Groombridge - getting back on the property ladder

Mr Poachie and I have been talking house moves; we currently rent and whilst it is affordable, in a gorgeous countryside location with very easy going landlords it isn't ours and we want to have a place of our own.

Groombridge has always been a favourite village of mine as it is picturesque, has a few shops and a bakery, its not far from the main town but its very much in a countryside setting. 

However, this means that the house prices reflect this! 

Whilst I think it is very romantic to live in a sweet country cottage I know it will drive me mad having a tiny kitchen and no-where to entertain. Mr Poachie and I have written a list of requirements and agree on most but I think he would be happy to buy a more modern house whereas I do really want a Victorian or Georgian property with real fireplaces.

We aren't in a position to buy yet and after lockdown it seems like house prices have increased, despite the reduction in stamp duty. But I have always liked to have a nose on Rightmove to see what is out there and whilst we don't know exactly how much we can afford we have a rough idea so it is exciting to have a look and see what we might be able to buy.

We think that as long as the village has a good pub, a local shop, Mr Tesco can deliver and relatively close to a train line then that makes the perfect village. 

These houses look sweet from the outside but they are so small inside!

After living in a town my whole life, I 100% want to live in the countryside. It does have some downfalls like more expensive taxi journey's home from nights out but they are far and few between now. Lots of spiders! But I have overcome my fear a little bit more. Very loud dawn chorus's. But all of these are completely outweighed by the views, the gorgeous surroundings all on your doorstep.

My dream is for us to have our own countryside property and then I want to buy a doggie! 

I really like getting out for walks every day so it would be perfect to have a poochie companion.

I don't want a big Labrador or anything like that but I don't want a small yappy thing either that refuses to walk anywhere.

I think a cockapoo or a cavachon is ideal. I really love cocker spaniels but I have read up on them and they need a lot of time and attention and if Mr Poachie and I have to go back to being in the office full time then it won't be fair on the doggy.

This is all waaaaayy in the future, lockdown sort of backed up our plans by a year as we were meant to be doing a lot of travel this year and I was hoping to get settled next year. So lets see what happens next...