A little piece of Cornwall
22nd December 2017
So after seven months of research, investigation, enquires, a pre-planning application, surveys, negotiations and conveyancing, we can confirm that we have finally bought a plot of land in Cornwall. So all we have to do now is build a house...
We first viewed the plot in May. In fact we were interested in another plot, but it had been sold the day before our second viewing. However, we decided to keep our appointment to view the plot with a builder to discuss our ideas, as we thought it might be useful for the future and we might learn something. What we learnt was that the builder had an even more appealing plot for sale. Another outcome of this meeting was that we found a local architect with experience of, and enthusiasm for, the type of build we have in mind. Luck, serendipity, or good planning? Who knows...
We don't have a sea view but, being high up, on a clear day we can see both coasts. Also, we are only 15 minutes away from Falmouth and Mylor (where we hope to keep the next boat), 15 minutes away from Truro (and, ergo, Waitrose and Great Cornish Food) and 10 minutes away from the A30, handy for trips up country. So, in summary, a pretty ideal location for us.
Someone recently said we have now done the hardest part, i.e. identifying a plot of land and buying it. We know what they mean, having spent many months jumping through myriad hoops just to get to this stage, but we're not sure they are absolutely correct, and we are under no illusions that the next 12 months or so won't be hard work and frustrating at times. We are of course looking forward to it, with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, you know, like sailing across Biscay for the first time...
In our minds' eyes, we moved in 6 months ago - we know pretty much what each room is going to look like, where the doors & windows will be to best take advantage of the views & garden, and even details like what log burner we would like to have.
To help with this project, I can feel a new vehicle coming on - still Italian (sort of), but it can carry just over a ton in the back, tow another three, and yet has more leather-lined, air-conditoned comfort and equipment than my current Alfa - any guesses?
Here then, are some images of what will be our new home. As Christmas presents go, we think it's pretty good, even if we did spend a bit more than usual.
