Wednesday 28 January 2015

Home and Away

'It is a truth universally acknowledged', to borrow from Jane Austen, that the British coastline is gradually, but steadily, being eroded away. On this we speak with a degree of authority. But lest we digress further, let us explain.

Whilst Budapest remains home to us, for some months now we have toyed with the idea of a place by the sea - proper sea. For although we enjoy the time we spend in Brighton, which we shall continue so to do, we crave soft sand, rock pools, fishing fleets, pleasure boats, cliff walks, seaweed, ozone in the air, deckchairs for hire, indeed all of those things associated with seaside holidays from childhood, now rather too long ago.

'On the Coast, Isle of Wight' [1860 Frederic, Lord Leighton]

So, availing ourselves of the internet and establishing with the various estate agents our intention to buy 'off plan', so to speak, for to arrange an actual viewing, we decided, involved far too much time and effort and would, almost certainly, become tedious, we set about our search.

'Near Swanage' [1916 Mark Gertler]

We favoured Dorset. An apartment, directly overlooking Durlston Bay in Swanage and sited at the cliff edge, we thought it wise to abandon when it was revealed that the authorities could no longer maintain or support coastal defences and that the magnificent views of the sea crashing against the rocks below were likely to become even better, and that before we had finished placing the furniture.

'Ventnor from the East Cliff' [1899]

In Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight, we fell in love, on line of course [the estate agents produce such alluring pictures], with a charming little Edwardian villa. The first sentence of the structural survey report, when we read it, indicated that our desired house was in a 'landslip zone'. We moved on, and so perhaps did the villa.

'Barbican & River Stour, Sandwich, Kent [1900 Henry Maurice Page]

Sandwich, an attractive mediaeval town and Cinque Port, now two or so miles inland from the Kent coast, seemed perfect. A pretty terraced cottage, nestling within the Conservation area, upon which we set our hearts, was prone to flooding. We let it go.

the exterior of a house which we actually, and unusually, saw

Lance Hattatt taking a bracing walk along the promenade

Warned away from both Lyme Regis [more shades of Miss Austen] and Cromer, and not a little dispirited, we journeyed to Cornwall in the belief that we should do so much better if on the spot. Four days later we returned to Hungary satisfied that our search was over. A stone built, late Victorian house, a pebble's throw from the sea, seemed ideal, the eight hour bus journey from London a mere nothing. Sadly the dream died with the discovery of high levels of Radon lurking within all those rocks.

'Bournemouth by the Sea' [1896 Henry Maidment]

Let us not bore you with the detail of the brand new, Art Deco style apartment in Bournemouth, and never let it be said that the chance remark overheard of 'Bournemouth for the newly wed or nearly dead' affected our decision in any way. Nor will we repeat here our eulogies for a smuggler's cottage on the borders of Devon or a mansion flat in Eastbourne. Suffice it to say, they have come and gone.

'Norwich Cathedral' [1955 David Freeman]

For at last we are settled. It is for Norwich we are enthusing and if this cathedral city, to which we have never been, and this artisan cottage, which we have yet to see and will not until it is finally ours, are as far removed from the sea as can be, then so be it.

Steeped in history, replete with period features, our little house, built originally for the workers of the Colman's Mustard Factory, will, we are sure, provide a wonderful holiday home from which to explore both the historical city, surrounding towns and unspoilt countryside beyond. In a matter of just a few weeks we shall take possession, and how exciting is that!


Christmas Day 2010, Sunset over the Terraces of Norwich [Unknown]

Now, what was that about earthquakes?

[We have been unable to ascertain ownership of the image, Christmas Day 2010, but will be pleased to provide full acknowledgement]

212 comments:

  1. My dears, are you really moving? Will you still be in Budapest some of the time? We still hope to be there in April if all goes according to plan.
    Love these paintings and photos, and again I have to say, nothing beats the beauty of our 'sceptered isle'.
    I've never visited Norwich - but you can't beat Colman's for a good hot mustard, that's for sure!

    Wishing you good health, joy, and fun setting up house again.
    Hugs - Mary

    P.S. Bob thanks you for the get well wishes.

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    1. Dearest Mary,

      No, we are not moving from Budapest. Let us be totally clear, the Norwich house will simply be a holiday place to which we shall go occasionally and somewhere for our surplus furniture!! We still have a flat in Brighton but think of here as home and are, indeed, much looking forward to your visit in April.

      We too have yet to visit Norwich which we plan to do upon completion!!

      Love as always to you both, J&L, xxx

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  2. Oh, my very Goodness!! i scroll and admire and pine, and you're
    SERIOUS!! The longing for could-be-but-99%-won't is a far cry from the settling in to the screen like diving into a great pile of Fodors or Architectural Digest, and following through to being handed the key. And the telling of the tale is simply enchanting---I can see and feel the little corners and the easy strolls and the sound of the sea so briskly whisked away by those pesky investigators and assessors. And your gentle regret for one after the other is so visible, when the whited sepulchres reveal their ombre of mold. Onward and upward---that's the plan.

    I so admire and envy your verve and enthusiasm, and covet every inch of even the rejects---they all sound simply marvelous, even those with a tiny wart or two.

    How I SO wish I COULD come and cook you some Shrimp and Grits---I'd bring the seasonings and the grits. The whole spread ten times over could be yours if you'd just get yourselves over here---now when's that next Birthday??

    love and,

    r


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    1. Dearest Rachel,

      Perhaps very foolishly we are serious. And the die is cast! But it is quite exciting and should keep us amused, and off the streets, at least for a while. But as we have said to Mary [above], Budapest is home.

      Sadly, so many of our plans were thwarted by, as you so aptly put it, 'investigators and assessors', but there is no point in seeking advice and then, if it does not concur with what one hopes, ignoring it. Anyway, it should be fun when we finally have the key and get to see it.

      All we could wish is that you could be here or we there. Perhaps one day, who knows? Meanwhile we shall in our minds drool over Shrimp and Grits.

      Love, J&L, xxx

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  3. Dearest Jane and Lance

    Talk about adding spice to your life or should I say mustard. This is all so very exciting. I am delighted for you and you will be even closer to us.
    What fun it must be and just imagine all the new discoveries and people waiting to meet you. It is going to be a great summer

    Helen xx

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    1. Adding mustard to life! How we love that, dear, dear Helen, and yes, it will mean we are that much closer but, Budapest, to which you MUST come too, will remain home.

      We are becoming very excited about it all, not least in deciding how we shall colour the walls! J&L, xxx

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  4. How wonderful for you ! My dear friends have a holiday home in Cornwall .. they live in Surrey. They keep inviting me, I keep saying yes, soon .. I think if / when I do visit, they might not get rid of me so easily. Minette has to come along too.. that is the hitch in all my plans. Congratulations on your new home, photos please .. besitos, C

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    1. It is certainly quite exciting, Candice, and we are much looking forward to it all. But what fun it would be for you to visit your friends in their holiday home in Cornwall [a county with a superb coastline] although, having had cats ourselves, we do appreciate the difficulty of travelling with Minette. Of course we shall post on the Norwich house when we actually get to see it!

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  5. We spent many many hours with the kids on the coasts of England when we lived in London for 15 year and I have such great memories of them. Isle of Wight actually one of my best friends lives there now and they are doing up an old boarding house as they were priced out of the mainland. Loved Brighton and Cornwall and Devon too and many times we caught the little boat to a strip of sand called Studland Bay, (near Bournmouth) you really felt like you were at the end of the world like one of the Enid Blyton's Famous Five (with the un-pc references we now know they made...).
    We stayed in an old hotel-house with loads of rooms with a children's tea and dinner with adults later - so civilised.
    Another time we stayed in a place in Devon that was the model for Toad of Toad Hall, it was lovely

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    1. You very clearly know the coast of England, particularly the south and west, exceedingly well. Dorset we love, but simply could not find anything suitable and yes, we know Studland from childhood so totally appreciate what you say here about the world of Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five'.

      How exciting that you have friends doing up a property on the Isle of Wight. To be there is to go back to the 1950s and we were sorely tempted with Ventnor and maybe should have had the courage of our convictions.

      Obviously you have an eye for seeking out the unusual for seaside holidays. It makes one very nostalgic.

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  6. I have very dear friends, ex Rhodesians in Norwich, they love it there so hope you will as well.

    We have no desire to ever see the UK again, but while my FIL still lives in Devizes, regular trips will remain! He lives alone and is still very mobile at almost 94.

    Good luck and enjoy your holiday home. Diane

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    1. This is most heartening news, Diane, since neither of us knows Norwich at all but from what we have read, and pictures we have seen, it does sound to be an attractive, cultural and interesting city. We look forward to seeing.

