Midlife Crisis: Support for Left Behind Spouses
Archives => Archived Topics => Topic started by: Milly on January 06, 2020, 02:57:47 PM
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Hi everyone, after the wonderful experience those of us had in Tuscany this past September, we left off saying we must do another one and possibly in the UK since it's a central location. I'm thinking that it's easier for people coming from abroad, and also there are many LBSes living in the Uk so makes it more affordable.
I don't know where or what but an idea to start with would be renting a house on the South West coast. That could be extended to further 2 days in London, or whatever anyone wants to suggest. Timing could be closer to summer since the weather is better.
I'm leaving it open to any suggestions so please feel free to make them.
Our Tuscany trip was much more than a sight seeing experience, we all came back stronger. It was a form of therapy, plus the opportunity to spend time with truly lovely people.
Ok, let's get this new trip going!
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Milly
Count me in
Enyo x
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Count me in! Glad to see Enyo is in too :)
Anon
xoxo
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Interested!
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Potentially interested - depending on date and timing.
S18 graduating, off to college, etc.
Sea
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Ah that would be way to expensive for me, but sounds like fun.
Hope you guys make it happen.
Maybe some time in the future a meet up in the U.S. would work.
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Oh yes please, timing dependent. What a nice idea. When were you thinking?
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I don’t have a specific time in mind. Does anyone want to suggest one?
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I would love that. I didn’t make it to Tuscany xx
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110% in down for it. Provided I’m child free etc which with enough notice I can try and swap for a weekend etc etc.
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Great everyone! Why don't you guys throw out some dates/months that might be best for you, or if anyone would like to suggest a location, then we work around it?
I like the idea of renting a lovely (big) cottage in a pretty coastal town with cute English pubs? But I don't know any, so you LBSes on the coasts please suggest. But it doesn't have to be the coast, I'm good with anything.
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Dates shouldn’t be too much of a issue for me as every few months I get a full weekend kid free and worst case if the caravan is open, my mum *should* be able to take them. Would just be best weekends for me or non term time. As that’s easier to get people to have the girls.
I’m a city girl so have NO idea on anywhere coastal. I’ve only ever been London and Dublin really 😂😂 but I’m open to any haha
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The East coast is very nice and not far from London...just sayin' :)
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A week from 20th June would suit me.
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I’d be interested :)
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I am interested, too. :)
(July is bad for me)
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August 15 or later is out for me. June sounds good. July & August is crazy with tourists and holiday rentals are high season.
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June sounds good. Nerissa what kind of dates in June are good for you?
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I think I would love to do this ! Watching this thread to see if I just throw excuses to the wind and get on a plane !
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You just keep thinking about it, Barbie! You can do it! I bet we don't confirm a house (or two) for a while.
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Treasur, any specific town you can suggest for us?
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June OK for me too
Some of the schools in the UK could well be on half term holidays until 7th June so best to avoid the first week in June because as Anon says it will be mega expensive.
Enyo x
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Good advice, Enyo.
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Looking in Southwold close to beach, house sleeping about 10-12 for that week, prices range between about £2500 and £3500. Most have about 6 bedrooms so probably 2-4 folks could have own room, others would share. Plus of course there is a nice guest room at my house lol. They go like hot cakes so would need to book soonish as June is a very popular month. Deposit on booking about £800-£1000. Like this one https://www.suffolk-secrets.co.uk/southwold-surrounding-villages/southwold-cottages/20np-northcliffe?fromdate=2020-06-19&sleeps=%3E12&nights=7&guests=14
Bit further inland slightly cheaper/bigger farmhouses and price range drops by about £500 but more isolated so cars needed as opposed to being able to walk to places.
And it is the week of the arts festival http://www.southwoldartsfestival.co.uk
And we could have a garden party at my allotment lol
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As long as I can either car share (Ofcourse happy to pay petrol) or it’s easy to get to by public transport. I’m okay with any location.
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Southwold looks great. Possibilities below.
1. €4400/wk
https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p8357309?adultsCount=9&arrival=2020-06-07&departure=2020-06-14
2. €3900/wk
https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p10377450?adultsCount=9&arrival=2020-06-07&departure=2020-06-14
3. €3800/wk
https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p10377450?adultsCount=9&arrival=2020-06-07&departure=2020-06-14
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Oh wow. They look beautiful.
