Not the same situation really but all I can say is I really feel for you.It is a huge decision,especially if you have been so happy where you are.I understand your attachment to your garden in particular. We actually downsized our house from a 4 storey period property to a bungalow several years ago and actually I love it.It is still quite spacious but so much easier to maintain and clean.We did however buy the property for the garden.Actually much bigger and south facing ,which we wanted as our other garden was north facing and difficult to access.Like you I spend hours in it,relish each spring and seeing how the effort we put in makes it even more beautiful.
However since we moved DH has developed severe arthritis and can't do anywhere near as much as he had hoped.Also if I was to be left on my own it could prove too much.I hope I can afford to pay for help.
All I can say re the garden is I do sometimes think when I watch gardening programmes or read magazines that smaller can be beautiful too.And if I did end up having to move again I would treat it as an adventure and start afresh planning a very different but still lovely garden.Wishing you all the best.
Things that (sometimes unreasonably) get on your nerves...hopefully lighthearted
North Devon expectant mothers are on their own as of today.