      That said, we are more than happy to spend the greater part of our time here in Budapest and to enjoy all that mainland Europe has to offer.

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  7. How exciting Jane and Lance ……. your property portfolio is expanding nicely.Jerimiah Colman did his workers proud, building that village in Trowse.
    Quite a few businesses did the same like the Cadbury family who built the village of Bournville and Port Sunlight, built by the Lever brothers. Will you still have to paint your front door a mustard colour as the residents had to when they were first built ? XXXX

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    1. We are, as you may imagine, Jackie, very excited about it all and think the little house will be great fun. Not sure about the wisdom of buying a house totally unseen, and are grateful for your encouragement since some of our friends clearly think that we have lost the proverbial plot completely.

      Such an idea to paint the front door a mustard colour. That little snippet of information was unknown to us previously, and we like it!! xxx

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  8. Dear Jane and Lance,

    I thoroughly enjoyed your (highly edited and amusing) beautifully illustrated and described search for the home many of us dream about (and tour of the English seaside). How wonderful that you will land in Norwich, a place high on my list of "someday" for it's history, beauty, and I believe, bookstores. She blogs no more, but The Fisherman's Cottage was a charming site (you can still find it online). She lived in a cottage on the coast of Norfolk and I'm pretty sure her blog is where I first saw pictures of Norwich. And your house's history is the thing of books. I am so excited and happy for you, and can't wait so see and read more about it. xo, Jen

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    1. We have high expectations of Norwich, Jen, and are certain that we will not be disappointed. To all intents and purposes it is, or so we believe, a most attractive city with much in the way of cultural activity. And we do hope that you are right about bookshops!

      Thank you so much for pointing us in the direction of 'The Fisherman's Cottage'. Rather sad that she has discontinued posting.

      As we understand it, Colman's Mustard Factory is still operating from Norwich and so it will, perhaps, be possible to find out more of the history of our little 1890s house which, most definitely, will be the subject of a future post.

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  9. Norwich is a lovely city -- one of my favourites and one of the first outside of London that I ever visited. In fact, our dear son, Andrew, was born there! (He now lives very near another one of your favourite cities -- Venice!) Anyway, how exciting for you to be embarking on such a wonderful adventure in such a lovely part of the world!

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    1. This comment so warms our hearts, Kathy, making us feel a little less foolish for buying a house we have not seen in a city we have never visited. And how exciting that your son, Andrew, was born in Norwich and how FABULOUS to be now living near Venice. From what you say we are sure we will love Norwich.

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  10. searching for just the right place isn't easy, surely you should be able to find a place with at least a view of the sea. I can't imagine purchasing a home without seeing it in person first to give final approval, hope the vacation place is all you hope for and more.

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    1. Thank you so much, Linda. We do have to admit that buying a house without seeing it, apart from photographs, is a little unusual but then house hunting, we decided, can be very time consuming and somewhat tedious and so, well, here we are!!

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  11. Oh to be by the seaside :) it all sounds charming and have to say somehow I wasn't expecting at all that your final choice would be Norfolk. No reason but somehow it just didn't figure in mind which probably demonstrated how underrated that county is (and perhaps long may that continue).

    It all sounds fabulous, wonderful, and very calming already. Incidentally we have looked at seaside locations recently and even pondered at moving to Whitstable at one point...

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    1. One of the great appeals for us, Mark and Gaz, is that, as you rightly point out, Norfolk is somewhat overlooked and, so we believe, underpopulated. One of the problems we find with the south coast generally is that it is very crowded.

      Funnily enough we did consider Whitstable which certainly has much to offer.

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  12. Gosh you've certainly done the rounds with your house hunting. Thank goodness you were able to find out all the potential problems with corrosion, flooding etc. Norwich is lovely and I'm sure you will love it. Not so far from the water, either The Broads which are beautiful or the Sea of which there are many coastlines in Norfolk. Wishing you all the very best of luck with your plans and hope that you'll both be very happy in your holiday abode. This is so very exciting and I'm very happy for you both.
    Patricia x

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    1. But house hunting on line, Patricia, is really terribly easy although, we have to confess, very time consuming. That said, agents' details are very comprehensive and one does have, usually, a very good idea of what a property is like. We are very excited about both Norwich and Norfolk, which clearly you know, and are so much looking forward to spending some time there. Plenty of material too for future blog posts!!

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  13. It sounds as if after a rather frustrating search you found just the right spot. I look forward to your sharing it with us as it sounds perfectly charming...will you be able to have a small garden? Or perhaps that is a complication you don't really want.

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    1. We certainly do hope so, Adrienne. It has all been somewhat time consuming but we are more than happy with the house we have found. And yes, thank you for asking, there is a small garden and whilst this adds a complication where maintenance is concerned we are really very excited about it and are already planning what we will do with it.

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  14. Hello Jane and Lance, Best of luck with your tremendous project. Your rejected possibilities made me glad that I don't favor water-views, and also reminded me of some real estate along the cliffs of Lake Erie, on which large houses that once had generous yards now look in danger of tumbling into the lake during the next big storm.

    By coincidence I have just been doing some research on your new neighbor to the south, Ipswich. I have been looking at maps of the region in an effort to gain some insight into an architectural mystery that I have on my hands, based on an old photograph. The difficulty is that I need to see the area as it was in the past; even Old England changes quite a bit, as your recent searches have demonstrated.
    --Jim

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    1. Thank you so much, Jim. We are confident that it will all work out and we intend to be philosophical, and positive, about anything which may prove not quite as we should wish. Certainly there are problems attached to properties close to water and we are most alarmed to hear what you say of houses built on the shores of Lake Erie.

      How extraordinary that you should have been looking at Ipswich for research purposes. It is a city which, visited a couple of times many years ago, neither one of us can really claim to know it. We are most intrigued at what your architectural mystery may be. In post war years Ipswich has, or so we believe, undergone considerable redevelopment.

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  15. A place by the sea really would be magical, wouldn't it?? I can't wait to follow you along on this journey!

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    1. Alas, a magic which it would seem has eluded us for the moment although we do still have a place in Brighton if we get withdrawal symptoms!!

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  16. Exciting indeed! Sadly, the next-to-last picture does not show for me. Maybe it is a browser problem (but I can see all the other pictures).
    Anyway, best of luck for your latest acquisition! I am sure that after such a long and thorough search the place you have now settled for will be as near perfect as it gets.

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    1. It is exciting, Meike, and something to which we are much looking forward.

      No, it is not your browser. For some reason the penultimate image failed to load and, try as we might in 'edit', we have been unable to remove that little white square!

      Thank you for your good wishes. In time, expect a post from Norwich!

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  17. All those places you mentioned are wonderful of course and I'm sure you would have been happy in any one upon which you settled; however, Norwich too is delightful. You will have many happy hours exploring. I know only too well the lure of the sea, which I view daily from my balcony and would be miserable if could not hear the waves at night, but this is not the seaside that you crave I'm afraid.

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    1. We are so much looking forward to exploring Norwich since it is, as we made mention, entirely unknown to us. And it will be fun sorting the little house.

      How lovely to see the sea from your balcony. Now that we do envy you for it is the one thing we miss in landlocked Hungary and Lake Balaton, no matter what people say, is not the same at all.

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  18. A dear little house it will be, snug, cozy, nestled in by the sea.
    The best I can do. Love it with all your hearts.

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    1. Thank you so much, Joanne. We are sure that it is all going to be tremendous fun.

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  19. We smiled reading your post we shared these thoughts and dilemmas too in searching for our new home. We did think hard about cliff erosion. We loved Norwich when we visited there and it is not too far from the coast. I'm sure you will love your new home! Those are lovely pictures to illustrate your search. Sarah x

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    1. Then you completely understand, Sarah. It is so reassuring that you have also been there and we are so heartened that you like Norwich. And it is true, it is not so far from the sea and we are already planning day trips.

      Erosion does really seem in so many places to be a problem. Our concern was not so much for ourselves but if we should wish to resell.

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  20. This is all very exciting, Jane and Lance!! Many congratulations. I cannot wait to see photos of your new cottage. You'll have so much fun decorating it.

    We love our summer home in Maine, and always look forward to our time there. This is terrible, but I'm just counting the days until June when we go back to Maine.

    Again, congrats!
    Warm regards,
    Loi

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    1. But you too, Loi, are embarking on very exciting times and your Maine house, which you have renovated and decorated with such style and not inconsiderable flair, must be constantly pulling you.

      Yes, we believe we shall have fun with the Norwich house and with the garden which, although small, we plan to be very formal in green and white.