Would it be likely to be a week long stay? As if we’re looking at let’s say £4000 for 10 people for a week. That’s only around £400 which is a fair price I would say
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Yup prices for a week
And the world famous Aldeburgh festival about 15 mins away https://snapemaltings.co.uk/season/aldeburgh-festival/
Places to visit nearby.....Sutton Hoo, lavenham, bury st Edmunds, Cambridge, norwich
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It all Looks great and Southwold is small and walkable so we can leave have two smaller houses if numbers grow. They won’t be far from each other. There’s also good stuff on air bnb.
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Wow, what great suggestions from Treasur and the ANON App. From our experience in Tuscany, I'm leaning towards the houses with the most communal seating areas since we will sit and talk. It's not obligatory to talk! I'm sure most of us thought we'd try not to talk about it in Tuscany, but it slips in so it's nice to have enough cosy chairs to do so. I also would push for a sea side house even if it costs more because it means fewer car rentals.
Love the sound of the allotment party, Prosecco allowed I presume! Pink to match my fridge, of course!
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I'm surprised that Kit hasn't been jumping in. Has anyone heard from her lately? Is everything ok?
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I would jusy like to say. I’m a single mum to three girls...if there’s no alcohol or gossiping I’m not coming HAHAHAHAHA! No I joke but I do think it’s a must 😉
I must admit Milly I haven’t heard from KiT in a while now you mention it.
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This one is booking up: https://www.homeaway.co.uk/p8357309?adultsCount=9&arrival=2020-06-14&departure=2020-06-21
Summer is all booked up. First 3 weeks are still open. The 4th week was open earlier but it’s booked now too.
Right by the beach and pub. 6 bedrooms/5 baths. Would need a few to share a bedroom, or maybe all depending on the final count.
I’m surprised how booked up it is already in Southwold. Popular destination. Can we all have a look at the 3 listed earlier and share our opinion? Something tells me we don’t have a lot of time before these ones are all booked soon. Two of these are also on the Airbnb website. For our estimated group size and proximity to the beach, there isn’t much else to look at.
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I might be able to come down but only for the weekend while the kids are with Beast. I can't ask him to take a whole week off because we already planned a family holiday the last few days of June to beginning of July.
So don't include me in the accommodation count, but I will likely show up to say hi and hang out for a few days. I can arrange my own hotel or what have you. :)
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Roughly how many do we think we will be?
If I have a rough idea, I can stroll round the corner to the local rentals office and see what they can come up with?
And maybe some other folks can do part but not all of a week?
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Hi Everyone.
Just catching up on this tread. Depending on my diary and work but I wonder if you would mind if I tried to join you for a day or something??? If you are planning on sothwold its only a 75minute drive for me. I'll fully understand if you need full x days commitment.
But It would be great to meet up even just for coffee, cake and chatter
Cheers
DW
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I may not be able to have a full week. I may. May not. Won’t know until nearer the time when
I can work out who can have kids etc. But minimum I can come for a few days. However still more than happy to pay my fair share :)
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This sounds fantastic—thank you Milly for starting this process again. I’m not sure June will work for me though—unless it is later June? Would September be a viable option if we cannot find anything in June? Count me in tentatively, depending on dates, etc.
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I can do September. But not mid September
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Actually September is okay for me too as long as I am back home by Sept 26.
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Also my birthday is September so extra drinks for birthday bash aha
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So, if we want for say 2nd week of sept who is in?
And for a week or for less?
Or are we still sticking with June?
I'll leave you guys to figure out what you want and then see what is poss if you still want to come to my neck of the woods :)
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My birthday is 10th and D8 13th. So as long as not those dates. I’m good :)
However I’m good for any time of year so happy to go with a majority. I’m lucky I have a fair few child care options xx
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I'm ok for September, particularly if it was the week starting on Saturday the 12th.
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Either is fine for me.
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I'm good with September, too, actually better for me.
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Aw dang it. I was going to jump in for June but could not do September.
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Another September birthday here~!
Count me in for that birthday drink!
Sea
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I would love to spend a few days in London before or after the gathering in Southwold. Or do a partial week in Southwold and the remainder in London. I can do it alone (like Rome) but I would prefer to see the sights with someone else. Anyone else interested?
