Running away to Wales.

Susukino · Post by **Susukino** » 01 Nov 2008, 13:46

JohnB wrote:I'm considering the Teifi Valley, but it feels pretty remote.

Remote from what? Everything you wanted to leave behind in the first place? Seriously, if you want to be in the thick of things you need to be somewhere completely different. Carmarthenshire isn't exactly buzzing!

Suss

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » 01 Nov 2008, 14:02

I was thinking more of the other end of the Teifi. I spent a month in the summer around Cardigan, and there seems to be quite a bit happening. But it's a long way from the rest of the country if I need to get there, and maybe not so good if I need to earn money.

Susukino · Post by **Susukino** » 01 Nov 2008, 14:05

JohnB wrote:I was thinking more of the other end of the Teifi. I spent a month in the summer around Cardigan, and there seems to be quite a bit happening. But it's a long way from the rest of the country if I need to get there, and maybe not so good if I need to earn money.

Agree with the latter point. Cardigan area and North Pembs are pleasant places to live.

Suss

Vortex · Post by **Vortex** » 01 Nov 2008, 17:53

I suspect that IT workers and freelance graphics & other designers are those who can move most easily to the sticks.

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » 01 Nov 2008, 23:13

Vortex wrote:I suspect that IT workers and freelance graphics & other designers are those who can move most easily to the sticks.

That was me 10 years ago. Unfortunately I got involved in the renewable energy industry for a few years, and now don't have any clients for the work I used to do. I doubt if the sort of businesses you find in rural areas would be interested, and those in far away places who would be interested wouldn't want to start working with someone a long way away. That's partly why I'm wary of moving anywhere too remote.

RevdTess · Post by **RevdTess** » 28 Nov 2008, 23:05

Just to update folks on our running away to Wales plans.

We've now exchanged contracts on this property near Ferryside:
http://www.thesmallholdingcentre.co.uk/ ... 05609.html

As you can see it's not a huge amount of land, but it was affordable and mortgage free. Completion of the purchase will be in just over a week.

I'm going to split my time between Wales and London initially. I can work from home in my current job, but if that goes tits up I may have to revert to IT contracting in London to rebuild my savings.

The bf is training up to be a driving instructor so he can work anywhere. At some suitable moment I'd like to quit all my financial/IT type work and do something more creative and/or physical. And I mean creative in an artistic sense, not in a 'making up ways to lose money' sense.

The first thing we'd like to do with the house is add a woodburner and backboiler as previously discussed in this thread. Still not sure how best to integrate this with the existing instantaneous LPG CH system - really need a clued up plumber to share some insights I should think.

We also have plans to add a conservatory/greenhouse and a chicken shed. Half an acre of land should keep us digging for a while. We'll be taking down a few of the overhanging trees as well to get light into the garden.

Very excited by it all - still can't quite believe I've gone and done it. It's rather like when I bought the boat (which I intend to keep for the time being until I need the cash - ie when i lose my job).

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » 28 Nov 2008, 23:14

Congratulations. Charlie and I will pop in for a cuppa when we're passing, although Charlie would prefer cake or biscuits

Ben · Post by **Ben** » 28 Nov 2008, 23:21

Tess wrote:Just to update folks on our running away to Wales plans.

We've now exchanged contracts on this property near Ferryside:

Looks amazing, Tess

Very hard work but potentially a little piece of heaven. As the old saying goes - "You never regret the things you do in life. It's the things you don't do that you regret."

welshgreen · Post by **welshgreen** » 29 Nov 2008, 17:04

yea, looks a lovely place, good luck!

welshgreen · Post by **welshgreen** » 29 Nov 2008, 17:39

just wondering what attracts people aware of PO to wales? Scotland isnt much different nor is some parts of England.

skeptik · Post by **skeptik** » 29 Nov 2008, 17:46

welshgreen wrote:just wondering what attracts people aware of PO to wales? Scotland isnt much different nor is some parts of England.

The run to Harrods is a lot quicker than from Yorkshire or Scotland

...or maybe its the place names - "Limpets Folly"
Irresistible!

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » 29 Nov 2008, 18:00

welshgreen wrote:just wondering what attracts people aware of PO to wales? Scotland isnt much different nor is some parts of England.

As far as I'm concerned, one of the big attractions is that houses and building plots with land are available that aren't totally unaffordable. Being a southerner, born in Berkshire and living in Somerset for the 10 years before I went travelling, Wales isn't too far away. Northern England and Scotland are tempting, but a long way away, colder and there's less sun. Much of the centre of Britain is too built up and yuppiefied, and being near the coast is nicer. Much of Wales feels pretty isolated, especially the bits where the good sites are, but being a bit isolated from the starving, freezing masses is probably a good thing.

I met some nice people in North Pembrokeshire, but they were nearly all English! That doesn't mean the Welsh aren't nice, they just didn't seem to be at the places and events I met people at!

My preference would be to return to the West Country, but finding a suitable place I can afford is extremely difficult, rather than just difficult.

welshgreen · Post by **welshgreen** » 29 Nov 2008, 18:13

I can see what your saying John I wouldnt move from here. there are a few of us taffs left in pembrokeshire all though you have to know where to look!

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » 29 Nov 2008, 18:35

welshgreen wrote:there are a few of us taffs left in pembrokeshire all though you have to know where to look!

I did meet a few! I also heard quite a few people talking in a language I didn't understand, so they probably were too!

I'd love to learn the language. It would be fun being somewhere where the locals are being rude about the English in Welsh, and see their faces when they realise I understand

RevdTess · Post by **RevdTess** » 29 Nov 2008, 20:02

welshgreen wrote:just wondering what attracts people aware of PO to wales? Scotland isnt much different nor is some parts of England.

I agree with most of the reasons JohnB gave. Wales is more affordable than England, warmer than Scotland, and moreover seems to attract community-minded eco-hippie wannabees like myself. So it's self-fulfilling really.