Moving House

DFC

Hello Fellow Caravaner's 

Having been forced to sell our beautiful home in West Sussex,
reason a landfill site was going to be operated 234m from our
village, which financially lost us £60,000 owing to the blight
caused by the application. The application was submitted early
2006, and I formed a Residents Association to fight the
application. My property as like most other residents in the
village had put their properties up for sale; fortunately for us a
couple were interested in the property despite knowing of the
landfill. At that time I was dealing with the head of the Planning
Department within the WSCC, and informed him I'd received an offer
on my property, asked his advice concerning the likely outcome. His
reply was I will let you into a secret, I'v just handed my notice
in and I'm leaving at the end of this month. And in answer to your
question from what is going, feel the application will be granted.
My advice to you is sell up and move before it's too late. Hearing
this is exactly what I did, and sorry to see my opposite leave, as
he felt exactly and was strongly opposed to the landfill sites.

The sale proceeded, and we moved out a few days after my 73rd
birthday in February, Having caravanned for many years and
currently the owner of Luna Freedlander,we decided to live in this
until we could find a satisfactory property, knowing that owing to
the financial loss on our property we would not have sufficient
funds to buy on a like-for-like basis in West Sussex. On completion
I went to my bank, and transferred the bulk of the funds onto the
high interest account, the lady in the bank wished me good luck, as
I got to know her over the years, and like everyone in the village
she was also extremely upset at the proposed landfill site, and the
estate agent words when I handed him the keys "You Will Be the Last
Property We Sell in the Village"

Our Luna Freelander was stored in a farm in Dorset, and after
saying our goodbyes to our friends and neighbours drove down to
collect it. Bearing in mind it was February 2007, the weather was
not kind to us, and on collection of our van drove to the site we
had always used a Caravan Club CL, on arriving discovered it was
rather muddy, but in was February! However the site owners who were
also our friends as we had stayed there many years and they knew of
our situation placed us on a small hard standing. Sure enough as we
started to set up, the heavens opened up, and we both got soaked to
the skin.

We spent the next couple of few weeks looking round the area,
incorporating Minehead in Somerset for a property, but owing to the
severe financial loss sustained, could not find a suitable property
within our budget. Hence we elected to move to Scotland. It took 3
days, with overnight stops on the way and managed to find a CL open
near Lossiemouth. We set up, and the following day visited the
Estate Agents in Elgin, and after viewing many properties found a
one that ticked all the boxes and starting negotiations.

 

Pleasantly pleased with what we found, however, whilst
negotiations were proceeding decided to explore the countryside,
and what I found quite pleasing was the sellers of the property had
invited us at any time to call round for a cup of coffee, which we
did. We had agreed a price suitable to both parties, and I believed
and trusted everything was going through satisfactorily. We were in
Grantown- on- Spey looking round the shops when my mobile rang; it
was the sellers requesting we should call in and see them as they
had some news for us, where are you now she asked? I mean Grantown-
on- Spey I replied. You will have to come through Aberlour on your
way back to Lossiemouth, why not come up and have a Coffee, to
which I agreed.

 On arriving late afternoon we were offered a cup of Coffee
and sat round the family room dining table, and the sellers
explained they had decided not to sell, and were taking the
property of the market, and preferred to tell us on a face-to-face
basis than tell the agent to tell us. We were both upset and
extremely disappointed, but over the past few weeks had become
friends with the sellers, and had no reason at this time to
distrust them.

We bid them goodbye, and left feeling totally gutted, but the
following day having no option began the search for another
property, within just over a week had managed to find another
property, the sellers wife agreed a price there and then on the
spot, but while we were in the kitchen talking her husband came in
and explained they had viewing that evening and told his wife not
to be in such a hurry as they, and wished you have the option to
see if they could better my offer. I was quite angry at this as his
wife had explained they wanted £240,000, and explained my offer
today stood at £240,000 today, but tomorrow it would be reduced by
£5000, as I was quite upset at their greed.

The following day I had just wandered into the forest opposite
the site with Amber Wayne I received a phone call from the seller
of the property indicating they'd received a better offer the
previous the viewing that night, asked would I be prepared to pay
more money, angered having already agreed the figure they wanted,
closed my mobile phone, returned to the caravan, and explain to my
wife the situation, and we agreed to return to the South of England
and give it another shot.

I drove from the Highlands to a CL near Biggar where we stayed
the night, with the wind howling and pouring rain. We were parked
amongst HGV vehicles as the CL was also a haulage yard, although
the owner was most helpful, and really the site was not open, so we
could not complain as it was such a relief to find somewhere
overnight, bearing in mind it was eight o'clock in evening when we
arrived.

We set off very early the next morning with the rain still
pouring down. I drove virtually non-stop and managed to reach
Horsham in West Sussex arriving about 10 in the evening, where we
stayed at Caravan Club Site in Slinfold, I never bothered to one
un-hitch being totally exhausted, my wife prepared us a snack, and
this was about 10 45pm. Checking my Caravan Club Book, knowing many
sites were not open this time of the year, managed successfully to
find one in Chichester. The next morning telephoned the site and
managed to get a booking. On arriving found it to be excellent
site, and Rob and his wife the owners could have not been more
helpful knowing our circumstances which I had explained earlier on
the phone. A few days later encountered my first experience of
vertigo, and became bedridden four 4 days not able to open my eyes,
or get out of bed, it was horrible, especially for my wife.

