Sons new house

Way back in December 2019, which seems an age away now, Martin and Lindsey decided to buy a new house. Not only a bit larger it had a chunk of land which they very much wanted. As they were going through all the legal details Covid 19 struck. The legal process wasn’t straight forward as there were some puzzles over access rights. The existing owners insisted they had a right of access over their neighbours land but couldn’t prove it so eventually it was dropped. Martin was unconcerned about this but was worried about a right the existing owners wanted to retain. This was down a private drive past his new house to gain access to land they wished to retain. They wanted unlimited rights including potential contractors machinery if ever they gained building permission.

While these negotiations were proceeding everyone shut up shop for the lockdown. Marin became very pessimistic as nothing happened for several months. Eventually things have been resolved and they have just taken possession. One final complication is that exchange of contracts and completion had to occur on the same day. This was to avoid the possibility that the contract could not be fulfilled If one party was struck down by Covid 19.

We have just had a Zoom tour of the new property. Martin is obviously so delighted as he led us over the land, garden, outbuildings and house. Alison, Frances and their families also participated. The house is situated in Robin Hoods Bay but at the top of steep descent into the old village and adjacent to the disused railway station now used as a car park with the village hall at one end. The situation gives views over the old village and to the sea from the upper floors.

The house is semidetached and is two former houses of a short terrace combined into one. This means two kitchens, stairs etc.

The land all in front and to the side of the house is divided into two parts. One part is a small field formerly used for grazing,; the other is the large garden. This garden contains an old caravan used for storage. The outbuildings are in mixed condition; mainly good including a garage but some tumbledown. All the outbuildings are stone as is the house  which has a slate roof. The garden is separated from their neighbour by a massive hedge both wide and tall. Wide enough that a mini arbour has been cut into it.. The garden has a number of trees including an old fashioned style apple tree.

We are delighted that they have this property. They had been looking for several years but nothing had become available. They plan to keep Alpha House, their old property, as a holiday let.. One slight issue is that Martin made a very nice conversion of the old wash house into a home office. He works from this but clearly living a half mile away it won’t be very convenient.

One feature is a tumble down pig sty which as present houses their hens. The hens are not happy at their new home but a fully blown hen house and run has not yet been constructed.

The builders they used at Alpha house who managed wonders particularly in the attached cottage have become personal friends. I’m told Dave the builder in chief has been seriously ill but is now convalescing.. His part time assistant Keith is semi retired devoting time to his camp in his wood. I have written before of his marvellous ingenuity  in this camp. Martin had been making something much less ambitious nearby.

Martin has become a tree lover being involved as regional co-ordinator of a tree survey group. I’ll bet he will be looking to make some plantings in his new plot. They will certainly have a lot of work ahead of them but hopefully very fulfilling and satisfying..

We have been plotting how to visit with maximum safety. At present we are thinking of possibly September travelling without stopping except to change drivers and taking all our food with us to avoid shopping. At the time of writing the death rate is still very high and there is every indication that it won’t fall but even become a second wave