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Anon! I would love to go to London!! Mine and Clingtons special place was London and that’s where him and Ow go now the same way we did. So I’ve always liked to change the memories and what perfect way to do it!
Depending what time off I can get from the sprogs and Ofcourse providing it doesn’t clash with birthday. I’m in!
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My Weekends in Sept would be the 4-6, or 18-20.
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So, I think....
June
Steel Spine
Enyo
Anon
Milly
Nerissa
RedStar
Seahorse
Rising Phoenix
Bewildered Survivor
Maleficent
Sachat (few days/weekend)
Sept
Enyo
Anon
Milly
Nerissa
RedStar
Seahorse
Rising Phoenix
Bewildered Survivor
Maleficent
Sachat (few days/weekend)
Plus maybe dogwalker or Morte as visitors but not included in accommodation?
June is lovely in Southwold and lots to do, but big enough houses go quick.
Sept is still nice but maybe not so much to do? If we go for Sept would it make sense to perhaps pick somewhere else, maybe closer to a city or more central like Oxford?
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Anon! I would love to go to London!!
Sachat - awesome :). You’ve been there before and I haven’t so you can lead the way. You should know,,,I am very old, unlike you. In fact you would likely be the youngest of all and I will be the oldest of all. I still get around pretty good though ;).
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June is lovely in Southwold and lots to do, but big enough houses go quick.
If it’s June, a decision has to be made really soon and a house booked. There aren’t many big houses and the ones there are have limited availability in June but Sept is still pretty open.
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Sept should also be good for me
Cheers DW
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Anon! I would love to go to London!!
Sachat - awesome :). You’ve been there before and I haven’t so you can lead the way. You should know,,,I am very old, unlike you. In fact you would likely be the youngest of all and I will be the oldest of all. I still get around pretty good though ;).
Hahaha. I’m used to be the youngest so I can cope with that. I have been a few times I must admit but I always find there is LOADS to do and it’s always good to recreate bad memories.
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I feel that June is too soon. It's putting a lot of pressure on us all to make decisions, and it's possible that some readers haven't even had a chance to see the thread yet.
As far as having less to do in September, I don't think that would be too much of a problem. Although people coming from across the ocean do like to sightsee every day, not everyone does, and if it's a lovely location, just walks are outings, fresh air and sea air can make up for places to go? The local towns are cute to see aren't they? Cambridge is stunning, London is a train ride away if someone wants to go for the day. I'm sure there are other things, too. Aren't there lovely old English cheese villages around there, Treasur? I don't know why but cheese comes to my mind. And pretty Miss Marple villages with tea rooms and antique shops? I seem to remember that.
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Oh, and I think it's perfectly fine if we don't want to do a whole week but just a few days, too. Or if some UK dwellers just want to meet for a day. A week is great if people can manage it though. We needed it on the Tuscany trip.
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A week definitely was not too long for Tuscany. I think we also had a good balance of sightseeing and relaxing at the villa days. I'd like to go for a week again,,, or at least 5 days. Anything else and it's a rushed visit, imo. Just get settled in, and next thing you know it's time to pack up and leave again.
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If I can do the full week by all means I will do :) but I may be the youngest but I don’t know if I have the staying power like I used too hahaha! But the amount of time I’m child free is the time you’ve all got me.
I’m looking forward to putting faces to names and seeing if you look like how I imagine you too haha!
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So it looks like Sept?
Still Southwold?
Week of the 12th?
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September 12th - 19th? That would be perfect. :) The same week last year in Tuscany. Good omen.
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I'll look at some options over the weekend and post some here....
Oh, maybe we are starting a European Sept tradition then, Anon?
And yes,Milly....lots of little villages with thatched cottages and old churches like an Agatha Christie story plus some beautiful coast plus trips on rivers and some lovely old market towns. Music, lots of local food markets and suppliers, birdwatching, horse racing. And castles....even Ed Sheeran's hometown lol. Ooh and we could all go to my kitsch little cinema :) all in all, where I live is about as traditional English as you can imagine.... (are we tempting you yet, Barbie?)
https://www.visitsuffolk.com
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Bit of a busman’s holiday for you Treasur!
