The report will take a few days, and come in the post.

The dishwasher being left is a Bosch, a newer model than my previous one here. Can't remember what the washing machine is, but the kitchen (including integral fridge) was only fitted in 2008, and my appliances back here are getting on for 10 years old. I will take my chances! I have a Hotpoint dishwasher at the moment, which is supposedly the same company now as Bosch, and made from the same components, but my old Bosch was far superior. My iron is a Bosch too...I've had a couple over the years, and they are good. I intend to take my dryer with me, and will park it in one of the outbuildings. It may come in useful for drying bedding on a wet winter day!

I have a theory that there is somebody for every property: it's just bringing the two together that's the art! And I swear that applies to rental rooms too! It is just so very difficult second-guessing what will attract people, because everyone has different tastes and requirements.

However, saying that, it went totally against the grain with me to de-clutter and "neutralise" the house. (I love colour, and I love my "stuff"). But maybe because it was a fairly gradual process, I have grown to really like it as a background onto which I can place splashes of colour, such as rugs and selected pictures. Trouble is, there are about 20 other pictures to make the journey up north with me because, apart from a few, I won't know what will look right till I try them. Something is telling me that the ones that are up now will be the best choice (including the two 17th century maps - one of Northumberland). So I am going to find out where the nearest car boot sales are held! Happily, I think I may have found somewhere for my Staffordshire figures - there's a plate rack high along the length of the hallway. That will save buying a cabinet for them!

Andrea

Andrea