In my experience where there is a will there is a lot of relations:-)

Sound brilliant, bobad. Slightly different circumstances here. Most of the countryside hereabouts is either National Park, National Trust or farmed. No chance of building on it. House and land prices in all rural areas I know of are higher than suburban Salford where I live now. Only place cheaper as far as I know is Hull and that is as built up as here. I also have kids. I have put 3 through university and am funding another one at present. Our choice - but does rather tie us down.

The more ideas the better though - I am more than happy to listen and take on all advice so keep 'em coming and hopefuly I can report back in a year to say we are keeping chickens and growing our own veg in the Yorkshire dales:-)

Cheers

DtG