Macgrafix Studio

The Big Decision

Discussions have begun. Should we sell our house, rent it out or do what we can to stay? For weeks now, hubby (Iain) and myself have been mulling over this question, making lists, chatting to friends and generally having sleepless nights.

We built our home 27 years ago, and have been very happy here. My daughters, Jenny and Cris, grew up in this house and the memories are everywhere. The pool was built so that it would be safe for two toddlers learning to swim. Grass was planted, trees were carefully selected for colour, shade potential and size. Some deciduous, some evergreen so that we could mark the changing seasons. Walls, paving, security gates followed, and during all of this Jenny plastered her bedroom walls with posters of her favourite pin-ups, and Cris painted her walls deep turquoise and hung batik throws at her windows.

Sorting through photographs taken over the years, it is astonishing to see the progression from bare stand with anthills all over it, to the house we have today. Setting all that aside, we still have to answer the question 'to move or not'?

The main reason is that the house seems too large for the two of us now that our daughters are independent. Like many people around the world, we are trying to live in a more simple cost-effective way. As we age, it is becoming a mission to do housework without some assistance, so we have to add up these extras, and work out if it is worth it. Poolcare Company, gardener, maid, Security Company, Insurance Premiums and so on and on.

Friends have been encouraging, particularly those that have already made the move from a large property to a smaller one. Some say they should have done it sooner, others say that it gives them more time to go on holiday, visit the grandchildren in New Zealand, Australia or Canada. A proper 'lock up and go' situation.

The other extreme, as hubby dear has mentioned, is to sell up our entire household and buy a caravan, or a Harley with a sidecar and go on a grand tour of the world. He likes to take pictures, I like to write so we could find a lot of interesting ways to spend our time. The seed has been planted.....!