After a straightforward and trouble free journey to Scotland on Friday morning, we were early for our first viewing so I was able to visit the council and prove my ID and sign some documents before we headed into the countryside to start the business of deciding where we would be living for the next two years.
As an aside, probably not the way I would choose to spend my birthday, we were up at 06.15!, but needs must.
So today we viewed four properties, two of which we wrote off pretty quickly, one of which we liked very much and the remaining one would have done for us but there was a dodgy approach lane!
We had booked into a B&B close to Stirling - this turned out to be part of a small estate complete with animals, huge grounds and situated down a very long drive so nice and quiet. A large bedroom and separate bathroom both of which were comfortable and well kitted out. West Plean House is part of "Stay on a Farm" B&Bs and we would choose one of these again based on our experience here.
Gary suggested a supermarket cafe for dinner (I think he was having a laugh) but we ended up eating in Cabes, a lovely shack with excellent food in Stirling.
Slept reasonably well but both brains on overdrive with details of houses. Decided we both liked the first property we saw - a steading in Saline.
Breakfast on Saturday morning could be described as Farmhouse and was really good. Many of our previous B&Bs could learn from this one. Quality food, no limit on juice, coffee, toast etc and a good choice of cooked breakfast if required.
Four more houses to view today - again one written off quite quickly, one no show and two possibilities. Much thinking to do. Both of us agreed that the first and last properties we had viewed were our favourites. Which one to go for?
After much discussion it was the steading from Friday. Decision made.
After another fine breakfast on Sunday morning, the long drive home was waiting for us.
As it turned out, not a bad day to travel. Made it home in under 7 hours including stops. A cloudburst at Bristol slowing us up on the last leg.
Monday morning and most of the day was spent on the phone to various agencies, landlords etc; the steading was ours if we could fill in ten pages worth of forms, prove our IDs, prove I would be working etc etc. Many hours later the forms were sent by email, the deposit was sent by bank transfer and we could cross that one off the list. Oh and at the same time the washing was on so Gary spent his birthday unpacking, washing, drying and generally having fun.
Another decision made - birthdays celebrations would be deferred this year to a date not too far in the future when we could actually take time out to enjoy ourselves.
(as if we haven't been doing just that all summer)
So to bed thinking that at least we had sorted out our accommodation, just the exchange of contracts (due on Tuesday) and the removals firm to confirm.
If only ..... a call this morning from the letting agents to confirm all info received as needed but and it's a big BUT - the property owner had just received an offer from a purchaser who wants to buy the steading. *!$** and many other phrases were uttered when I could manage to speak that is. Oh dear and we had happily told all other property owners and agencies that we were sorted. And then there was the matter of money exchanging hands.
Several quick phone calls later (and a bit of sweet talking from Gary) and we had agreed that we did want to rent our second choice of property. At least it was still available. Liz, the owner was happy to proceed with us as tenants. A very efficient lady called Kate sorted out the details and we filled out all of the forms again. Money to be transferred tomorrow - let's hope the other agency return the cash as quickly as they took it.
So, a quick re-group and we end the day once again looking forward to living in Clackmannanshire. This time within 1.5 miles of my place of work so I can be truly "green" and walk or cycle to work. Must check out the shower facilities first though!
Mentally exhausted, brains stuffed full of stuff whizzing around, signing off for now.
Hopefully no more drama for the next couple of weeks - at least we have booked the Wotton boys to pack for us as well as to move all of our stuff.
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