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    2. I actually prefer small, intimate gardens. How many of us can relate to the palatial grounds of those estates? Fun to visit, but I'm happy with my city plot.

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    3. Actually, after twenty-five years spent maintaining a formal two acre garden, regularly open to the public, we are rather relieved to be contemplating one of pocket handkerchief size.

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  21. You know who lives in Norwich, don't you? I'll give you a clue - it's not Jane Austen.

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    1. Now, darling Tom, who could that possibly be?!! Is it too late, we ask ourselves, rapidly to switch back to Lyme Regis where we should be safe in Jane Austen's hands?

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    2. That said, we shall stick with Norwich. But go ex-directory!

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  22. Ooo, what fun!! Welcome to the joys of a three-centre life, Jane and Lance. I wish you many happy holidays in your lovely cottage. I did enjoy the illustrations to this post. :-)

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    1. Well, we rather hope that it will be!! Indeed, we should have sought your advice at the start of all of this because of course you are well practised in having homes not just in three separate places but, unless we are wrong, three different countries. Now that is something, Perpetua.

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  23. Glad you found a spot! Global warming is sadly ruining it all and I would never purchase a home close to the sea now - too risky! Norwich. Makes me think of terriers!

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    1. We are sure that we shall be happy with our choice and are looking forward to being in Norwich. Sadly what you say about a house close to the sea is increasingly the case. Now, not just terriers, canaries too!

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  24. So exciting! I love the idea of your aesthetic in a country cottage:).

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    1. Thank you. We are planning on having much fun over the coming months.

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  25. Glad that all your hunting and searching paid off! Looking forward to your future posts as you explore your new home in Norwich.

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    1. Thank you.We really did become rather tired towards the end of our looking and are somewhat relieved that, finally, we have made a decision. Now the fun starts!

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  26. Given the coastal erosion and keeping the rhyme about Bournmouth in mind I can see why you did not plump for Frinton...'.Harwich for the continent' the railway posters used to proclaim...'Frinton for the incontinent' added the jokesters...

    Luckily you are moving to Norwich long after the reign of Mr. Ryder at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital should you ever have developed any risk of diabetes...his answer to same was to chop off affected limbs and I remember the statistically important number of people traversing the cobbles of Norwich on crutches thanks to his sterling efforts...

    The gem of the place, the subscription library, has long closed....fire destroyed the County Library, my favourite book dealer, friend of Ian Paisley, has turned up his toes....and I believe that the place has become gentrified...

    I wonder if football fans are still escorted from the station by the police...whether the stands still resound to the opposing team's supporters chanting 'I can't read and I can't write but I can drive a tractor'....

    You will have so much to discover...county versus city, town and - given UEA's form af academic dress - truncated gown...but you will have a great deal of fun.

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    1. We had not heard the Harwich/Frinton jest before now and, unlike Queen Victoria [keeping to an East Anglia theme], we are greatly amused!

      Nor did we know of the infamous Mr. Ryder having, until now, basked in the reflected glory of Norfolk personages such as Edith Cavell, Horatio, Lord Nelson, Thomas Paine and, unlikely as it is, King Olav V of Norway!! And as far as all things medical go, we fully intend to continue with the safe hands of The Royal Sussex County Hospital.

      Alas, where has not become gentrified? We even see signs of it here in Hungary but there is still a long way to go before we find ourselves living in the Budapest equivalent of The Boltons or Eaton Square!

      We are becoming more alarmed with these tales of football fans. Surely that nice Delia Smith, when not teaching us to boil eggs, has those supporters of The Canaries firmly under control?

      Let us hope that you are right about the fun. In the end it is all we ask.

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    2. It appears that the egg boiler acts like an overheated pressure cooker when her team does not perform as desired....
      Yes, you will indeed have fun and with your outlook on life will feel greatly at home in a county whose unofficial motto is 'do different'.

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    3. Love the thought over 'The Egg Boiler', by which name she will now be known to us, becoming overheated when her team fails to perform satisfactorily.

      Even more do we love the unofficial motto of the county. We will do our utmost to live up to it!!

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  27. It took us three years to find the current abode and I can relate to many of your experiences. I came to the conclusion that the perfect place doesn't exist, not without a lottery win anyway.
    I do hope you love the cottage, when you see it! Brave move..

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    1. It is most heartening to know that you also, Jessica, spent a considerable amount of time before you found your house. At least, apart from our Cornish foray, we did not find ourselves physically travelling the length and breadth of England.

      You are right, the perfect place does not exist. But then life itself is a compromise.

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  28. Wonderful news, and as the pair of you are such adventurers, I am not in the least bit surprised that you'd settle on a house you've yet to actually see in the flesh. I think you'll be very happy in Norfolk. From everything I've seen of the place (second-hand, as I've yet to visit), it looks like a beautiful place with lots to see and much to do.

    Did you ever consider Hastings for a coastal location? Now, that is a place I've visited since childhood, and have relatives still living in town. There are some beautiful Georgian houses and much countryside close by. In the winter, of course, it is very quiet. Perhaps the town of Hastings is too close to Brighton for you to have considered it as a real possibility.

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    1. You are so very encouraging. Thank you. We do so hope that we have not made some dreadful mistake [we actually do not think so] and that we will find Norwich and Norfolk as attractive, interesting and pleasing as everyone here suggests.

      It is strange that you should mention Hastings. Urged on by friends, who speak of the Old Town most highly, we really did think of it as a possibility and some of the streets of Georgian houses are quite lovely. Alas, when we were looking, nothing came up which really caught our eyes.

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  29. How splendidly enterprising of you, dear Jane and Lance. I recall little of the 4 years I spent in Norwich beyond a few fine restaurants, the lovely smell of the chocolate factory as one walked into the old part of town, and the bell-ringing skills I learned there (in my defence, I was young).

    And I enjoyed your very amusing account of the rejects; those many places hardly know their great loss.

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    1. Enterprising or foolish, dear Mise, we are 'in for a penny, in for a pound' as once would have been said.

      But how splendid that you at one time lived in Norwich. We find ourselves, as is so often the case, following in your footsteps and to that end we shall forthwith enrol in bell-ringing classes and anything else you may suggest!!

      More seriously, since most of England is falling into the sea we really did consider the west coast of Ireland. Only the distance and inconvenience from Budapest and Brighton dissuaded us.

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  30. Darlings Jane and Lance,
    I can't wait to see your see your selection and please don't be bashful on how you lay it all out....now all this Norwich cottage needs is a good terrier...my credentials with references will be sent under separate cover.

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    1. A good terrier, Darling G, or possibly a Norwich Canary to sing to us from a gilded cage.

      Now with regard to posting about the new house, there is something which advises not to hang out one's dirty washing in public!!

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  31. How exciting for you Lance and Jane and what a treat the paintings were to scroll through.....and many thanks on your kind thoughts on our recent bushfire nightmare here

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    1. It is all a little different, Meg, and something to which we are much looking forward. It was interesting sourcing the paintings - and makes a change!

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  32. I am so glad that you found your little cottage Jane and Lance.
    Norwich is a beautiful City.. One that I did not have too much time to spend seeing when there.
    I think it a beautiful part of the UK. I am sure that you will be very happy in your little holiday cottage.
    looking forward to seeing it and your next post telling us all about it.
    best wishes.. val xxxx

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    1. As we hardly know Norfolk, and Norwich not at all, it is certainly exciting, Val, and we shall enjoy exploring both the city and the surrounding countryside.

      Now we are looking at paint charts after which there will, we are sure, be plenty to post about.

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  33. Norfolk, eh?
    You have heard about the inhabitants of Norfolk and the supposed lack of mental faculties, have you not? Not to mention their breeding habits?

    In spite of advice to the contrary several members of the family have settled there and so far not fallen foul of local customs.

    I hope your new abode will bring you nothing but pleasure.

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    1. Much the same was said of Herefordshire, and we survived twenty-five years there!!

      It will, we feel, be such fun, and most likely interesting too, to explore an area of the country about which we know very little and already we are planning trips to the coast which is not, after all, so very far away.

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  34. I would start in Land's End and walk, if I had to, all the way to Margate. But prices are not cheap - assuming there was enough money for me to buy something more substantial than a caravan.

    The programme on tv called Location, Location, Location makes it crystal clear that a person cannot have ALL requests i.e sea views, large block of land, enough bedrooms and living rooms, and character-filled architecture. I presume your compromise was the beach. Hope the new place is brilliant :)

    Something I meant to ask you earlier. Did you both learn Hungarian? My in laws were Czech, so they could manage all the Slavic languages, but Hungarian was very tough for them to learn.

