paddling pool in the summer if you have a garden. It sounds much better to me. I live in a 3 bed house just my 18 year old House Troll and I so I reckon that you will be able to make it work. Fingers crossed it all turns out ok for you. 

bellevie

I hope this winds up being a blessing in disguise for you, the house does seem the better long term option if it's affordable. 
Keeping my fingers crossed for you 

WinterWarrior

I did think the cottage sounded very small as you were having the tiny bedroom weren’t you? It’s a much better option to have a grown up bedroom and will mean you won’t be hankering after more space later. This is a brilliant long term option if the figures add up. Extra good luck x