Moving House

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.

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