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    1. To walk some of the coastal paths of the British Isles is something, Hels, which if we were that bit younger would appeal to us greatly. And now so much is owned by the National Trust it is very accessible.

      We rather agree about the compromises necessary when it comes to looking for suitable property. In the little workman's cottage we have found much of what we were looking for and the sea is, after all, not so very far away.

      Although we could not be considered fluent, we do have enough Hungarian for day to day living, in part forced upon us as Tímea, our cook/housekeeper, has no English at all. Our food vocabulary is very good!! It is indeed a most challenging language to learn, but that is no bad thing.

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  35. Dear Hattatt's- sounds like it has been a full time job for the both of you finding a place, but it is very important one feel most comfortable in it. It sounds quite lovely. I have a time share with 5 other guys at a beach house. We all take turns dividing our time there in the spring and summer. I myself love and ADORE the beach. I find it most relaxing and very rejuvenating, and feel more at one with the earth there, more than any other locale. Even though I have years yet to retirement, I have hopes to live full time there in my twilight years. I will look forward to your adventures at your new place. Does this mean you two will be dividing your time between three places!!! Just make sure to get good help to travel with you. I can lend you two some houseboys if you need!!!!!

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    1. To be honest we have devoted many hours to the search and, towards the end, we were beginning to find it all a little tiresome and were on the point of giving up.

      How lovely to have a time share in a beach house. It sounds idyllic and to have somewhere to go, entirely different and away from it all, does one a power of good, or so we believe. One should never, of course, wish one's life away but we do assure you that not working has much to recommend it!!

      Although we shall continue to spend most of our time here in Budapest, we shall divide the remainder between trips to Brighton and Norwich. And yes please, may we take you up on the houseboys?!!!

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  36. House hunting is a drag. I've moved a lot so I know. But it looks like you have it all figured out. Ahh...the English Seaside. How wonderful. Sea air and sunsets. As I live in California, we can compare notes on earthquakes.

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    1. You are right, Connie, house hunting is a drag. Doing it on line is, we feel, an improvement since it allows one to cover vast areas of the country in no time at all.

      We should joke not!! Apparently there were earth tremors felt in Winchester, Hampshire only a couple of days ago!

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  37. I'm not a Brit, only married to one, but I miss the UK after living there for 3 years over a couple of decades. I would love to have a holiday house in Blighty. You get the best of both worlds! Lovely images too. Excuse me while I go offline to watch a taped episode of Downton Abbey.

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    1. The only problem, Sarah,with the ideal of a holiday house anywhere in the British Isles is the unpredictability of the weather. But then you will know this.

      We fear to say this, and of course we do not have a television, but we have not seen a single episode of Downton Abbey. Can we be the only ones?

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    2. Downton is well acted with great period details and gorgeous cinematography, but the script is a bit of a soap opera. You can always catch up later on a rainy day. I actually prefered the series Foyle's War, which has more depth, but Downton is curiously addictive.

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    3. Certainly Downton Abbey has achieved huge popularity and is, apparently, shown on Hungarian television but, so far, not the most recent series.

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  38. really enjoyed reading your witty post. had a few good laughs! well done, and congratulations!

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    1. We are delighted that you have enjoyed reading the post, Sally. Thank you very much!

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  39. How sad (and so much effort on your part) that so many of these properties were a mess. But I'm thrilled to see that you found a great place and I look forward to hearing all about your move!

    You know we have a home on a lake...just a mere lake, not an ocean. A few years ago we realized it was sinking a bit...edging toward the shoreline. Well, it cost a pretty penny to have it raised up and saved for the most part, yet we can still roll a ball from one end of the house to the other with no effort!

    Thanks always for coming to my little blog and leaving such gracious comments.

    All the best,

    Jane x

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    1. What surprised us greatly, Jane, is that even when searching almost the entire country how very little of anything suitable, or acceptable, there is for sale.

      How extraordinary, and somewhat alarming, that you should have had to have your lakeside house shored up on account of subsidence. From our experience of looking, this is something which is by no means uncommon but also something which has an adverse effect on insurance policies.

      We very much enjoy reading your posts - the pleasure is ours.

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  40. Oh my goodness Jane and Lance, all I kept thinking... what next... that was a shall we say an interesting array of issues that you came across why looking for another home... I am glad you found something to your liking... Earthquakes though? Oh my... I think every place has their good and bad...

    Have a great week xox

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    1. So many problems, each one different from the last, did somewhat surprise us, Launna, when it came to looking for a little holiday house. What began as a pleasure rapidly became a chore and we are rather relieved, finally, to have the whole matter settled.

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  41. How wonderful and what a brave decision to choose Norwich, a city I known nothing about except it is in Norfolk and you have some rather grand but distant neighbours. I love the painting of Ventnor, but as you suggest, it may well end up being Ventnor in the Sea. Cornwall has always appealed to me, but Radon in the rocks! I'm sure you will be very happy with your choice and I am quite excited for you. Who knows, maybe you will rent the cottage out when not in your use to favoured overseas friends.

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    1. We too, Andrew, know almost nothing about Norfolk. Once we spent three or four days there on holiday with friends but that was many moons ago and on that occasion we did not visit Norwich.

      The high levels of Radon came as something of a shock, particularly as we were on the point of exchanging contracts on the house we had found. On balance we felt it not to be a good idea.

      As far as visiting is concerned, you and R will always be welcome wherever we happen to be. Just give the word.

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  42. Norwich is a lovely place and very central to a beautiful area. In fact it is not too far from us and the kettle is always on ...... Xxxx

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    1. We are so encouraged by what you say about Norfolk and are very excited about the prospect of spending time there. And how lovely that you are not so far away. What fun it would be to meet! xxx

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  43. Never been to Norwich but I am sure you will be the talk of the town when you get there! I hope it is s good fit and its s good match for everyone. For some reason though I can also see you in a loch up in Scotland!

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    1. We fear that may be so, but all for totally the wrong reasons!! As it happens we were tempted by Scotland but rather put off by the difficulty of getting there from Budapest and, unfortunately, the cold and wet!

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  44. A change of scenery, how wonderful. A big surprise when all is done in the new house of old!
    I do wonder what you call a 'proper beach'!

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    1. It will, we think, be great fun organizing the new old house and we are looking forward to that enormously.

      As for a 'proper' beach, now that has got us thinking...!!

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  45. All the best with your move. Very exciting. I look forward to hearing more in due course.

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    1. Thank you very much, Linda. Doubtless there will be more to report over the coming months.

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  46. You are much braver than me! I could never buy a house unseen, I would need to know how it 'feels'. But perhaps I am simply oversensitive to variations in light and the circulation of air. Norwich is a beautiful city, I am sure you will come to love it.

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    1. Maybe it will turn out to have been a foolish thing to have done, but we are hoping not. You are, of course, right about sensing an atmosphere. We trust that this can also be done from pictures!!!

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  47. Goodness you have travelled the British coast line :-) Lyme Regis is a beautiful town and not far from we live but it does get very busy during the summer season but its a beautiful and friendly town with a great community spirit. And the beach although pebbles is a lovely place to sit and reflect. Dorset is also a very beautiful county and we tend to visit Saunton Sands which a is a lovely stretch of beach where we can let the dogs run free and safe on. There are some gorgeous little sea side places around there and some lovely seaside cottages to. Cornwall is beautiful to especially St Ives with itsTate gallery and Barbara Hepworth Museum and 2 wonderful beaches and some wonderful fishermens cottages :-) But Norwich sounds wonderful and I am sure you will both have lots of fun exploring there and the surrounding area. Good luck with moving in :-) Best wishes, Dee :-)

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    1. We simply love Lyme Regis, Dee, and often in the past used to treat ourselves to a few nights at the Alexandra Hotel in Pound Street but suspect that now it has turned itself into something of a boutique hotel. Then it was gloriously old fashioned. Saunton Sands, which we do not know, sounds wonderful but then we think that of so much of Dorset and the West Country.

      St. Ives is also a favourite of ours, for the very reasons you give, but in summer is hugely crowded and that we do not like. Also both it, and Lyme Regis, are very expensive with very little to buy.

      We are looking forward to Norfolk and will certainly let you know how we get on.

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  48. Hello Jane & Lance - I have heard of people buying abroad 'sight unseen' but you know our country and Norwich is a glorious city sitting next to the wonderful Broads and has miles of unspoilt coastline on the doorstep. I am sure that you must have put the street and postcode into Google Maps and had a virtual tour of the area thus getting a good idea of the location.
    My youngest son was invited to put his linocuts into the Christmas exhibition held in the Noverre Gallery within the Assembly House in Norwich which has just finished, but it is great place and worth checking out when you are there.
    By the way my eldest son also bought a property over here from his location in Paris 'sight unseen' and he seems to be very happy even though he still hasn't seen it!!!