After looking round the Chichester area, and to no avail, as our
budget was well below the average price, speaking to my friend in
my village advised properties were cheaper in East Sussex. Decided
to heed her advice and after through the Caravan Club Book managed
to find a site near Little Common another CL, on arriving one could
not but help notice just how muddy it was, and what with our German
Shepherd Amber, as you can well imagine not very pleasant, the
owner provided pallets to assist us and to get into our caravan,
and apologised for the terrible state it was in, there was a huge
pile of rubber tyres, farm buildings that had collapsed, and left
to rot, discovered talking to the manager, they were in the same
predicament as us, and their home and were currently looking for
another property, and had already spent a year and found nothing,
and whilst like us sign staying at the site had been offered ajob
by the site owner managing the site for her.

Looking round the Hastings area, and incorporating Rye
Tenterden, Appledore, Cranbrook, were faced with the same
situation, and could not find a suitable property. It was a
Saturday morning and on the spur of the moment decided to go to
France so I telephoned Sealink and booked a ferry for the next day
being Sunday. Fortunately Amber had received her injections and had
her passport, as I had always considered moving to France, or at
least having a holiday there with the caravan.

We got up Sunday morning and drove to Dover to catch the ferry
which was booked for 2:30 PM. I remember on reaching the Port of
Dover, thinking to myself what the hell am I doing at my age of 73?
We boarded the ferry, and left Amber sitting in the Shogun on the
car deck, and soon the ferry was underway for Calais.

We arrived late afternoon, and decided to head for Bordeaux
having always liked the Dordogne. Can't quite remember the name of
the town now, but as fate would have it took a wrong turning, as
really I did not have to come off the motorway, and really got
lost. I spotted a sign, and without thinking turned right, and
following the sign back to Bordeaux turned turning right again,
only to realise I was in a one's way street, thank goodness nothing
coming towards me, the Shogun and Caravan length were approximately
40 feet, and clearly there was no way I could turn round, wondered
what I was going to do should the traffic start rushing towards me.
Luckily lady luck was on my side and managed successfully to get
back into the original lane I had already travelling in, and
eventually found my way back onto the Toll Road.

It was now getting quite late in the evening, and being
extremely tired, as previously when I'd driven in France found it
and quite easy to find a Caravan Site, however that was 20 odd
years ago, so we came off the toll road a couple more times trying
to find somewhere to stay, but no luck, forced owing to tiredness
to pull onto a Motor Service Station. My wife chose to stay in the
passenger seat, with Amber stayed in the back of the Shogun, and I
decided to sleep in the caravan, but it was not to be, it was
bitterly cold, and from the constant noise from the HGV vehicles
who were either entering or leaving the massive vehicle park,
coupled with the engine of the refrigerated vehicles constantly
running, it was literally impossible to sleep and a nightmare,
coupled with the constant pumping of air brakes, as the vehicles
moved in and out.

At about 5:30 AM owing to the bitter cold, and impossible to
sleep only intermittently decided to get up, my wife who was still
half asleep when I knocked on the window of the car, and suggested
we make a move, fortunately we had some hot water in the flask, as
my wife always prepared for a long journey by making sandwiches,
and a flask of hot water for tea, so we had a lukewarm cuppa, and
set off once again in the pitch black of night. Soon the heater
warmed up and it became more comfortable, and I started to regain
my senses.

Dawn was started to break, but my eyes felt as if they were
popping out of their sockets, and despite the lukewarm cup of tea
my my mouth was rather dry. Would stop periodically to let Amber
take her course of nature at various Service Stations which was not
very pleasant, and it was now beginning to dawn on me we were
vagrants; our home was travelling behind, it was a very insecure
feeling which I shall always remember.

Just before reaching Bordeaux, turned off heading for Toulouse,
this was about midday, as you know in France everything shuts
between 12 and 2 PM, but we were lucky enough to find a small
Supermarket and managed to purchase some refreshments just before
they closed. After a quick snack we continued our journey but got
lost again, and eventually asked a French gentleman walking along
the street who spoke little English for the nearest campsite, his
directions proved to be incorrect, we drove for some miles soon
realised I was on the wrong road,  however, a success as we
did discover a site purely by accident, having just gone through a
small village, my wife spotted a caravan sign as we were going
round a roundabout, I continue round again, and headed for where
the sign was pointing.

Pulling up outside, the site which had a red and white barrier
across the front appeared to be closed, however, as I was getting
out of the vehicle a woman appeared from nowhere and started
walking towards me from within the campsite. I called out to her in
my pigeon French "Do You Speak English Madam" Yea she replied at
the top of her voice. Bingo I thought to myself she's English, but
as soon as we started speaking realised she had a French accent and
she explained previously had lived in Padstow Cornwall which was
where she had learnt English. I explained our current situation and
we were looking to buy a house in the Dordogne, went on and asked
her name, which she gave as Kristy; hence I introduced myself as
Dave. Kristy explained the site had previously been a municipal
site, and she and her husband had decided to buy it, and were in
the process of restoring it into a private site. Looking at it I
could see it was like a building site, with Statics Caravans being
assembled, Kristy explained there was no water connected to the
showers which were not yet completed, but; if we were prepared to
accept it as it was we could stay.

I cannot explain my emotions at that particular time, as despite
its state, nothing could have been more welcome. The husband
appeared, and believe it or not he was the split image of Lee
Marvin, but obviously the younger version, and ended up calling him
Lee which he liked, one evening we all got together for a barbecue
which was most enjoyable.

Whilst walking round Riberac one afternoon we decided to buy
some cakes, as one does. But in the owing to health regulations one
does not take your dog into a food shop. My wife entered the
premises and the proprietor's saw me waiting outside and beckoned
me in, I pointed to Amber, no problem no problem she cried come in.
On entering the premises she immediately bent down behind the
counter and picked up a little dog, cuddling him in her arms like a
baby rubbing his tummy. She then placed him on the floor, and
enquired as to what we would like. I pointed out a couple of meat
pies and cakes. And without washing her hands picked them up after
rubbing the dog tummy and place them in a bag, thank you and enjoy
she said as she passed the bags to my wife. But being so hungry
thought to hell with it, and ate them anyway.

We started our search for a property, and eventually found one
through Century 21, who operated in Riberac, the property was just
outside Mussidian, and started negotiations. Stephan from the
Notaries explained whilst walking round doing the property, asked
the only reason for the lady selling up; Stefan replied the lady
wanted to sell because she'd lost her husband.

During one of our visits to what was to be our new home, and
after parting with £14,000 deposit as is required under French
rules, decided to express my condolences concerning her recent
bereavement. However, during our many visits noticed she was always
dressed in the same clothes, being a grey donkey jacket, and jeans,
she was constantly rolling cigarettes, and drank wine like there
was no tomorrow, one glass after the other. The lady who was Swiss,
could also speak fluent French and Spanish, and fortunately I
 had been able to communicate during our visits with my little
Spanish and English and took the opportunity to express how deeply
saddened I was to hear of the loss of her late husband. At this
point she flew into a indescribable rage her face in mine shouted
at the top of the voice." No- No Monsieur no man, a woman "I could
feel the spray from her mouth hitting my face, and she walked off
in a huff.

At this point we decided to leave, and later that evening Kristy
came to the caravan knowing we were buying the property as during
the barbecue explained it to her. Kristy explained she had received
an abusive phone call from what sounded and appeared like a drunken
woman who had also been quite abusive. I explained to Kirsty I'd
given the woman the name and address and also the telephone number
of the site as the woman had asked for it, and apologised profusely
for the inconvenience caused. Kirsty told me not to worry, and
suggested I ring the woman straightaway.

Ringing the number Kirsty had given me and just about to hang up
when she answered the phone, realizing it was me started shouting
at the top of her voice again "Me no sell you the house to you; you
English pig". At this point I cut her off feeling totally gutted
after parted with £14,000 deposit, and unlikely to get it back laid
there all night worrying. The next morning we decided to return to
England. We can bid goodbye to Kirsty and Lee thanking them for
having us, and started a journey back to the UK.

The first part of the journey I managed to cover 383 miles,
virtually non-stop, apart from allowing Amber to do what comes
naturally. It was late in the evening when we discovered caravan
site, and after pulling on it which was on a hillside, decided not
to un-hitch, getting out of the vehicle proceeded to the back of
the caravan to wind down the legs and suddenly everything started
spinning round, my wife had gone to fetch the water totally unaware
of what was happening, but I managed successfully to drag myself
along the side of the caravan, and climb into it with my eyes shut,
and lay on the seat, realising my vertigo had returned with a
vengeance. My wife returned to the caravan and on finding way in
this state and was most distraught, and successfully managed to
find a fellow caravan who was English, who kindly assisted her in
connecting the electrics and helped my wife to get organised of
which we were both very grateful.

About 11 o'clock that night, the vertigo started to subside, my
wife was deeply concerned about my driving the following day, and
assured her I would be okay and could see she was extremely
worried, as she cannot drive. The following morning thank goodness
I was as fit as a fiddle; we paid our dues to the campsite owner
and departed on the second leg of our weary journey back to
England. I managed to reach Calais mid-afternoon and find a caravan
site quite near the port it. From the outside it appeared quite
nice; the entrance was like a portcullis to a castle, but on
entering could not believe my eyes and never seen anything like it
in my life. There were people living in sheds, rubbish everywhere,
the caravans were only 3 feet apart, and for the first time we came
deeply concerned about our safety overnight. After managing to find
a spot, set up for the night. Feeling rather uncertain about
leaving the caravan in such a place, had no option as we had to get
Amber her rejection so she could return to the UK. Luckily I
managed to find a veterinary practice quite near the port, and the
necessary procedures were carried out, and her passport stamped,
and rushed back to the caravan site, thank goodness nothing had
been touched.

No had we arrived back at the site and just sat down when a
large twin axle caravan towed by a white van appeared followed by
another caravan, out of which many people appeared, of a gypsy like
nature, shall never forget how the guy who was built like Garth out
the Daily Mirror, picked his young son up, and literally threw him
up on the caravan roof to set up their satellite dish. Shortly
after another caravan arrived again towed by a white van, from
which very all gathered round and on opening the back doors of the
white van unloaded a large domestic calor gas cooker, a washing
machine, which they plugged into the electrics. In all there
must've been 8 to 10 people including the children, who I must say
were extremely well-behaved, and proceeded to cook 4 chickens on a
roasting spit, the smell as it drifted across was delicious, making
one feel quite hungry, as for the past two days we had not had a
proper meal.

