During the recent visit from our best friends we discussed the next stage of retirement for us all. What do we do when we need to stop gardening and they ceased to fly their light plane all round the UK? In the next 5 years they need to downsize from their large city house and in 8 years we will need to give up our large garden. I was astounded by everyone else advocating bungalow living. I never saw any of us being that conventional!
My current preference is for a floating home. When we were in Kew last week we saw lots of houseboats, some with little gardens on the "poop" decks!
Not all were in good repair - luckily the husband had walked on up The Strand to Kew Bridge (grassy waterside park) before he saw the state of this old steamer!
I walk past the canal boats moored near us every day when walking the dog and love to fantasise about downsizing enough to live on one. OH isn't so keen though. Good luck with your plans. If you can find a nice Marina to moor it in, it would be good.
ReplyDeleteI am a terrible peeker into people's front rooms and it is even worse when passing canal boats - I have to peek in!
DeleteHow fantastic that you envisage another chapter to your lifestyle. Our neighbours have a narrow boat but they use it as a holiday home. I'm not sure where I see my future. I think I need to get used to retirement first.
ReplyDeleteOur kids will go mad if they hear us thinking about moving again. We regularly threaten to move in with one of them. You have a lot of fun in retirement to come yet!
DeleteI don't think bungalows are for us either. But what? You've started me thinking.
ReplyDeletexx
Another alternative would be a flat overlooking some water, you could get a good view. But I have never had experience of flats/apartments.
DeleteOver here in New York, my friends and I also have these sorts of discussions. This city is a great place for older folks, if we can just manage to afford it. No need for a car, great public transportation with discounted fare for senior citizens, every museum you'd want, fabulous libraries, beautiful parks, bountiful farmers markets and fine grocery shops, too. All sorts of theater, dance, film, music entertainment. And...lots of interesting people who've come here...all ages and backgrounds and opinions. It's very energizing.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy visiting your site. Your observations and experiences give me much to think about. xo
Thank you for your kindness. I do have a secret hankering for city living and would definitely go for a couple of years if I was on my own. Husband hates city life.
Deletetheres some gorgeous spots on he Witham and Brayford Wharf at Lincoln , lots of houseboats. My daughters friend goes to university there and lives on one , he then toddles off to different moorings during the holidays .
ReplyDeleteThat would be fun! Not been to Lincoln yet, must visit soon!
DeleteWhen we visited the UK three years ago we saw some lovely floating homes. They looked as if they would be great fun.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.