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    1. Your very positive comments about Norwich and Norfolk in general are most welcome, Rosemary, for of course in the cold light of day we do have the occasional worry as to what we have done. But you are right, a virtual tour of the area does go a long way to reassure and everything we read, see and are told point to this being a good move and that Norwich is, clearly, a highly regarded and rated city.

      If we remember correctly, we recall seeing something of your son's work on a post of yours. Are we correct in thinking, in view of his work being exhibited at the Noverre Gallery, that he is somewhere in the area? Whatever, we shall certainly add the gallery to places to explore and, hopefully, be able to track down your son's work.

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    2. My son is not sure how they came to contact him, he thought they might have seen his work in other galleries. However, he was pleased to be invited although he had quite a long journey to get the work there from his home in Hertfordshire. One of the happy outcomes of the exhibition has been an invite to contribute several of his linocuts to 'Green Pebble' an up and coming card company who use only British artists.

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    3. But how really splendid all of this is, Rosemary. We are delighted for him and doubly so since it is exceedingly difficult to get recognition in this kind of way which says a great deal about his work.

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  49. What fun you have had, choosing a holiday bolthole, Jane and Lance, and congratulations on the Norfolk acquisition which I'm sure will be exquisite. I am unfamiliar with the British coastline, but enjoyed the paintings very much, especially the lovely green Gertler (early Modernism being my favourite period), and of course the Norwich Cathedral. Looking forward to your explorations of your new area, and perhaps a peek at your cottage?
    Thank you for a delightful post. xx

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    1. For us, Patricia, Norfolk is almost a totally unknown county, and Norwich completely so, and so we are really excited about exploring a new and very different part of the country. And for us, for the first time for several years, we shall have a small garden to plan and maintain so with that and the cottage we should have plenty to post about in the future.

      Mark Gertler is an artist whose work we much admire; sadly he took his own life in 1939.

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  50. I'm delighted to say, Jane and Lance, that I opened my first jar of Colman's mustard last night! A little kick is what we all need! I am more than glad to hear you've found for yourselves a dwelling that will afford you a greater nearness to what matters to you. You were born to be happy!

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    1. Now it is absolutely splendid, Faisal, that we shall have a further link, not that one is needed, courtesy of Colman's mustard - we at the point of production and you, in the far off Antipodes, enjoying the product itself. Indeed, English mustard is something we rather miss here in Hungary although it should, we imagine, be in plentiful supply when we are in Norwich.

      And we are both so delighted and thrilled for you that you are now settling into your new home and starting out on a new chapter of life. We wish you much peace, joy and prosperity.

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  51. Darlings Jane and Lance,
    After making such a significant purchase on a 'sight unseen' basis, I would imagine your phone is ringing off the hook...

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    1. Darling G,

      Does it ever stop?!!!! Would that it ever rang!

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    2. ...I just so happen to have 9 Chicago Parking Tickets in pristine condition done in ball point pen and signed by the author....they'd look quite lovely hung over the sideboard in Cottage Norwich...while of great sentimental value I'd be willing to part with them as the author is of close acquaintance and quite prolithic...just make me an offer...

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    3. Darling G,

      With such 'design' ideas as this one we see a golden, well perhaps silver or at worst bronze future stretching ahead of you in the world of interiors. Are we indeed corresponding with a latter day David Hicks, John Fowler or Billy Baldwin? What fun. And to ensure your future, just pop out now and park your motor car illegally!!

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    4. Darlings J & L,
      You may interested in knowing that while in Haiti, a certain Commanding General's daughter of cultivated background who made a point of looking in on her fav paratrooper zipped up in mosquito net and reading in those off hours from humanitarian relief duty. One evening her curiosity was even further piqued to see that soldier reading the very fine Edith Wharton's bio by RWB Lewis causing her to quip on my oddly arranged cot and gear whereupon I remarked the other tent-mates often refer to me as 'Brother Parish'...

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    5. Now this we like HUGELY!! We are now searching through 'The Great Lady Decorators' [The Women Who Defined Interior Design, 1870-1955] by one Adam Lewis who may, in fact, be YOU writing under an assumed name.

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  52. I do love the seaside so anywhere with the sea close by would be perfect :)

    Bee happy x

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    1. We are much looking forward, Deborah, to days out by the sea and we believe that the Norfolk coastline is exceedingly attractive.

      Thank you so much for becoming our latest 'Follower'.

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  53. Hello there Hattats! It is some time since I last spoke to you,
    Might I be so presumptuous as to suggest that Australia has some lovely beach-side options that could be recommended... but I guess that the Tyranny of Distance may well exclude it as a viable option...

    Norwich (or is it pronounced Norrich?) on the other hand and I must confess that I am not quite up to speed with the local vernacular... to me sounds like it may just be a very suitable alternative..."Just the ticket"
    Darlings...
    A quiet and no doubt quaint little cottage retreat to while away a relaxing summer sojourn.
    I'm looking forward with great interest in seeing some snaps of the "real deal" once it is in your creative hands.
    I am already consumed with thoughts of all the exciting decorating and no doubt cosy creativity that can and surely will be tastefully accomplished in your own inimitable style.
    Congratulations to both of you my Darlings...
    I shall await your next progress report with great anticipation
    Love to you both... Px

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    1. Darling,

      How lovely to hear your voice, so to speak. But it is we who are guilty of rather a long absence in the months leading up to Christmas which, when not on our sickbeds, were spent lazy tarting in warmer climes. Alas the Tyranny of Distance [how we love that phrase and will now steal it as our own] precludes our entertaining ideas of the Antipodes.

      Norwich, indeed pronounced as you indicate to rhyme with 'porridge', we very much hope will prove to be 'Just the Ticket' and the Norfolk coast is within easy reach in the Royce [which, sadly, we do not possess] or on the 'bus for which we have a pass! Gloom, gloom!!

      Of course we shall publish very carefully edited highlights of the cottage and garden in future posts but it would never do for our readers to see the extent of the shabby with which we surround ourselves and pass off for 'shabby chic'!

      Now we are poring over Farrow and Ball paint charts in readiness for someone, but not us, to throw some paint at the walls and then it will simply be a matter of placing the Chippendale, Heppelwhite and Sheraton and arranging the Meissen on the kitchen shelves. Or something similar!!

      Picture will come, we assure you. Take care. xxx

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  54. Dear Jane and Lance,

    Your posting made me think of my own decison-making in my moves to Florida. Originally, I moved for the fine weather and to be close to one brother. My second move (to my current house) was to find a particular house in a nice and stable neighborhood. I was looking for something near the water, and I found it. And now I ask myself whether I would ever move, and my primary prerequisite would be closeness to good friends.

    I hope you find everything you're looking for!

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    1. We are most interested, and intrigued, to learn how you came to be in your present house, Mark. Indeed, with all the work which you have done, and in particular your most recent, major decorating project, we imagine it would be very difficult to leave it all behind. And why should you?

      We cannot promise anything on the same scale but we do think that we can make something of our little artisan cottage in Norwich. At least we hope so!

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  55. What an interesting post, I'm so glad you found the perfect place. I once bought my brother a house in Wales from an auction without seeing it, when I finally got in I looked up and found a million chinks of light pouring in....the roof was FULL of holes.....I then spent a frantic day trying to find a roofer to fix the problem, I the end a local farmer sorted the roof out.xxx

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    1. Well, we 'think' that we have found the perfect place, after a very long search, but now............!! Whatever, time will tell.

      What a fairly unnerving experience for you in buying the house for your brother. We do hope that the farmer who came to your aid did not charge the proverbial arm and leg.

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    2. Oh....he had more than his pound of flesh, he had me over a barrel and knew it, plus there was the most horrendous thunder storm at the time and rain was pouring through the roof....still, these things are sent to try us I suppose. Look forward to hearing more about your new property.xxx

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    3. How absolutely dreadful. It is so awful to be taken advantage of, particularly when one is vulnerable as you were in that situation. It is true it would seem, it never rains but it pours!

      We shall certainly post more on the house just as soon as we have possession and have organized ourselves.

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  56. Well, fear not dear Hattatts - I live 5 miles outside of Norwich and can assure you that it is a lovely city with much to see and do! These websites may be of interest
    http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/explore/Norwich.aspx
    http://www.tournorfolk.co.uk/
    I expect you may want to visit the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, here is a link http://scva.ac.uk/
    The surrounding countryside is beautiful, and as for the coastline which you can reach in 20 - 30 minutes - it goes on forever and the beaches are glorious!

