p.k. wrote:
Sacha wrote:

The wage round here is not much different. The SW has never been a
high earning paradise. The chief concern round here is that young
people cannot afford to buy homes because the SW is so popular with
those who want second homes or who retire down here. When I hear what
it costs to do work on a house in London or even in Jersey, I feel
quite faint! But there is no comparison as to quality of life and
that is the choice the individual has to make.

Horses for courses - we live in SW London and spend time every summer with
friends in Cornwall. The qualities of each lifestyle are certainly very
different. but one better than the other?

Our friends in Cornwall moved from St John's Wood in central London - and
would not swap back for any amount of money.

We live in leafy suburban Wimbledon with Surrey fields and pubs 20 minute
away, 2 major airport 40 mins away, Central London 20 mins away and out of
my front door a cycle route that takes me on a 50 mile circuit with no more
than about 5 miles on road (Parks, towpaths and woodland tracks for the
rest). Hospitals and schools galore to choose from. Every nationality of
restaurant (and each from caff to ***) you can imagine.

We wouldn't swap with them either!

horses for courses!

I think you've summed that up very well and I'm not being sarcastic!
BUT, I wouldn't live your life for all the tea in China and you
wouldn't like mine, either, I suspect. Horses for courses, indeed.
I'm with your friends because I couldn't live as you do; that's not the
countryside and I really need that as I need my lungs. I couldn't live
what is, to me, the compromise that you live but it works for you and
obviously works well. I haven't been to London for 3 or 4 years -
apart for one day last year to see the Royal Ballet School end of year
show - and I really do not miss that. Every time I do go to London I
come away with a headache and a sense of dislocation. I can take it
for three days, max.
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon