I bought a biscuit tin cover cottage in The Peak District back in 2002. It was lovely and the walking nearby was stunning, not to mention the pubs and restaurants. Then I met Mrs Musket and had to sell it as her work made the commute difficult. She also sold hers in Sheffield.

However, we bought our forever house here in The Isle of Axholme about six years ago. The land is flat, though that makes for big skies and easy cycling. Our village is wonderful. Wander down to the farm shop and stop for a pint on the way back whilst Mrs Musket pops down for bell ringing practice. Lots of local folk clubs to keep me happy and the alleged greyhound and I tramp around for miles.

I class myself as semi retired and have the garden, house and village I always wanted. Nice to get it right..

Up till recently I have lived simultaneously between where my first family were and where I worked, so as well as Derbyshire, I have had flats in London, Hove and Leeds as well as abroad in Munich, Aachen and Modena. All nice, all with something to offer but never home.

Just the one home now, and contented.