The port of Calais was no more than 100 yards away, and during
the daytime will be arrived we could see the ferries entering and
leaving the port, but it wasn't till the quietness of evening, and
in particular during the night, one became aware of the constant
throb of the diesel engines, and regrettably the wind was blowing
in our direction bringing with it the smell of diesel fumes,
another night without sleep. Rising early the following morning,
headed straight into the port, and after clearing customs, boarded
the ferry. I remember standing on the deck thinking to myself
goodbye France; I never want to see you again. For the first time
we treated ourselves to a proper meal, which was delicious. In the
duty free I bought myself and my wife and watch, and of returning
to the deck watch the White Cliffs of Dover appear on the horizon,
what a welcome sight I thought!

The ferry docked, and we returned to the car decks to find Amber
fast asleep, no sooner had we got in the vehicle and the ferry
doors open we drove off back onto dry land. The first thing I
noticed on returning from France, the way we all drive in this
country as if there is no tomorrow, with fists out the window
fingers sticking up giving the victory sign, horns blasting, and
the unsightly graffiti, and plastic bottles and bags that are
strewn about the streets, and roadside hedges. Yes I thought to
myself you're back in the UK alright, we seem to be the only nation
in the world that doesn't care about its country, or is it just
me!

Just before reaching Ashford in Kent managed to find a Caravan
Site privately owned, costing £18 per night, we immediately set up,
and I got the barbecue going, pork chops and salad which a French
stick went down a treat, coupled with a glass of red wine. We
decided to stay there for a few days and look around the area for a
property, but again no luck, yet again insufficient funds. I
searched through the Caravan Club Book, managing to find a CL site
in Steyning, and arrived around midday on the Saturday morning. The
site owner booked us in, and explained to her our predicament, she
highlighted the fact it is standard procedure after 21 days on CL
to move off, so I booked us in for three weeks. We visited the
village we were once lived in, as I missed terribly the South
Downs, where I had spent so many happy hours walking with my dog
Sultan, and Amber and also our jaunts backpacking. We visited
friends, and friends visited us at the site, but again finding a
property was virtually impossible.

Just before our 21 days were up, as it was coming up to Easter
knowing full well we had to move off tried to get a booking, for a
while I was unsuccessful, but eventually managed to get one owing
to a cancellation for one night in Slinfold. It is quite an
upheaval having to pack everything up, and then move, reset up
again, and returned the following day, the owner of the site also
was not a very nice person, the site was operated mainly on
storage. It was quite a large farm with several acres, and I recall
walking into the field next allows along the footpath with Amber,
on returning to find the site owner being a woman standing by the
side of our caravan, arms crossed across her chest, and if looks
could kill I would definitely been dead. How dare you go into that
field she stated in a harsh voice? I thought there was no problem I
replied, I merely walked a mile or so and back, and cannot see what
the problem is. You are invading our privacy she replied, we can
see you from a garden walking along behind the hedge. At this point
I decided not to save was really on my mind, knowing if she told us
to get off the site, we had nowhere to go, so I ate humble pie.
Also she went on to say do not let your dog off the lead, I want
you to tie it up on the hitch lock. Again I had to swallow humble
pie. Should hasten to add we were the only ones on the site.

The site owner 'son every evening came down
into the field in a wreck of the car, who was no more than 10 years
old driving around the site field, where I had walked, also they
had two dogs which were constantly in the site field leaving their
faces behind, I decided to telephone the caravan club site, and
express my views of the attitude of the site owner, and informed by
the club, I was not alone, and they had received many complaints
from various members.

 

However, a couple of days later whilst out for my afternoon
stroll with Amber, having reached the top of the South Downs
overlooking Worthing, when my mobile rang. It was from the lady in
the Highlands of Scotland whose house we were going to purchase
until they had suddenly changed their mind, and withdrew the
property from the market. She explained they were putting the
property back on, and the neighbour Donna had suggested to her
knowing we were keen to buy to give us a ring, added the property
was now on for a higher price which was to be fixed, and that if we
decided to purchase it, we could be in by the 1^st of
June only t three weeks away, the price was £15,000 above my
original asking price, I told her that I would let her know after
speaking to my wife.

 

After our walk returned to the caravan explained to my wife I
had received a phone call from the property that we were once going
to buy, and it was now back on the market, and most of all could be
in within three weeks if we decided to buy at the higher figure. My
wife by this time after just over four months of living in the
caravan had had enough, one of the most degrading things, was
having to go to the backwash, where in particular Hastings and the
surrounding area most of backwash shops had what appeared to be
asylum seekers sheltering in there for warmth, as outside it was
bitterly cold, and more to the point quite expensive on average
costing about £10 for one wash including the drying, and your
clothes afterwards always had that distinctive backwash smell. My
wife agreed we should buy the property, so I rang back the seller
and told her we would proceed, contacted my solicitor who had
originally been dealing with the sale when we had first negotiated
to purchase the property. We allowed ourselves three days
travelling, and set off prior to completion June 1 2007 giving
ourselves four days to allow for an error. First night we stopped
at a CL near Telford, the following day we arrived at another CL a
farm in Perthshire, on arriving it was pouring with rain, and the
site owners allowed me not to un-hitch as I would have got
drenched. The following day we proceeded and reached Aberlour, and
stayed there for the night, this was a Friday, on arriving I
contacted the estate agents and they would not release the keys
until the Monday.