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I just checked flight costs and it's way cheaper to fly in September than in June and direct flights to London are still available. A direct flight is 8.5 hrs for me and a one stop flight is 11.5 hrs. I would love a direct flight this time around for 8.5 hrs. My flight home last year was 2 stops and took 28 hrs.
I'll wait until we nail down our dates and then I'm grabbing a non-stop flight, hopefully before they are all sold.
Thanks Treasur for coordinating things! And,, YES,,, make a tradition for a September European cult meeting! France next maybe? or idk,,, anywhere in Europe. I've only been to Italy so far. :)
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Best to fly to Heathrow if you can. Train here goes from Liverpool st in London....nearest station is Darsham and we can co-ordinate pick ups or a shared taxi pick up nearer the time.
If you are planning to hire a car, London Stansted is the closest airport but bad for train connection to here.
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Works for me.
Sachet--you are my S's B-Day twin. ;)
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So, I think....
Sept
Enyo
Anon
Milly
Nerissa
RedStar
Seahorse
Rising Phoenix
Bewildered Survivor
Maleficent
Sachat (few days/weekend)
KIT
Plus maybe dogwalker or Morte as visitors but not included in accommodation?
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Wow what a phenomenal team we are! Organizing a trip when you have Treasur and Anon in the group is soooo easy.
I love September as an idea and I don’t think we need to go a whole week. Maybe 5 days over the weekend? Then there can be extra days elsewhere for those who want to carry on. Sometimes houses require a 7 night booking though.
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1 https://www.sosouthwold.co.uk/luxury-holiday-cottages/southwold/cvil-chelsea-villa?fromdate=2020-09-11&nights=7&guests=14 (Sleeps 13, sea view, £4035 for a week)
2 https://www.sosouthwold.co.uk/luxury-holiday-cottages/southwold/sted-st-edmunds-house-0?fromdate=2020-09-11&nights=7&guests=12 (Sleeps 12, just across the road from my house lol £2520 for a week)
3 https://www.sosouthwold.co.uk/luxury-holiday-cottages/southwold/aasamo-samovar?fromdate=2020-09-11&nights=7&guests=12 (Sleeps 10, £2180 pw)
4 https://www.suffolk-secrets.co.uk/southwold-surrounding-villages/southwold-cottages/tlin-the-links?fromdate=2020-09-11&nights=7&guests=13 (Sleeps 12, view over water meadows and golf course, £3580 ow)
5 https://www.suffolk-secrets.co.uk/southwold-surrounding-villages/southwold-cottages/20np-northcliffe?fromdate=2020-09-11&nights=7&guests=14 (Sleeps 12, sea view near pier, £3490 but only available fri 11th -18th)
6 https://www.suffolk-secrets.co.uk/southwold-surrounding-villages/southwold-cottages/marr-marram-house?fromdate=2020-09-11&nights=7&guests=13 (Sleeps 10, not far from pier but not sea view, ok but bit basic inside hence £1755 pw)
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Shining Star is in too. And I reached out to Hero as well.
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Maybe give us your top 3 prefs in order in next couple of days?
Fwiw as the woman on the ground, mine would probably be 5, 2 or 4 :) - all sleep 12 plus there is a spare room at my house lol. Or no 1 if we think we need the max number! Most options have a couple of solo doubles but most involve sharing.....and even some elegant grown up bunk beds lol
Enyo
Anon
Milly
Nerissa
RedStar
Seahorse
Rising Phoenix
Bewildered Survivor
Maleficent
Sachat (few days/weekend)
KIT
Shining Star
Hero I Am
Plus maybe dogwalker or Morte as visitors but not included in accommodation?
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Kit - yay for a birthday twin!
I’m happy with all accommodations they all look nice. I tried finding a fault with atleasy some but failed so I like all 😂
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Maybe we should consider 2 houses. And cancel one (for no fee?) if it turns out we don't need it. If I remember, there was a lot of interest in Tuscany but eventually it pared down to 12 confirms and booked the house based on that. Then a few more dropped out, and another joined in, and when all the dust was settled we were 9 people. It was fine because with 12 there were 6 solo rooms and 3 double rooms. In the end, we all got our own bedroom and bathroom.
Best to expect the final number to reduce somewhat between now and a month or two before we leave. If everyone does show up, then lots of double rooms. If a few drop out then more solo rooms,, but it does mean a cost adjustment if that happens.
