We Lost Our Dream House
A Little Life Update
A few months ago we stumbled across our dream home and fell head over heels in love. It checked everything we had on our list, both non-negotiable as well as extras and even had that elusive sea view. Fast forward three months and the dream’s over.
A couple of years ago after another summer vacation spent in Cornwall, we decided it was time to add ‘make the move to Cornwall’ into our five year plan. I grew up spending every summer in Cornwall with family and it holds some of the most special memories for me. I introduced Alex to the area around a decade ago hoping he would love it as much as me and it was a joy to watch him fall in love with the Cornish way of life too. Back in 2019 I had my bachelorette party in Newquay, spent last Christmas in the cottages at the Headland hotel with friends and any chance we get to drive down to spend even just a long weekend at the coast we do. We’ve spent more and more time in the area both as a couple and with loved ones, each time experiencing the pull to the area strengthening.
Three months ago while down south we decided to kick start the process. We contacted a couple of estate agents, explained we didn’t really have a timeframe in mind but that we were excited to make our home in the area. We shared our lift of must haves and hopes for our future home and unexpectedly there were a few places that immediately looked hopeful. Knowing that the process could take a while and that likely it might take a while to fall in love with a space, we went ahead with some initial viewings to scope out a few areas.
During that first batch of viewings we stepped into a space that we immediately felt an affinity for. We experienced the same feeling we did with Frowhome - instantly imagining ourselves in the space. A house that we knew could easily be our home.
We spent the last twelve weeks or so working with solicitors on the home buying process, paying for surveys and making further trips to the area to meet with the sellers. An expensive, stressful and exciting process but one we knew would be worth every step. That is until last week (the day before my 37th birthday) when our sellers made the choice to pull the home from the market just days before we were due to sign on the dotted line. To say we’re heartbroken would be an understatement.
Suddenly the plans we had for the next couple of months, the money we had paid out during the process and the hopes we had for moving to Cornwall at the end of summer are gone. Although we know at the foundation of the process, the seller was within their rights to simply change their mind, it’s left us feeling devastated and totally shocked. Our first home buying experience, although stressful as expected with such a big life moment, was relatively smooth and we rather naively hoped we would be just as luck this time too. We poured so much of ourselves into this process and I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t left us feeling exposed.
A week after receiving the news we’ve shed a lot of tears and we’re now trying to see the experience as an unfortunate detour on our journey to Cornwall. It’s still incredibly fresh but having already sold our current home, we’re also mindful the clock is somewhat ticking for us to get a new plan in place. As a problem solver I’m having a difficult time not being able to promptly fix the situation but Alex has been a tower of strength. His ability to put things into perspective while allowing us to sit in our feelings has been priceless.
So here we are. Back at the beginning of the process. We’re sad and we’re definitely dehydrated from all the crying but we’re dusting ourselves off and starting again. Onwards and upwards!
As an aside, I cannot tell you how much sharing the news over on YouTube both supported and shocked me this week. The volume of people who’ve experienced the same shock during their house buying process has knocked me sideways. But seeing how many people found homes even better suited to their needs after their initial heartbreak gives me hope for our next few weeks.
You can also join me via the below:
TikTok
YouTube
LTK
Threads
Until next time,
V x
I know it’s hard when things don’t work out as you expect but it’s always the universe guiding you, redirecting you towards something else. When you can trust in that you’ll find that what you find is always better than you can ever have imagined. 🙏🏽✨
Rejection is always god's redirection Vic, you and Alex will find the most gorgeous amazing home for your family and that heartbreak will become just a story to tell friends about in cornish summers to come. Sending you lots of love and good vibes only 🤍✨️