Letting rooms

Interesting that you have thought of letting or lodging soontobe. It would stave off any real loneliness.

My DS put their house on Airbnb when they came over from Australia, Soontobe but they had left it a bit late as they had only just heard of it. It's not just B & B you can rent a house for a week, two weeks, etc. So, if you need a house close to Sydney - with a pool - you could always do it this way.

People who are away with their jobs during the week also use this to let their homes - it works well in London I believe although their has been some concern that they may be let over the minimum number of nights that keeps them out of the regulations that apply to hotels, etc.

I intend to do this, if my husband dies before me.
Not sure whether I would be the lodger or the landlord.
When I was younger, I used to like time on my own. Still do I suppose. But I wouldnt want to have it all day, every day.

I have looked up Airnb. Never heard of it before. It looks very interesting indeed.
I put in it a city that one of my son's wants to go to at quite short notice that is expensive.
I will pass on the Airnb website details and see what he thinks.

Friends of ours have had a B&B for years. As well as holiday guests they now have two permanent residents who are elderly and do not have close family still alive. It does remind me of a gentle bygone age, Gracesgran.

I had thought about the problems with care merlotgran. It is probably inevitable that someone would end up with a lot of responsibility. I love the idea of small dwellings round a courtyard though .

As you say jeanie99 it could help out income wise. Perhaps it would be better to rent to a younger person, even reducing the rent in exchange for some help.

Do you remember all the stories set round the 1930/40s where people lived in boarding houses? There were often older people ending their days there.

The problem with elderly people moving in together is that sooner or later one of them will need care. This could cause a lot of problems between their respective families.

I used to be a fan of Marcia Willett's novels. Her fictional families either lived in massive houses where you could easily lose someone who was getting on your nerves or situated in small dwellings around a courtyard (a bit like our set up chez merlot)

They were all frightfully nice to eachother

It would be lovely if we could all end up in such cosy scenarios.

I haven't done this, but also think it's a really good idea for those who would like a bit of income or company , and have rooms to spare.

I think you are allowed to rent out rooms in your own home and receive income of up to £4000 without paying tax.

We have stayed in Airbnb accommodation on many occasions, you stay in someones house but the cost is so much cheaper.

We stayed in London this month for £50 a night instead of paying over £100 at a local hotel.

The couple even gave us a really good breakfast and the accommodation was excellent.

I think it is a good way of supplementing your income without having to sell your home it you are struggling financially.

We are thinking about it for next year. DH retires, and we are thinking about selling up here, and moving in with my DD and her family. We think it is a good idea, as we could have our own sitting room, bedroom and shower room. We would have to share the kitchen, but that would not be difficult to arrange. DSiL works at sea for months at a time, and we would be able to help with the childcare.

I wondered if they are following a "what happens to the older generation" thread. Jill has moved in with her children on the farm. Christine's moving in with Peggy. There are problems over Heather's care needs and what will they find for Bert, Lillian and the other elderly Ambridge residents or relatives.

Sharing a house may be a good idea for some and I thought someone may have tried it.

My son has let his basement to a father and son , but it is just till their place is renovated , they have their own shower , a toaster and kettle , think they have to use the kitchen . They are all good friends , so we will see if they are still friends in a couple of months . I had my sister to stay while she house hunted , she took over both spare rooms and it was a bit fraught when the uni hols came , she of course was oblivious . We are still speaking some years later . I have room but can't imagine house sharing ever again

The Archers storyline is not about lack of housing though.

TV and radio dramas often feature two old biddies living happily together sharing the curtain twitching (Midsomer Murders) or inviting the vicar to tea. Sharing your home with someone who has given up theirs (for whatever reason) is a recipe for trouble IMO