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    1. This is extraordinarily kind of you. Not only in your confirmation of all that we believe to be true both about Norwich and Norfolk in general, but also in taking the time and trouble to provide these links. The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, about which we have read, is somewhere high on our list of places to visit and we are certain that it will be even better than in our imaginations. Again, largely from photographs, the countryside and coastline look to be glorious - we cannot wait.

      And if you should wish, then on some future expedition into Norwich when we are there it would be lovely to meet with you - and, whatever, there is always coffee on the go Our email is on the blog, do feel free to be in touch.

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  57. Oh Jane and Lance, what a search you have had, all those charming properties which were destined, in the end, not to be The One. But you've found it - and in Norwich! How lovely, I do hope it turns out to be everything you want, without environmental risks or hazards! xxx

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    1. It has, Curtise, been something of an on line marathon, apart from our little sortie to Cornwall, the length and breadth of the country but we are happy with our choice and are greatly encouraged by all the kind and positive comments people have made here. Now we cannot wait to see what we have bought!

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  58. My dearest Jane and Lance,

    I think you will be in your element in Norwich. I know this city very well. It is a very friendly city. The first time I went there, back in 2002, to look at the University of East Anglia which had a good reputation for their art history department (it's closely linked to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts which you would love).

    While I was there, I went to have a cup of tea in the most beautiful the Royal Arcade and I was charmed by the most gregarious tea lady who called everyone "darling". She asked me if I was visiting the area. I replied that I was and I came to look at the university of East Anglia. After I finished my tea, I left a tip on the little plate with receipt underneath on the table. The tea lady ran out from her tea room and she said she couldn't accept a tip from a student. She said: "Please do put it aside for your university expenses." How kind she was! There was a huge farmers' market in the middle of city centre. I sat down on a bench near the market and watched Morris dancing in the twilight.

    Cambridge and Ely Cathedral are not too far away. I think you have made a perfect choice. I am very excited and I can't wait to see your new holiday home. Congratulations!!

    Best wishes, ASD

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    1. How simply wonderful, dearest ASD, that you should know Norwich so well and your lively, amusing and very positive description of your experiences in the city inspires and encourages us hugely. Certainly, as you rightly remark, we are very drawn towards the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, about which we have heard and read a great deal, and are much looking forward to visiting it along with so much else.

      Cambridge we do know although we have not been there for many years but Ely, and its cathedral, will also be completely new to us.

      We are fortunate that our little house has been completely renovated from top to bottom, retaining many period features, and whilst we shall wish to change the wall colour from what appears to be a rather bland and ubiquitous magnolia that, and the garden, are all that need to be done. It is all very exciting and you must certainly plan on coming to see it all for yourself. That is a firm invitation!

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  59. Norwich is sure to be a good place to travel to and from with rail service to London when you yearn for city lights, or quite fast motorway travel - until you hit the M25, but it is also a good centre for travelling to the coast and all the delightful little towns like Aldeburgh and Southwold. Norwich also has a good theatre too, I hear. I am sorry that Cornwall didn't work out, but radon would scare me too.

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    1. You make mention of the delightful little towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold which are of course close by and to which we shall look forward to visiting.

      Aldeburgh, as you will most likely be aware, was home to the 'pianist' and composer Benjamin Britten and his personal and professional partner Peter Pears. Whilst their partnership is widely known in the United Kingdom, they are less well known in Europe and abroad generally. It cannot be long before all of this changes.

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  60. House hunting can be tiring but exciting. I often dream of a small house by the sea. I constantly fall in love with pretty white-washed houses with turquoise doors. It's one of my everlasting dreams. Maybe one day ... Norwich sounds like a beautiful place for a little house.

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    1. House hunting certainly is tiring, and often disappointing, Loree, but less so on line where one can cover huge tracts of the countryside in comparatively little time. We do agree how easy it is to fall in love with all manner of desirable properties one comes across; it is as well that they are not all for sale.

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  61. How exciting. I look forward to your house hunting tales...please 'spill the beans' on the antics of your estate agents...those peculiar people who completely untrained and unaccountable are involved in one of the most important events in our lives.
    I so enjoyed your tales of seaside homes which were not to be. It sounds similar to our experiences as we travelled around the British coastline looking for our seaside home.

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    1. 'A House for the Hatatts', with apologies to V.S. Naipaul's Mr. Biswas, will almost certainly be a topic for one or two future posts - but first we have to move in!!

      Estate agents certainly are a mixed bunch! We came across those who were absolutely professional, charming and helpful and those who, in our view, were disingenuous, deliberately evasive and misleading, totally inefficient and, on occasion, not completely truthful. But such is life!

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  62. How exciting and bold. Norwich is a nice place and only 20 miles away from Great Yarmouth with it's lovely grassy sand dunes and miles of soft golden sand to tramp on. I am drawn to the littoral too and hope, one day to live down south. What are your thoughts on Southampton, is it a nice place to live? I can see myself living there, stood in the Mayflower Park overlooking the solent, like a doxy waiting for the fleet to come in.

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    1. Everything and everyone would suggest that Norwich is a good choice and its relative proximity to the sea makes it a happy compromise, or so we hope.

      For a few years we did in fact live in Southampton, close to the city centre in Highfield, in what was a small, 1930s development which was, in essence, a miniature version of a garden suburb. It is a thriving city although for the most part one is not really conscious of the proximity of the sea. In the past the docks were of more interest when they were port to all the ocean going liners - Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, the United States, the France as well as all the Union Castle line.

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  63. Being unfamiliar with the places you mentioned, I looked them up on the Internet and they all looked so lovely. However, how wise of you to do your homework. I do understand your desire to be near the sea, because I think there is something in all humans that tell us that our home comes from a body of water.

    Congratulations on your choice of Norwich. I hope you will be very happy there.

    Another thing I noticed was the similar names between our coastal areas and yours. Of course, I should not be surprised as most of the northeastern parts of the US were settled and named by the British.

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    1. We are delighted, Arleen, that you should take the time and trouble to look up the various places we mention on the Internet. In the end we feel that Norwich is both a good choice and compromise with the sea never too far away.

      How fascinating that we share so many names of places. Perhaps it is, as you say, because of the historical presence of the British not only in the Unites States but also in other parts of the world.

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  64. I loved the pictures you chose to illustrate the different seaside resorts and towns. It is quite a brave and exciting thing to do - going in blind as it were - I am sure you will love Norwich and Norfolk in general - as you know from reading my blog it is a county I love dearly. I hope you enjoy your stays there and that the home you have chosen lives up to expectations.

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    1. As we did not actually travel to any of the places where we were looking, Elaine, apart from Cornwall, we thought that the images of paintings would somehow be more appropriate.

      We are fully aware of the deep affection you have for Norfolk and are sure that we shall come to love it as much. It is exciting for us to be able to spend time in an area which has, up until now, been largely unknown to us.

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  65. We too have recently relocated. I think it gives you a new lease on life...and certainly great blogging material. I enjoyed all of the old photos of the coastline. janey

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    1. We do hope that you are enjoying your new home. A change, as they say, is certainly as good as a rest and we are looking forward to having the opportunity to explore an area of the country as yet largely unknown to us.

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  66. Dear Jane and Lance,

    What a treat it is to read this breaking real estate news. As part of my "country dreams," I regularly do my own relocation research, but to date have kept the results in a dreamland catagory. How you all continue to inspire me!

    I have actually been to Norwich, in late November many years ago. I remember it be a charming place in the run up to Christmas, and I was able to see quite a lot of the place traveling by foot, after taking the train up from London. I particularly remember an area called Elm Hill, where the Old Town clothing company once had its HQ. I had lunch at a little cafe called the Britons Arms.

    I have a very good feeling that Norwich and you all will appreciate each other. xo

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    1. Dear Frances,

      We are not the best people to follow by example since throughout our lives we have taken major decisions, as is the case of buying this little cottage totally unseen in a city we have never visited, with hardly a second's thought whilst something totally trivial, to choose this wrapping paper or that, we are quite likely to agonise over. All of this to the horror of our friends. That said, and in our own defence, we have never for an instance regretted anything for a single moment believing in the maxim that as you make your bed, so you must lie in it!!

      That you have been to Norwich is utterly wonderful and that you found it charming delights us. But we suspect that is, and always will be, the way with you for in all that we know of you there is a generosity of spirit and an outwardness which shine through at all times.

