Strictly speaking this is not really the family of the month but Families of the Month as this is the party from Georgetown Texas who shared our homes this June. They were a great bunch and amazed us all by their determination to get through a punishing schedule without complaining; some even liked warm beer and our strange sense of humour. They had a full week of trips to the Isle of Wight, the Playhouse in Newbury and all the usual sights of Salisbury, Winchester etc, etc. We would welcome them back at any time. 

 

Susanne and Peter Horne

Following an exhausting and frustrating two-year search for their dream home in the Test Valley, Susanne, Peter and Benjamin Horne (and Ollie the dog) moved to Wherwell in October 2004. They sold their cottage in Abbotts Ann in 2003 and then rented a house in East Winterslow for a year. This made the buying process much easier, but it was a great relief for everyone when they were finally able to settle down in Wherwell last year. Over the next couple of years they have planned a lot of changes to the cottage and its garden. Peter has spent much of his spare time so far clearing the top garden of Russian vine and preparing the ground for the plans Susanne has drawn up. Benjamin Charles (Ben) is now 18 months old. He loves the new house with all its corners, beams and crooked walls. There are lots of hiding places and the garden is already providing many adventures. He has a very active social life in and around Wherwell, including Music with Mummies, Tumble Tots, Toddler Group, swimming lessons and nursery. He is also enjoying the company of his grandparents who live close-by in Andover, having recently moved down from the Midlands. Ollie, the English Pointer, has settled into his new environment well. He loves the Aga in the kitchen and prising him away from his favourite spot is becoming extremely difficult. Only the words “walk”, “dinner” or “biscuit” can still tempt him away. He particularly likes to explore Chilbolton Common and meet other dogs to play. Peter currently has a comfortable 30-minute commute to work, but this may change as he is moving jobs later this year.  Susanne runs a small international consultancy firm. The company office is in Upper Clatford, so not an extreme commute for her. She is waiting eagerly for the days to grow longer when she will be able to spend time in pottering in the garden once Ben has gone to bed. Peter is also looking forward to that time when he can relax beside the BBQ with a beer and a newspaper.

shasselmann@axesstechnologies.com

 

 

 

Emma & Richard Way

There comes a point in the life of every young family when it's time to move either because of problems with space, schools, or the feeling that where they are is "just not right". Richard and Emma were happy in Purley but wanted their children to be brought up in a more rural environment and to be closer to their parents, who both live in the West Country.  So a year ago they started a wide ranging property search encompassing villages surrounding Basingstoke, Alton, Salisbury, Winchester and Andover and after many frustrations fell in love with the Test Valley and the beautiful village of Chilbolton.  As luck would have it their delightful house in Drove Road became available. Chilbolton is now very much their home, the children, Verity aged 4 and Henry aged 18 months are well settled; Verity into the excellent local community pre-school and Henry at home with mum.  Emma who used to have a very demanding job as a PA in London's financial sector has made new friends and time permitting enjoys baking and the surrounding countryside.  Richard is able to commute to London in little more time than it took from Purley and at the weekends is trying to fit in some DIY whilst attempting to maintain his golf handicap.  Emma has established a preschool babysitting circle and recently started a Book Club in the village, which in just a few months has expanded its membership. Meetings are held once a month in a different members home and each member gets to choose a "book of the month" which is read and discussed.  There will be a section on the Book Club in the web site soon.

Richardandemma@talk21.com