Whatever house we choose it needs lots of bathrooms. Two people to a bathroom is ideal, 3 people is pushing it a bit but still doable. So if we are 12 people we will need a house with at least 4 bathrooms but preferably 5 or 6 bathrooms.
Kit,, so happy to hear you are in! And Shining Star and maybe Hero too. I pm'd Didot but no answer yet. If our final number for the entire time is more than 12, looks like we will need another house.
And,, I've been told I snore so unless that's just another big fat MLC lie, then I would prefer a solo room. ::)
Treasur - I didn't realize you lived so close. You actually have accommodation you can rent out? If so, let's try to use it!
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Apparently, I snore at times, too, just a little my S25 tells me, so I'm happy to share but maybe with another snorer so I'm not a nuisance?
I will give my top 3 tomorrow, although I'm happy to go with whatever the majority prefers. Oh, and Anon is very right about being prepared for the numbers to fluctuate right up to the end. We should be consider that. Would love it if any LBSes in the UK who decide last minute that they can come down even for just a night, as long as they're willing to find themselves an air B&B or little hotel by themselves.
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Not that it matters, but S is 15 not 25, so who knows if he's being polite about my snoring or rude.
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Treasur,,, here are my thoughts on accommodation:
#1, #4, #5 - are my picks if we only need one house. They all have 5 bathrooms and sleep either 12 or 13 (maybe).
#1: is the priciest but it's also right at the beach, is very luxurious, and has some great views. This would be my choice. Sleeps 13 max. even when maximizing the 2 per room opportunity.
#4: cost a bit less than #1, but it looks like its a couple of blocks from the beach, it's luxurious but not as much as much as #1 and it doesn't look like there are ocean views. I'm not sure how to fit 13 people sleeping in the house. I can see 12 people and that is maximizing the two per room opportunity. The other beds cannot really be shared - double bed, 2 king beds (well maybe shareable,,,). I don't see where the 13th person will sleep unless there are 3 in the super king size bed? And I am assuming that 2 bunk beds means 1 bunk bed for 2 and another bunk bed for 2. If it doesn't mean that, then I can only see room for 10.
#5: is also nice and on the beach, but,, while I was looking at the availability suddenly the 18th and 19th days grayed out which means someone just booked it. So unless we pick a different week, this one is out.
#2,#3 and #6: none of these have enough bathrooms if we all stay in one house.
But,,, if we need two houses, then my picks are #2 & #3 over any of the other houses. Enough bathrooms (3 in #2 and 4 in #3) and both cheaper by quite a bit than 1, 4 or 5. Possibly more opportunity to get a solo room in these houses too.
It's going to be tough to choose a house or houses until we know more about who is coming for sure, and is prepared to pay a deposit, and also who wants their own room and who is okay with sharing (and saving some money).
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Anon well summarised.
They all look lovely. But I agree we should look at #2 and #3
I might sound like a princess but would prefer my own room if possible, don't mind paying more for this.
#1 sleep 13 but 4 of these beds are bunks and in the same room - getting up to the top bunk after a few glasses of prosecco might be a challenge!
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we’re all a bit of princess! We get to be now after BD!
Yeah I mean, If I had to share I would but if I was top bunk I would probably sleep on the floor. Don’t fancy breaking an arm just to get some sleep 😂 I’m a very clumsy drunk 😵
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I broke my toe in tuscany..it is all just part of the process. ;D
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Hahaha! I’ve managed 28 years on earth with no broken bones or bee stings hahaha. I don’t want to start now Hahahaha
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Another thought - if two houses are needed, then one house for anyone who wants their own room. Another house for those who are fine sharing. Keeps things simpler. How many want their own room - get the right size house. Same with the sharing house. Math would be easy too otherwise its a bit of a headache to sort that out.
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Another thought - if two houses are needed, then one house for anyone who wants their own room. Another house for those who are fine sharing. Keeps things simpler. How many want their own room - get the right size house. Same with the sharing house. Math would be easy too otherwise its a bit of a headache to sort that out.
I was wondering about that, particularly as people might have different budget constraints.
Good idea.
How would you feel about coordinating booking the Singles house, Anon?
And maybe someone else could organise the Sharing house?
I don't mind being the local advisor and tour guide but I'd prefer not to organise the bookings really.