      And maybe, as our guest, we can tempt you to revisit one day. We do hope so. xxx

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  67. I really understand the longing for a life close to the sea. I’m originally from a port town Kobe, and when I moved to this ancient capital city of Nara surrounded by mountains, I really missed the sea of Kobe. I’m torn between Nara and Kobe as my last home. Japan is an island country like Britain; there are many beautiful coastlines and seaside towns and I enjoyed seeing the paintings you inserted. Natural radon hot spring is popular in my country. Radon is known to stimulate and activate natural healing power inside ourselves, while removing active oxygen and helping with anti-aging. But high level of radon is of course a no-no. I’m happy for you that you chose Norwich which I searched on the Net to find a fascinating city. I’m also excited and will keep tuned.

    Yoko

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    1. It is so strange, Yoko, how one yearns to be by the sea but this is something which very clearly you understand yourself. Perhaps, as islanders, both you and we, it is in the blood. But then it is understandable since, as we believe, Japan has some of the most beautiful scenery of anywhere and that surely includes much of the coastline.

      It is most interesting to us what you say here about Radon. It would seem that in certain parts of the British Isles the Radon levels are particularly high and therefore considered to be something of a health hazard.

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  68. I can 'scratch that itch' of wanting to move house but can't and live the experience vicariously by following your online house buying journey....how exciting..thanks both!...

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    1. It is all very exciting, we agree, but also a little bit nerve racking if one thinks about it too hard or for too long.

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  69. Thank you for visiting my blog, so nice to meet new people. Interesting you live in two countries, that gives you a great opportunity for various blog posts. Looking forward to the posts.
    Marianne

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    1. We very much enjoy our lives divided between Great Britain and Hungary, Marianne, although on occasion it can be a little frustrating when something one needs is in the wrong country.

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  70. Dearest Jane and Lance,

    Your first sentence almost set me on the wrong foot! Your cottage in Norwich sounds absolutely lovely. So exciting that the cottage was once lived in by one of the workers of Colman's, and now it will be yours! Such fun to make plans about the interior, the garden, the new friends you will make....

    Hope you will keep us up to date?! We would love to hear all about it and see some photo's off course :-)!

    Have fun!

    Love,

    Madelief xox

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    1. Dearest Madelief,

      We should never wish to mislead you!

      The thought of the cottage is very exciting, as you may imagine, and we are now, waiting until we can actually go there, enjoying planning how we shall have it and what will go where. And the connection with Colman's is an added interest.

      Of course we shall keep you up to date and almost certainly when we meet up again in the spring we shall come armed with many photographs and wanting your help with ideas.

      Take care in this cold and unsettled weather.

      J&L, with love as always. xxx

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  71. Norwich! This is fantastic. We have friends and family close by, so it's now inevitable that we shall meet.

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    1. Susan, this is such good news!! We are delighted that you know Norwich through friends and family and will, as a result, most certainly meet up. And for today, 31st. January, Happy Birthday!

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  72. Love how you tell your story with paintings. From the paintings, I really couldn't choose between them, therefore where to live. Norwich is a great place. Have fun in your new home.

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    1. We thought that the paintings would be a change, Katharine, and since we only actually visited Cornwall we did not have any photographs of all the other places we considered.

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  73. Oh this just sounds divine. Perfect for you fortunate two. :) When I visited Great Britain, so many years ago I still remember thinking, 'Is this heaven?' Yeah, I probably overreacted, but I can't help it, that's how I felt. I love England and have always wanted to go back. But thanks to Rosemary I visit there vicariously whenever I like, and now thanks to you two I can visit Norwich in future, whenever I like. I am looking forward to seeing and 'visiting' your new place. What a fun life you guys have and what fun it is to get to 'share' it with you.

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    1. Thank you, Yvette. We are more than happy with our final choice of holiday home and are much looking forward to seeing it now. We certainly think that we will have fun there.

      We are so pleased that you have happy memories of your time in England and do hope that one day it may be possible to return. We do agree that Rosemary's posts are a wonderful way of touring the countryside from home!

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  74. Very exciting! Norwich is a city I've always wanted to visit but somehow never have. The nearest I've been is St Ives, where my sister and mother live. I would recommend Ely, which has a wonderful cathedral.

    A good thing you researched all your potential purchases thoroughly. Hopefully in your new house, you will be free of radon, floods, landslips and other lurking menaces.

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    1. For many years we too, Nick, have wanted to visit Norwich and so are much looking forward to being there and to have the opportunity of exploring not only the city but also the surrounding countryside. Thank you for the Ely Cathedral recommendation which we understand to be particularly fine.

      We also rather hope that the new house will prove to be relatively safe and sound!

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  75. Dear Lance and Jane (if I may be so bold as to address you so)

    I per chance came over to your blog today from dear Jackie's after wishing her a happy birthday. Imagine my surprise on finding that you will be spending some time each year in my fair home city, Norwich. I am sure we could be friends and I would gladly take tea with you in one of the little cafés but probably as when I was in Budapest a few weeks ago the chance of us bumping into each other are slim. I too am ex directory. If you go across to my blog today, and you are most welcome, you will see I wrote a little about Norwich yesterday with some photos of one of its more ethnic streets. I do love your city of Budapest and I hope you will love mine too.

    Rachel, with love as always.x

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    1. Dear Rachel,

      Quelle surprise, as the French most likely would say!! Your comment is, of course, most welcome and how kind of you to write.

      We are so pleased to know that you enjoyed your time in Budapest and are indeed sorry that we were previously unaware of your visit since, as with a number of other 'bloggers' who have visited, we should have been more than happy to show you some of the less well known, but interesting, sights which make up this somewhat strange and unusual city. Another time for sure.

      After rather a lengthy search for a holiday home we are so much looking forward to discovering Norwich and, more generally, Norfolk, a city entirely unknown to us and a county which we have only been to once, briefly, many years ago. We are certain from all that we have read and been told that we shall love Norwich hugely. Once there, it may indeed be possible to meet; we give an email address on our profile here.

      We shall stay in touch.

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  76. So many places one could be happy, sure you will find Norwich delightful I know I do! Just enjoying a Sunday am catch up of my favourite bloggers and their recent posts.

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    1. Indeed, there are so very many places in which almost certainly one could be happy and we are certain, and increasingly so, that Norwich is one of them. We now cannot wait to be there and are, meanwhile, dreaming up ideas for both house and garden.

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  77. forgot to tick the box for notification, sorry

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  78. Dear Jane and Lance, I have always longed to visit Norwich but again and again life has conspired to thwart me. It still seems to retain the truly old fashioned charm of a small Cathedral city and as one living in Salisbury, I am particularly fond. May you be happy in your new home. Jane xx

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    1. Thank you, Jane. We really do think that we shall have happy times in Norwich. Salisbury is a city about which we have fond memories and, allowing the years to slip away, so many notable performances at The Salisbury Playhouse, as it then was, in Fisherton Street. xxx

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  79. Dearest Jane and Lance,
    What an epic house hunt! No more estate agents—what you need now is a literary agent. Think about it; I'm already fascinated and you haven't even moved in yet! As for that, I've reworked my daydream of partying in Penzance to one of discovering the joys of Norwich (of which there are many, I'm sure). It takes a certain leap of faith to buy a house sight unseen, but you have clearly done your homework and are not buying a "pig in a poke"—I'm sure it will be love at first sight. Then you'll add your own inimitable style and your warmth and make your new holiday cottage truly special. And, of course, I think we all know that wherever you are, you bring the party with you! Really, Norwich doesn't know how lucky it is.

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    1. Dearest Alexa,

      In truth it all became a little exhausting! Hours spent at the computer looking at endless unsuitable properties advertised on line and then an equal amount of time persuading estate agents by email and expensive telephone calls that we were/are serious buyers. Such a relief to find the Norwich house where everything has come together without the expectation by vendor or agent that we need to see it!!

      You are most kind in all that you say here. But as you know, as Genie knows, and as we know ourselves, everything depends upon 'the great crowd'!! Let us hope in that respect Norwich will not disappoint.

      And of course you must visit just as soon as we are settled. We shall have a spare room with its own bathroom so.....let us party!

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    2. As far as I'm concerned, YOU are the "great crowd!"

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  80. I'm with you both, having access to the sea is a wonderful thing isn't it? we are only ever 30 minutes away from a beach (and sometimes it's even sunny too hehe) it has been an epic house hunt for you both, but I'm thrilled you have found a new holiday home in Norwich, I look forward to hearing more and seeing the photo's too - also I want to say Thank You for your wonderful comment on my last post, you made me laugh and then made me feel warm and cosy, you are so lovely x x x

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    1. How lovely, Sandra, to be within easy striking distance of the coast because, as you say, there is something rather wonderful about the sea, even on a wet day!