We decided to pop up and have a look at our new home, which had
once been a farmhouse and was situated in one acre of ground, with
panoramic views incorporating Ben Agen. Further incorporating a
large Barn, or as it is known in Scotland a Steading, and a
brand-new wooden workshop which had been used as an office by the
previous owner. Plus a further wooden building which had been used
as an office and fully insulated with double glazing. With
panoramic views incorporating Ben Agan

Monday I collected the keys from the estate agent in Elgin, but
regrettably our furniture were being in store could not be
delivered until the middle of the week, and in fact arrived on the
Thursday. So in meantime took the caravan to the property decided
to live in it until our furniture arrived, as luckily enough there
was an external electric connection, so we could have electricity
and use the TV.

I remember unlocking the door, which was situated at the back of
the property, thinking to myself what the hell of I done? As my
memory of the property over that period of time had slightly
evaporated, and I could now see there was quite a lot of work to be
done, internally and externally, initially I hated the property,
and immediately rang the estate agent and put it back on the
market, they asked me to reconsider and give myself some time to
settle in before finalising my decision. Also my wife was quite
upset by my reaction, what she did not realise is, in my heart I'd
been forced to give up my beautiful home in West Sussex nestling
under the beautiful South Downs Way, by a greedy landowner whose
only interest was to make money from his quarry by turning it into
a landfill site. And gave little consideration to the village and
its residents, as once when he was questioned as I understand his
response to have you considered what you're doing to the people who
live in this village, his response was tough.

Weighing up the odds, came to a decision to turn a disaster into
something positive, immediately I sold the caravan, and with the
proceeds had the drive regretted with local stones, in all 80 tons,
as part of the gravelled area turfed, and edged with would,
purchased a set on tractor, petrol strimmer, the kitchen which was
quite dark so I had part of the wall we both and a large internal
window installed between the kitchen and the hallway, allowing
light to come through the front door giving much more light to the
kitchen, and redecorated the whole house throughout. The
family/dining room was covered with a blue carpet, and the kitchen
with black and grey lino tiles, on lifting the tiles discovered
beautiful pine floor, and on having the carpets laid in the lounge
and the whole, again underneath hidden by carpet pine flooring
which was virtually new, so decided to leave it with the expose
for, and the carpet should have been in the lounge, he laid in the
bedroom. Purchased from Elgin fireplaces and electric fire and
surround for the lounge, which did have an open fire but it had
been boxed in.

This Steading needed re-pointing, which took me nearly 3 weeks,
and quite a hard job, as one would work all day, but the results
were minimal. I also waterproofed the walls, and erected a weather
vane, and completely proofed and painted white the internally. It
also had an open pit, which was filled in and concreted over.

The house externally was weatherproof and painted white on three
sides, as the front was traditional stone and looked absolutely
superb. The back of the house was used as the front, and had a
patio laid by Hamish, and excellent workman and friend, also a path
was made along the side of the house, and at one time there had
either been a tree, as there was a large mound of earth which was
unsightly, over a period of three months we collected large stones
and eventually manage successfully with the help of Hamish to turn
the mould into a massive rockery, once the plants were established
it was picturesque.

However it was 2009 when we first experienced the severe weather
that Scotland has, and being exposed on the side of a hill, we got
the full blast, that year the snow was 32 inches deep with
temperatures reaching -22°, the second year was worse and the snow
lasted for five months, and the two weeks we were completely snowed
in, this is the reason for the move. So we decided to place the
property on the market, as my age of clearing tons of snow was not
how I intended to spend my time in retirement decided to put the
house up for sale.

Eventually after a couple years a buyer came along, and had
 we decided to stay in Scotland and move nearer to the Moray
Firth were the weather is always warmer and little or no snow. We
found a property in Auldhern, but on the 25th hour after exchanging
missives discovered an unlawful sewerage pipe running 90 m across
the front garden. I immediately contacting Scottish Water who
informed it was unlawful, and had to be reinstated costing £20,000
plus. Totally shocked to hear this, had no alternative but to
withdraw respective that we had exchanged missives (English law
Contracts) on taking issue with the seller, initially she was very
abusive, and it was suggested by my solicitor that a £10,000
retention was made so that the legalities concerning the property
could be amended to incorporate any further owners would not be
held responsible to maintain or repair the neighbours sewerage pipe
which have been unlawfully laid through the said property. The
neighbour at first objected, also was quite rude, when approached
by myself, apparently the neighbour on one side of the property was
the builder who with his partner had constructed the property 46
years ago, and other such properties within the cul-de-sac, the
property that we had intended to purchase 46 years ago was lived in
by the builders partner, after weighing up the pros and cons,
decided not to proceed, as there was already animosity amongst the
neighbours. Having nowhere to go requested our buyer to give us a
stay of execution until we could find somewhere, he reluctantly
allowed us one week, which actually rendered us homeless.

