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Want to move to the countryside? Five points to consider…

A move to a countryside idyll is the dream for many. If you’re thinking of moving to the quiet of the countryside, you are not alone. Making sure you know what you’re looking for is key to getting your dream country home.

The perfect house
There’s a whole spectrum of options out there, from an isolated spot, to a small village, to a market town, to the outskirts of a bigger town.  Each has its own benefits and lifestyle.  Knowing which is going to suit you is key.  Remember that country living does not always mean a stone built property, there are more modern builds out there too, often offering very versatile living with cost effective living costs.  I would always recommend viewing a wide range of properties to give you good range of comparisons, so that you can make the right decision for you.  To help you with this, here are five points to consider;

The local community
One of the great joys about going rural is becoming part of a local community. If this is something you are keen to be part of I would suggest investigating the area before or after your viewing to try and get a feel for what it would be like to live there.  Drop in to the local café or shop and chat to the locals and look online at their website, if they have one.

Amenities
There are also amenities to consider:
How far are the nearest shops?  What is the broadband speed like?  What is the mobile phone reception like?  Is there a local doctor’s surgery and chemist nearby?  Are there transport links to hospitals (if relevant)?

Transport and Roads
Do you need to change your car to a four by four for those winter months?  Very often farm roads are cleared of snow quickly by farmers which is a real bonus but it is good to know that your car can handle rough ground and icy roads.

Check the local transport connections.  How close is the property to main roads or the A1?
How close is the nearest railway station and what is the service like?  What are the bus services like?

Utilities
What about connections to gas and sewerage? Few country villages have mains gas or mains drainage so expect oil-fired central heating and a septic tank.  What are the maintenance costs?  These questions can be asked at a viewing.

Schools
Check the school catchment area for your chosen property for primary and secondary education.  What size of schools are they?  Would a small village school for primary education suit your child better or a larger one in a bigger town?  Does a school bus service run near to the property?

There are also several private schools within the area, or of course a variety of options in Edinburgh itself, so proximity to rail links may be important.

We have a fantastic selection of rural properties marketed with us currently from quaint cottages to impressive houses spread across East Lothian and the Scottish Borders with locations to suit a range of country living criteria.  From idyllic hamlets in the Scottish Borders, to a farm cottage under a mile from the County Town of Haddington and a steading development a short drive away, or an impressive stone house in the picturesque village of Tyninghame.  Each has something a bit different to offer, whether it be peaceful isolation, stunning countryside views, an active community and all within a short drive to a larger range of amenities.  

To find out more about our properties or to register on our mailing list please contact Paris Steele on 01620 892138 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website http://www.parissteele.com