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I have lost track of the numbers. Can we not fit in one house? If we do two houses, one for singles and one for sharing, will that work? Rarely will houses have all rooms that can be turned into 2 beds. I'm not sure that when people say they would share, they would sleep in a double bed with someone else.
I would say, let's go for the largest house available. Tell everyone the costs for rooms on their own, and costs for sharing. Let's see who commits at this point. Let's see if we really do have spillover. If we have a core group that would fit in one house, and who are willing to commit right now to a deposit, let's just rent one house. Then based on how many extras come along, we can look at finding them a second house.
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Can we not fit in one house?
That would be great to get into one house. At the moment, it doesn't look possible. So far 13 people have said they are in and there is a 14th person (Didot) who is seriously considering. The largest house is 7 bedrooms (#2) and some of those bedrooms have to stay as solo rooms because, yeah,,, none of us would be crazy about sharing a double bed with someone. The #2 house can accommodate 10 only and it's hard to tell the bedrooms that could be for just one person, but I doubt it would be more than 2.
I do agree the next step is to confirm who is interested for the entire time and who is just coming for a few days. Those coming for a few days can do a smaller airbnb or something. Also,, who is ready to contribute their share to the deposit once a we have agreed on house(s) to rent? That could be very soon.
The 13 people currently on the list -
1. can you guys confirm your interest again
2. are you able to cover your share of the deposit now? Amt. depends on #people and the house we choose.
3. share a room or your own room?
4. Staying the week? Or just a few days? (The 'week' might only be 5 or 6 days).
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If it helps....my sleeps 12 was based on this description e.g. 1 bedroom with 2 poss singles on gf, 2 bedrooms with king size (not for sharing), 1 bedroom with 2 poss singles, 1 bedroom with 2 singles and finally 1 bedroom with 2 bunk beds that sleeps 4 sober/nimble lol....ergo max of 12 people or min of 6 not sharing
Six bedrooms and four bathrooms offer the ultimate in companionable-living convenience – and for those with concerns over stair-climbs, one of each of them is on the ground floor. Here, with doors leading out to a pathway and the garden beyond, you’ll find a lovely high-ceilinged room complete with zip-and-link beds that can be made up as a king-size if you’d prefer – just let us know when you book and we’ll make sure it’s ready for your arrival. The ground floor bathroom has a shower, washbasin, WC and heated towel rail too. Upstairs, there’s a cloakroom with wc and, opposite, a separate shower room with washbasin, plus five further bedrooms – one of them, furnished with a king-size bed and sofa, has its own en suite shower room. A range of sleeping options is on offer at this level; there’s a second king-size-bedded room, another with a super-king-size bed that can be converted to two singles, a twin-bedded room and, finally, a room with bunk beds and its own vanity basin area – ideal for the youngest guests.
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Yes I can confirm I am interested
Yes I can cover my share of the deposit now
I would really like my own room
I would plan to be stay the week.
Anon
I know you said you wouldn't mind going to London before the meet-up but if you were thinking of also extending at the end (I'm working the week before)and wanted to visit other places - as we will probably visit London and Cambridge whilst at Southwold (is this doable Treasur?) I was thinking maybe Oxford and the Cotswolds - probably too far to travel to the lake District or Cornwall, then I could join you - I'll have my car - just a thought
Enyo x
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I am really considering this trip .. I cannot 100% commit as a few things in the air ( father has surgery date pending etc). But if all falls into place...I am a comin! I would need my own room as I apparently hugely snore … ugh. Sounds so exciting and an adventure is just what I need !
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I would prefer my own room. I can pay my deposit now.
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Sorry I've been out of the loop. So it looks like the plan is for Southwold in September? I'm still very very interested but worried about committing in case I find a job and do not have vacation flexibility.
One random thought - and not to hijack what has worked for the group before- is there a nearby inn (or Highclere castle) where some of us could book rooms and then not inconvenience the group if we have to cancel? Have the meet ups ever been at inns? I know a private house is lovely and a good place for prosecco at 1 am and probably more cost effective, but a few jobs ago I went on lots of corporate retreats at inns and retreat centers and our large group was always able to find our own space.
True confession, have never been to the U.K. before .... I would hope to stay the week and would love to explore a bit longer, too. Desperately need some fun and adventure with wonderful company.
