From this: A bijou 300 year old country cottage, uninterrupted views, pool, plenty of land, fruit trees, veg' garden, etc.
To this: A bijou 1960's terraced city Pied a Terre, tiny patio, shared garden, view of the sea, all major shops nearby, with garage.
I have always said that if I live in the countryside, I want total peace and quiet, a simple bucolic atmosphere, and open countryside all around. We had that for many years until a few newcomers arrived who didn't understand what all that meant. I can't be bothered to go into details.
In town I want to be at the very centre of things, but also quiet. I want easy access to good shops, theatres, a dog-walking park, music venues, libraries, restaurants, and even the sea. I also want to be within a few minutes drive from the 'open countryside' that I adore.
So, which is preferable?
Frankly neither; I love both, and shall try to enjoy both for as long as possible.
I shall be going to the Pub' for a pint this lunchtime. Another advantage of city life.
My parents' ideal has always been to live in the countryside within easy reach of a city.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I like Brighton (and inner city living) looking at your two abodes I'd go for the bijoux three hundred year old cottage; bad neighbours or not. Not least because I hanker after a garden. Well, as you and I know, we can't always have what we want where we want it.
Good to hear that you enjoy lively Brighton after a sedate hamlet France which is, after all, patiently waiting for your return. Which reminds me: Who is going to harvest your usual winter bounty in France?
Enjoy your pint,
U
We have a friend who should be harvesting what's left of the Winter Vegs. Oh how I miss not being able to pop down to Haddock's for a handful of Greenery.
DeleteLife doesn't have to be a question of "either or", nor should we feel any obligation to answer questions like "Which do you like best?" or "Which is your favourite place?" Such questions make assumptions that are often invalid. It's nice that so far you have relished your return to Brighton.
ReplyDeleteI think one would always compare one with the other. Anyway, we are now perfectly happy with the situation.
DeleteYou are lucky to have the best of both worlds Cro and are embracing the situation. I think it’s brilliant that you can enjoy such different ways of life. It’s not a competition & we get to hear all about it !!! XXXX
ReplyDeleteTwo small houses are probably better than one big one, and it does mean that we have a change of air.
DeleteI much prefer the first image to the second, but like you, I would also like a small town nearby to be able to buy the things I need and maybe go to a cinema now and again, and in the other direction, a beach.
ReplyDeleteMy ideal 'town house' would be a small Mews House in London's South Kensington, but I'd need to win the Lottery.
DeleteSomehow I had imagined your Brighton pad to be a bijou Regency mews house tucked away off one of Fhe Lanes but your house does sound ideal as a town pied a terre. Happy days!
ReplyDeleteIt's a 'mock' regency mews house, built in the 60's; it even used to have a serving hatch that we have recently removed!
DeleteYou'd need to win the lottery to buy a house in your location in Brighton. Writing about newcomers to your French village that you can't be bothered to do sounds like it would make an interesting blog post. Btw, we could never afford to buy where we live now.
ReplyDeleteIt's expensive everywhere now. I feel sorry for young people wishing to buy their first home.
DeleteIt has worked out very nicely for you. I actually was worried about Billy, but I have to say, he's proven every bit as adaptable as his 'people'.
ReplyDeleteI think he now sees himself as a sophisticated urban canine dude.
DeleteI have moved seven times - town, country, quiet, noisy - prefer quiet but otherwise have been happy everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever lived anywhere that I didn't like.
DeleteEnjoying the best of both properties is ideal and you seem to be doing exactly that.
ReplyDeleteYes, we love both houses. They're very different, but both have their plus points.
Delete"Bloom where you are planted." And you seem to be doing just that. Congrats! The ability to adapt and keep a good attitude is a wonderful asset.
ReplyDeleteAnd two different languages too. I'd forgotten about that.
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ReplyDeleteYou've got the best of both worlds. How was Sunday lunch today?
DeleteA pint at the Pub', roast leg of Lamb, cheesecake, and too much St Emilion. Lovely.
DeleteBoth properties "are not to be sneezed at". You know my answer already:nr. 1 for spring and summer. No. 2 for autumn and winter (porsche and mini included).
ReplyDeleteThat, hopefully, will be the case. Sadly, the Porsche and Mini belong to a neighbour!
DeleteFor a time we had two places. They were similar architecture, and we are blessed to have had nice neighbours in each place. The coastal place won out for me, though. I have to have the water close by.
ReplyDeleteIf I was to criticise our country home, it would be because it has no river, stream, or lake at the bottom of the garden. At least we have the pool, but it's not the same.
DeleteBoth places look lovely to me.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Both very small, but very happy homes.
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