Knowing we were going to be without a roof, and having been a
caravan owner for many years, decided to buy a caravan. Searching
on the Internet managed to find a Luna Lexon, and explain to the
sales person on the phone the other end our predicament, that we
intended to use the caravan as their home. Neill assured us the
caravan was in excellent condition, and had been fully serviced.
The asking price originally had been £11,750, I made an offer of
£11,000, but informed by Neil they were not the owners, and only
selling the caravan on behalf of their customer, explained he would
approach the owner to see if they would accept my offer. Also he
had to contact the owner of the company, to see if he would take a
reduction in his commission. Eventually the price of £11,000 was
agreed, and a date given for us to collect the caravan

The dreadful day came when we had to move out of our beautiful
home, especially after all the hard work we had put in. The removal
van turned up and clearly insufficient to accommodate our
furniture, the company is a Plc. Operating throughout the United
Kingdom, there were no packing cases as promised, the foreman of
the gang rang the office and explain the circumstances, and assured
me packing cases would be arriving on the vehicle they were
sending, which took nearly 3 hours to arrive, and guess what, no
packing cases.

But eventually finished the removal around 5 PM, our neighbour
Donna our neighbour who was an absolute gem and had been ever since
we moved in, had kindly cooked us a meal, which went down a treat.
Eventually we left late evening deeply saddened, and having no home
had booked an overnight stay at the Roadside Chef in Hamilton, who
allowed dogs, having decided to move back down South, and en route
pick up the caravan in Telford.

On our journey down the following day from Hamilton, the weather
could not have been better, the first stop was just outside Kendal
in the Lake District, which was a free house and dogs were
permitted, we had steak and kidney pie which was absolutely
delicious, and went down a treat with a pint of Guinness.

Continuing our journey,in our long wheel base Shogun which
normally catered for Heidi our German Shepherd in the back, as I
had removed all the seating, was now packed to the brim with all
our worldly goods, and the weather was getting hotter by the
minute. As soon as I got onto the M6 realised what a rat race on
was returning to after the peace and tranquillity of the Highlands
of Scotland, and the community spirit England lost many years ago,
have never met such nice people in all my life, particularly Donna
my neighbour.

We arrived at the Caravan Motorhome Sales Site near Telford
around 4 PM, I found Neill need me to show me the caravan, on
inspection it, on lifting the flap where the electrics connect,
fell off, opening the front where the gas bottles are, was full of
rubbish, entering the caravan the first thing I noticed was the
smell, again rubbish everywhere. I asked Neil what is going on, I
explained you on the phone situation, and you stated the caravan
was in excellent condition on the phone when we spoke, will clearly
it isn't.

Neil immediately apologised, his excuse was they had been
extremely busy, he had however detailed somebody to carry out the
work and had assumed it was all done and ready for collection,
adding with a smirked smile, it would appear they haven't, don't
worry Sir I will get it done now he replied. My wife was sitting in
the Shogun, the sunroof and windows were open and Heidi was
painting owing to the extreme heat, and I was infuriated with being
lied to. Neill wandered off leaving me standing wondering what the
hell was going on, and eventually a guy turned up with a toolbox,
and changed the broken flat on the electrics, and disappeared.
Shortly afterwards the woman turned up, who was full of excuses,
attempted to tidy up the inside of the caravan.

My wife and I discussed what to do, and decided to go ahead and
buy the caravan despite everything, as we had nowhere to go, with
hindsight it was a wrong decision. I reluctantly parted with
£10,500 as I had already paid £500 deposit when placing the order.
We hitched up the caravan to the car and departed, as we left Neil
expressed his apologies, and assured me that anything was wrong to
return and it would be put right.

We had intended had everything gone according to plan to drive
further South but it was now nearly 6 PM in the evening, look
through the Caravan Club Book and managed to find a site not too
far away. On arriving the site owner showed us to the pitch, and
after hitching connected up to the electrics, and my wife collected
some water. As soon as the electrics were connected it was clear
there was a fort on the caravan as there were no electrics
whatsoever, no pump, so no water, no lights, no television. I
checked the fuses they were all in perfect condition, by now it was
starting to get dark, and after a long journey and all the
aggravation sustained, felt rather exhausted. The smell I had
noticed earlier when first getting into the caravan was still
there, on trying to withdraw the toilet cassette, discovered it
would not come out. Getting back in the caravan and checking down
into the toilet, found it still do have dried human faeces, which
accounted for the smell.

Having no alternative contacted the site owner, who kindly
provided us with some hot water, and I explained to him what the
position was, and that we had just purchased from a Caravan and
Motorhome Sales Site near Telford. Oh then he replied, they have
got a stinking name, and everyone who has stayed here who has had
dealings with them as not had nothing but problems. Hearing this
really made my day.

On returning to the caravan my mobile rang and it was my friend
Paul to see how we were getting on, I explained to him what had
happened, and informed him that I was taking the van back tomorrow,
and demanding my money back. Paul explained that if we really get
stuck, there was a room and a bed at his abode. Thank you Paul I
replied, I may have to take you up on that.

The following day we got up very early, as with the smell it was
virtually impossible to sleep, and we could only get cold water in
a bucket and wash as best we could, however the site owner was kind
and Midas another cup of tea in the morning. As soon as we were
ready I went straight to the caravan sales site, and eventually the
boss of the firm refunded £10, £450. I was advised by the office of
fair trading to take issues on this matter, as I should have
received a full refund. Would hasten to add I have just done this
and await the outcome.

We left the site and were soon back on the M6 heading South, the
weather was hotter than the day before, and once you gain the back
end of the Shogun was full of their worldly goods, and Heidi was
sitting on the passenger seat behind us. We stopped at a service
station and got some petrol, and some sandwiches and fruit juice,
while sitting in the car having lunch, rang Paul and told him we
would be coming down and accept his offer. Great mate he replied,
give me a ring when you get near here and I will guide you in.

