My sister-in-law, having lived the whole of her life in North London, always said how she would love to live in the quiet and seclusion of the country. So, seven years ago she and hubbie sold their house and bought (a much cheaper one - although still extremely nice). in the country in Suffolk.
It had nearly everything they always said they wanted. THe nights were totally blackout - no town lights,nearest bus stop a mile away (couple of times a day), they both drove good cars, nearest shopping area eleven miles away. Lovely birds always no their feeders and we could admire them from their very large kitchen area.
Within a twelve month, they began to dislike it and for my SiL, in particular, )the one who had been most keen on countryside), this became real hatred. It was (she told me) too quiet , too dark, too cut-off). She never stopped calling London 'home', and they are now nearly at the end of the process of moving back.
I have always known that I would not like country living, I like being able to see people around me, like having theatres, cinemas, doctor, hospitals, library, shops, as well as buses and trains, etc. etc all within easy reach.
In fact my move from a London suburb to the centre of a small seaside town has given me all these facilities even better than when I was in London. All the above are within a ten to fifteen minutes trundle for me on my motor scooter and, to top it all, I have the beach about five minutes away.
When I am out for a drive, I do admire some of the lovely properties in small villages or totally isolated -but would detest even the thought of living in them.