      We are rather relieved finally to have settled on a house and from all that we read and are told, Norwich is a most attractive and vibrant city surrounded by unspoilt countryside. Whatever, we think that it will all be fun and yes, of course, there will be future posts centred on it all. Why should there not be?!! xxx

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  81. If I were to move to country then it would be beside the sea...have never been to Norwich but have a cousin that lives close by so maybe I should make the trip!!

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    1. Sadly coastal erosion and flooding in so many parts of Britain is having a serious effect on property insurance premiums and in some instances it is not possible to obtain insurance.

      We think that Norwich will be fun - you should definitely make the trip!

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  82. I'm sure you made the right choice. I don't know anything about this part of England, I would be happy to discover it through your photos and comments future :) I like the different paintings that illustrate your post, especially the first two.

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    1. We very much hope that we have made a wise choice. Perhaps only time will tell!!

      The paintings we felt would make a change from the usual photographs. We are glad that you like them.

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  83. Dear Lance and Jane, your witty account of the house quest could serve as the basis for a entertaining -- and informative! -- public televsion series. The deal breakers you described are familiar to all who prefer the ambiance of history to the sterility of new construction. At least you escaped the experience of my friends who are coping a colony of (protected) bats in a Victorian tower. And then there is the quaint cottage with garden purchased by a colleague who did not realize that "spritually active" is real estate agentese for "haunted"...

    We're all eager to see if your new house will have a Painted Bathroom!

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    1. Bats in the belfry, literally, now that is something of a problem particularly, as you point out, they are a protected species. We should not find them easy to live with. Once, many years ago, one of our cats brought a live bat into our bedroom. Never before or since have we been out of bed so quickly!

      As for 'spiritually active'......!! Perhaps we need to look very closely at the estate agent's details, making sure that we are up to reading between the lines.

      We do have many ideas for the new house and a 'Painted Bathroom' may yet be one of them. All to be 'revealed' in due course!

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  84. Dearest Jane and Lance, what an adventure! It does seem that when you post there is always excitement. Your new holiday cottage sounds delightful and the literary journey you took to find it was fascinating. I have every confidence that you will be happy there as you just take the good spirits and feelings with you like an aura. You seem to find the best in everything, making friends along the way. You will both be forever young with your adventurous love of life.

    I cannot wait to see the discoveries you will make!

    Much love,
    Genie

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    1. Dearest, kindest Genie,

      What you so generously term as 'an adventure' is most likely folly on the part of two adults who are old enough, but clearly not wise enough, to know better! Let us hope that your confidence, which is so encouraging and so much appreciated, is not misplaced. Whatever, with a spare bedroom and bathroom you must come and see for yourself [as we hope Alexa will too].

      Meanwhile, we do hope that all is well with you and that you are not working too hard - you do need time to do the things you want to do!!

      Love as always, J&L, xxx

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  85. Replies
    1. Thank you. We are pleased that you have enjoyed the post.

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  86. What a pity all your virtual houses turned out to have flaws - but how good that you were able to banish them all into thin air and memory. I think Norwich is a wonderful choice - a fascinating city and not really on the way to anywhere, so somehow spared a lot of the issues that other cities have. As for the sea - well, personally I never know why anyone goes to the seaside in Norfolk unless there is an appalling heatwave, since no matter how warm the day, it usually seems absolutely perishing after 5 minutes!

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    1. House hunting on line does, as you will appreciate, Jenny, save a great deal of time and effort and the disappointments are very quickly put aside.

      We are so pleased that you think Norwich to be a good choice. We have had so many very positive comments about it as a city and, indeed, about Norfolk in general. Alas, there is so much truth in what you say about the Norfolk coastline; the same is probably true of the entire British Isles!

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  87. How did I miss this post?! I really don't like to miss one of your notes from abroad!
    So - a house by the sea. The longing for this is something I understand very well. Born on an island and living on an island at the other end of this vast continent, I know that I could never live very far from the sea. Our new/old house suits us very well, being just a two minute walk to the strand. I wish you two all the joy of the seaside when you visit your new holiday house!

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    1. We do agree that the sea does act as an enormous draw and completely identify with all that you say here. It does sound as if your new/old house is ideally situated and to be just a walk of a couple of minutes away seems to us to be perfect.

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  88. Dear FGPs,

    I experienced my first earthquake last week! I was reading the manuscript of a colleague and the glassed prints on the walls began to vibrate along with my chair! I lifted my head and looked around and it seemed over before it had begun.

    In any event, what a quest you have been on! I do think that sometimes it is in searching and being disappointed that we find what we would not have otherwise sought out. Norwich! As in Julian of (all will be well?)

    I chuckled throughout this post a bit. You write with such subtle wit, not unlike the Jane to whom you have paid a lovely homage. It used to alarm me to read of coastal erosion. During the formative years, one imagines things have always been 'this way' and will continue to be so, but it is not so. Matter is energy. And energy rarely sleeps. ;)

    It is also of interest to me that those things which left happy impressions on us during childhood are precisely what we imagine will continue to bring us pleasure. Being human is such an interminable enigma--and delight!

    xoxox,
    FGD

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    1. Darling FGD,

      An earthquake!! How very alarming. Once we had a similar experience when we lived in Herefordshire and can recall all the books in the bookcase rattling against the glass. And then, as you say, it was over!

      Yes, had we not had so many false starts we doubt very much that we should have happened upon Norwich [as in Julian] but we are happy that we did and are now looking forward to seeing house, city and countryside in the hope that it will live up to expectations.

      Your comparisons with Miss Austen are more than kind, exceedingly generous, and not a little untrue. But thank you!! Alas, that things will continue as always is not so, and in the knowledge of that one must learn to accept, if not embrace, change.

      How we empathise with your last sentence, and its truth. J&L, xxx

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  89. Dear Jane and Lance,

    How very exciting for you - finally finding the Coleman's Mustard place. This sounds wonderful and know you will be happy coming to this special place. I look forward to hearing more from you and your new retreat. Sorry I have taken so long to get back to you and thanks for your kind note you left on my blog.
    Happy weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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    1. Well, Carolyn, let us hope that house, city and Norfolk in general do turn out to be the mustard!! We are much looking forward to being there and arranging everything after which, more than likely, there will be posts.

      Meanwhile for now we wish you a happy weekend from a cold, but snow free, Budapest.

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  90. Thank you for visiting my blog. Yours is fascinating and I shall put you on my side bar. I think you will like Norwich - it is an area we love. The coastline (not all that far away) is glorious with lovely sand stretches and superb bird life. We have spent many happy holidays at the Blakeney Hotel on the North Norfolk coast and this year and spending a week in Aldeburgh in Suffolk.
    I think cathedral cities are good to live in (I lived in Lichfield for a time) as they seem to combine city and village - the area around the cathedral is usually rather like a village (with similar gossip!) Do please call again.

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    1. We are so very thrilled to read that you obviously know Norfolk well and have clearly enjoyed, and continue so to do, many holidays in the area. Aldeburgh we are particularly looking forward to being within easy reach of, not least for the Britten and Pears connection.

      Cathedral cities are, as you say, usually good places in which to live. Sadly we do not really know Lichfield but do recall a visit many years ago to the cathedral to see the incredible, early stained glass.

      And of course we much look forward to your future posts.

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  91. Greetings from Greece, and the Aegean Sea!

    Dear Jane and Lance,

    I am THRILLED for you! Now, for some very strange reason, I am experiencing a deja vu of sorts, and have a very strong feeling that I've expressed congratulations for something similar in the past, here, which unfortunately didn't happen, in the end.

    It all sounds so exciting! They say that everything happens for a reason, so after the radon and flooding and landsliding, you have finally found your little haven in Norwich, and I am so very happy for you! Looking forward to reading about all your upcoming adventures.

    Poppy

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    1. Greetings from Budapest and Eastern Europe!

      Dear Poppy,

      How kind of you to be so enthusiastic for us. And this time, whatever, we really do seem to be on course so thank you for the congratulations. We are enjoying at the moment planning everything from afar and talking through our ideas for the house. Indeed, today we booked our flights for when it is really ours so, as you may imagine, it all seems much closer now.

      J&L, x

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  92. I am so relieved that you are back, dear Jane and Lance! And on to a new and splendid adventure.....how wonderful. Finding the perfect nest can indeed prove frustrating and time consuming, and I'm sorry about all of the problems. It sounds like this may be the very special cottage that has been waiting for you , though, and I do wish you the BEST of luck in this new and exciting chapter!
    Much love to you,
    ~ Irina

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