Luck was definitely not on our side that day, as on reaching the
end of the M1 where the M25 turn off is there had been an accident
and the exit was closed, forcing us to continue down the M1 into
London, and at Watling Gap stopped and filled up with more petrol,
and walked Heidi to do what comes naturally, it was scorching hot,
all one could smell was the fumes from diesel lorries, in a haze of
heat.

It could have been a worse time it was the start of the
rush-hour, it took us over two hours before we got out the other
side, and such a relief on reaching Hampton Court, I decided to
drive through Esher, and head South from there picking up the M25
South to Gatwick, then on to the a A23 and decided to pull up and
rang Paul, who directed me to the house they were renting. We
arrived around 8:30 PM in the evening, and on getting out of the
vehicle, could hardly feel my legs from all that sitting. Soon as
we got into the house Paul had cooked us a meal, and an ice-cold
lager was awaiting
us.                               
         

As you know staying with friends is okay short-term but after
three weeks one could feel the atmosphere tensing up, and at this
point deciding to move out and stay with my secretary in West
Sussex, who had also kindly offered to put us up short-term. It was
in Chichester we bought a brand-new caravan, a Luna Delta RS: twin
axle, fridge freezer, new wet central heating, fixed bed, top of
the range model, at the time was not aware of the months we were
going to spend it, thought it would be
short-!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While staying with Christine had use of the Internet, and
managed to find a property near Oswestry and after a couple of
weeks with Christine decided to look round Oswestry. Once again
said our goodbyes to Christine, and headed off to Shropshire. The
journey took about 5 1/2 hours and we had pre-booked to stay at
Oxford Hall Touring Park, in Shrewsbury, which was an excellent
site. We look first of all at the property I had found on the
Internet, which was a complete disaster, having a main road running
behind the back garden, with the constant swish of HGV's and other
traffic about every five seconds definitely a non-starter.

We visited many agents in Oswestry, but could not find the ideal
property, once again when underwent a few disasters, as we were
trying to find a property that was vacant, and in most cases after
the viewing discovered the property to be occupied, and the owners
had no intentions of moving out until they found somewhere, which
is understandable, but didn't solve our problem.

 

However after looking at many properties in the area, and
eventually found one whilst visiting Bridgnorth, decided to
purchase it, as it was vacant and we urgently needed early entry.
The agents explained the owner was residing in an old people's
home, and that there will be no problem, and as soon as the sale
was complete we could move in. Negotiations got underway, and it
was a relief not to have to keep visiting estate agents and
travelling miles to view properties, as the petrol bill was
mounting up. However, we were asked to go to the estate agents to
tie up a few loose ends, and on completing the questionnaire, my
wife decided to have a look round the town, and I decided to go
back to the car with Heidi. Entering the car park my mobile rang,
it was the estate agent. I've got some rather bad news for you, I
have just received a telephone call from the son of the owner of
the property who informed me his mother has just passed away, so
therefore it will be going to probate. I couldn't believe my ears,
how long it will take I asked. Well according to the son up his
brother one of the sons lives in Australia, and I'm not sure where
the other brother lives but I do know it's abroad, it could be
several months she replied. On that note informed we would not be
proceeding.

I think it was now approaching the end of September and we'd had
enough of this area, decided to go to Cornwall, where we stayed at
Carron Downs Caravan Park Truro and a gain visited several estate
agents, again owing to the amount we could spend, could not find a
suitable property to fit our budget.

However, the only properties within our budget were in Redruth
and having not been there for 40 odd years, found it to be more
like a war zone, discovered it was the first place in the United
Kingdom to have a curfew put on it, it was full of druggies and
drunks. Left Truro after about three weeks and headed for Devon
staying at a campsite in Modbury currently in the throes of being
updated, mud everywhere, after a couple of weeks of travelling
round the area, but yet again no joy.

Prior to moving to Scotland I had made a friend who live there,
he telephoned me to say that they had found a very nice bungalow in
Rafford, and he knew the owner, and could get them to drop the
price, and cut out the agent, I will send you some photographs in
the post, when his letter arrived on opening them I found he was
correct it was a lovely bungalow, and appeared everything we were
looking for, including the price.

We decided to return to Scotland and left the following day.
First stop over Bridgnorth, following day Lake District, then on to
Edinburgh, and finally to Silver Sands Caravan Park Lossiemouth,
which if you haven't been there, discovered it was in the hands of
the ADMINISTRATOS,  and the worst site I have ever seen in my
life, we reluctantly stated two nights at a cost of £48, but found
a caravan site in Culloden belonging to Caravan Club.

Full of enthusiasm we visited the bungalow at Rafford couple of
days later, and en route stopped off at Brodie's on the A96 just
before you get to Forres and enjoyed a roast lunch. On visiting the
property decided to go ahead and purchase it, hence legal
negotiations start. The events that happened after this are quite
long and boring, so not wishing to bore you to death, discovered
our friend do more than he had let on, as we discovered the owner
of the property had committed suicide in the property by hanging
himself, and more to the point the property had been on the market
for over three years, owing to this fact,

Sitting the caravan one evening the owner of the
propertytelephoned to say she had fallen out with our mutual
friend, informed me he knew about the hanging of her late husband,
and had been his friend and attended his funeral. She had agreed to
give him a drink for introducing us to the property. With friends
like this who needs enemies?

