A Move to the (West) Country: Mission Impossible?

Not a bit of it.

Some overcoming of long-held prejudices required though.

"I don't want anything with low ceilings and black beams. And not an inglenook fireplace either!"

So what have I just bought?

A Grade II listed building - a roomy 3-bedroomed cottage on two floors, mostly surprisingly light and airy, with stairs going off in all directions, crammed to the gunwhales with charm and character, new kitchen, bathroom and boiler, a smallish walled garden, lovely neighbours with cats and a young black labrador, and just as exciting, vacant possession and a vendor willing to let me rent it if the legalities are not concluded before my preferred moving date.

And it's on the same road as the house I had intended to buy, but that the owner is still unable to vacate.

There will be pictures. Oh yes. Be patient.

But you may uncross your fingers now,and breathe out. You all contributed to this success.

Back soon.

PS That poor Lizzie deserves a medal for having put up with me gibbering and flapping for the whole of yesterday while the matter was resolved.