Flutterby Patch

No stone unturned

Here in Britain we often use the expression 'leave no stone unturned'. I'm not sure if you are familiar with this expression in your country but if not I can tell you that it means 'to search in all possible places for something you are seeking'.

Over the past few weeks we have left no stone unturned in the search for a nice home for my son and his fiancee to buy. You might remember how the little house they were in the processing of purchasing was recently snatched away from them by someone with a bigger stash of cash. So in the past couple of weeks there have been some very sad faces.

We have all spent many hours searching through property pages for just the right cosy home, but the couple's dream dwelling seemed unobtainable. They understandably wanted a place that had been well cared for and preferrably with good views from the windows. A quiet country position would be ideal and also a nice garden. They didn't want to feel isolated but at the same time didn't want to be closely surrounded by other houses. And of course the price had to be right.

I've spent the past few weeks surrounded by property papers and maps but, the more I looked, the more fruitless seemed the search. With Christmas fast approaching there is an ever dwindling supply of properties and so it was finally decided to leave the search until the spring when more homes would be put up for sale.

Then suddenly, as if by magic, a cosy home bearing a 'For Sale' sign was spotted nestling on the side of a lovely wooded hillside. When the property details were read it seemed perfect and the happy couple wasted no time in being shown around by the owner.

Inside the house was spacious and very nicely decorated.

Its windows looked out across open countryside to the hills beyond.

It had a big garden with lawns and pretty flowers beds

and there were plenty of wild, rocky woodland areas to explore as well.

Of course a great many birds had made their home there and plenty of wild animals live in the surrounding woodland.

The couple's little dog would certainly love to run in the open countryside with no fear of traffic

and in winter the place would be perfect for sledging.

As if that wasn't enough, the house was only a mile from the sea. Who could ask for more?

And the cost of all that beauty? Unbelievably the price of the house was just within the couple's reach and so a deal was quickly struck.

and I'm happy to say faces are now smiling again.

 

So thank you to everyone for the helpful comments and wise words you left recently regarding the couple's property dilemma..... all good things do indeed come to those who wait.

 

Until next time
Eli

Water, water everywhere

Today I awoke to cheerful sunshine but the skies grew ominously darker all morning and by lunchtime the rain was pounding down yet again. Just the sort of day for a bit of retail therapy I decided. As a long journey wasn't advisable hubby and I headed for one of our favourite places, Touchstone Interiors, an exclusive little shop with cafe at nearby Skelwith Bridge.

The rain was persistent and all around was wet and dripping. The rivers seemed fit to burst.

A new water pipe was being fitted along the main road so we sat in a queue of traffic and watched the rain running down the windscreen.

Imagine working outside day after day in this weather.

Touchstone Interiors (formerly Kirkstone Galleries) in an old converted bobbin mill and it sells wonderful items for contemporary living. At this time of year there is always a mouth watering selection for Christmas.

As we parked the car the glowing interior looked warm and inviting

A quick glance through the window assured me I wouldn't be disappointed. But I'm afraid that is as far as my camera can go as pics aren't allowed inside the shop......sorry!

Before I sign off I'd like to thank you for all the heart-felt comments and suggestions regarding my son's housing dilemma, they were very much appreciated. There could be good news coming soon as another fine dwelling has just been found but I won't tempt fate by saying any more at the moment.

Hope you are keeping snug and dry in your part of the world,

Until next time
Eli