Confronting my so-called friend face-to-face denied he knew
anything about it, but clearly he did, so he's off my Christmas
list indefinitely.

The search began again and soon another property via Re/Max,
once you gain explained the circumstances emphasising we needed a
property that was vacant. The associate of Re/Max explained he had
a property and the people would move out if we decided to proceed.
On hearing the property decided to go ahead there and then, hence
legal negotiations commence. However on speaking to the owner of
the property discovered more lies from the agent and he made it
perfectly clear he had no intentions of moving out and certainly,
not before Christmas. I immediately instructed him that I would not
be proceeding, and that was the end of a telephone
conversation.

Shortly after I received a telephone call from the agent of
Re/Max, who was insistent he had not lied, and added if you see a
Re/Max board with my name on it, keep on driving. I thought to
myself how professional, and my inner thoughts were, if I do see a
board, I will route it, and inserted in the associate where the sun
doesn't shine.

Listening to the weather forecast snow was expected within the
next few days, so did not fancy living in the caravan, based on
what I've seen of previous winters in Scotland with snow 36 inches
deep, lasting for five months, temperatures -22°, and just the oil
fired central heating costing £80 per week.

 

Our previous home had a drive 120 m to the gates, then from
those gates along the farm track another 160 m, this had to be
cleared, the only tool an orange snow shovel, the Shogun was kept
in the Steading, where the snow would blow in and drift 14 foot
high, stretching back some 35 feet, which again had to be cleared,
in the year 2010 cleared it out for times, at my age I certainly do
not need this, had it not been for the bad winters, I would still
be living in Bonnie Scotland today.

So knowing only too well what to expect once the snow started to
fall decided to pack up and move before it arrived, and left the
following day heading once again for the Caravan Club site in
Edinburgh, where we were becoming well-known. The Second day again
as usual stopped at the Lake District, finally on the
3^rd day ending up in Oxford Hall Touring Park
Shrewsbury, set about once again house hunting, only to experience
a few more disasters. Whilst visiting a small village not far from
Welshpool and looking at properties within the village discovered a
bungalow that was up for sale, decided to knock on the door, to
discover from the person that open the door they were renting it,
and could not tell me what the asking price was. I immediately rang
the agent who explained it was on the £245,000, this being over my
budget thought I will offer £215,000 as my cash purchaser just see
what happens, the agent advised me they would not accept that
offer, I suggested he put that to them to see what they say.

 

For two weeks heard nothing, then my mobile rang and it was the
estate agent in Welshpool, who advised me that the owners had
seriously discussed my offer, which they declined, but would accept
£220,000, I explained I could not stretch to that amount, but would
bearing in mind. We been out as usual looking for properties in the
Church Stretton area which I must say is extremely expensive. The
agent rang me to advise me that should I proceed with the property,
the tenants could not move out until 27 January 2012, and even then
there was no guarantee, the explained I want to be upfront with
you, so there is no misunderstanding. On 15 December 2012 I
formally made an offer which was accepted or £220,000. Christmas
came and passed, and with no news of the tenants moving out, I
visited the bungalow, as we needed to take the measurements, but
they assured us, they had somewhere to go.

The 27 January came and went, and I contact the agent and was
given a date of 14 February, but again no guarantee, my solicitor
was getting rather concerned and explain to me that there was no
way they could get the tenants out, as it is a criminal offence to
harass them. The 14 February came and went, and once again the
agent rang me to explain they were intending to return to America,
and the gentleman's wife was waiting for a Visa to re-enter the
country, but no date could be given. At this stage we were both
losing interest, and worst of all now confronted with the
solicitors Bill, and all that time wasted, so I contacted the
estate agents in Elgin who kindly supplied me with details of
various properties in the area I had requested.

Looking through the details spotted a nice bungalow not far from
the Moray Firth which is the area we specifically wanted because it
is known as the Riviera of Scotland, and has very little snow.

I telephoned my dear friend Donna, and she was kind enough to do
a drive by, and was spotted by the next-door neighbour, who had a
key, and kindly showed, round the property, which she described as
excellent. My wife and I decided not to proceed in buying the
bungalow as we could not foresee ourselves ever living there, as if
the tenants elected not to move, legally it would take months to
get them out. So we decided to head back to Bonny Scotland.

Hence the next day we headed for the Lake District, the
following day set off back to Edinburgh, and having just passed
Gretna Green and my mobile rang it was the estate agent from where
we buying the property in Welshpool who explained the tenants were
definitely moving out, and we could now move in within the next
couple of weeks. As you can imagine my wife have had enough, and
suggested we buy the property, we carried on and stayed in the
Caravan Club Site in Edinburgh, which must have now been our fourth
visit and the following day I went of Lloyds Bank, carried out the
procedures of transferring the money to my solicitors account, and
the following day we set of back to the Lake District, and then
back to Shrewsbury where we intended to wait whilst the deal was
completed. And sure enough the purchase was completed, thank
goodness we have a roof over our heads once again, and will I move
again??????????

NOT ON YOUR NELLY.

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

chasncath

You need to tell Rowena that you've pressed the 'submit' button several times too often!

peegeenine

Blimey, I need to have a lay down.

Rubytuesday

I felt absolutely shattered after reading this,I hope you are both very happy in your new home, and well rested,my husband suffers with vertigo so we know first hand what you suffered with out all the other problems,good luck to you both.