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As Kit reported, I am in for September. My passport is up to date, and am ready to travel. I would prefer my own room and am able to put down a deposit when needed.
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I need my own room too. I’m good for the week. Deposit ready now.
Enyo, I’d would love to see both those places after the meetup but can’t confirm yet. I may need to be home before the 20th. I thought the 25th but it’s the 20th. I’ve got an eye surgery booked. It’s possible that date will be moved up but I won’t find out until April or May. So all up in the air. I’ll keep you posted! Most likely I am coming a couple days earlier to spend in London unless we are planning a visit to London anyway during the meetup.
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I probably should wait to confirm my participation. I may need shoulder surgery and I don't know when that would be but it might be sometime late summer or fall. I'm seeing the surgeon week after next and I'll know more then. I doubt it will occur before the get together, but I should see what happens at the next appt before deciding if I can make it or not. So call me a maybe for now and I'll update when I know more.
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Hi sorry for late reply. Manic manic weekend
I’m still intending to come.
Potentially can do my deposit. Depends how much it will be but if I can’t today can next week
I’m happy to share or have own room. Either or
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If Anon's involvement is now a bit uncertain, does anyone else want to pick up the organising baton for the Single house?
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I would say, let's just take it easy for a minute and let ideas settle so we can see more clearly. Anon has an appointment in a couple of weeks where she'll know more. That's not far away.
Then regarding a house as opposed to an inn/hotel, I would go for a house at least for a core group. Then an inn could be useful for people popping in for a night or two, or for late comers. A house is a better environment because of its privacy, no ears or eyes listening in to what is for many a delicate situation. Although we don't talk about MLC all the time, we certainly have talked about our personal experience at BD, the feelings of the affair, financial devastation, and that's only easy to open up about in a place you feel safe. So I would go for 1 house, plus name of a good inn.
Anon is brilliant at dividing up the expenses so that people now how much accomodation would cost them based on single or shared room. Someone else in our group might be good at numbers, too, and able to give those to us. Otherwise, everyone can go onto the links and work it out themselves.
Once it comes to the moment of securing the rental, a deposit will have to be put in place. I don't know how much, maybe 50% of the total (split between everyone based on whether they share or not). It will say on the link. You can all go on the link and work that out, too.
A deposit usually (based on the Tuscany experience) has to be done with a credit card. What we did for Tuscany, was have everyone send me the money through Paypal first, and then I used my Italian credit card. I can't do this for us this time. We would need someone to lend their credit card after having been credited first by the rest of us. I would say, let's just take it one step at a time.
My suggestion: those interested in coming, please check the links, where you have a favourite work out your cost and share it with us so it helps the others to get going. Some LBSs are able to afford their share without knowing the nitty details, but for those on a tighter budget, please could you take a look and share. Others will probably come in and add to it.
Treasur, the only thing I would ask you if you have any suggestions about an 'inn.' Otherwise, we can look up tripadvisor.
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Milly, Treasur - I have no problem continuing with organizing. I will likely be there but even if I’m not, I can continue with the numbers and organizing.
It is a bit of a challenge to figure out individual costs as the cost to rent may includes things we all share equally, such as cleaning fee, booking fee, tourism fee, electricity and water fee. The cost will drop for those sharing a room but it doesn’t work out to 1/2 what the solo guys will pay. More like 2/3.
Best thing to do is nail down the house first, then the math can begin.
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Thanks, Anon, you're extremely helpful.
So those coming, please vote for the house, or say you have no preference and the majority will rule.
I vote the largest house with the largest number of bedrooms, whether it's right at the water or not.
Number 2.
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Inns/hotels
http://www.thecrownsouthwold.co.uk (my favourite, also central)
https://theswansouthwold.co.uk (central, recently refurbished)
https://www.sutherlandhouse.co.uk/ (not been in but looks nice, central)
https://www.sailloftsouthwold.uk/ (lovely but about 10 mins walk, near harbour)
http://blythhotel.com/ (ok, but more basic)
B&B guest houses/pubs
http://www.southwoldamberhouse.co.uk (seafront, typical b&b style)
http://www.number49southwoldbandb.co.uk/ (about 10 min walk from centre)
http://www.therandolph.co.uk (About 10 min walk from centre)
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I will be studying part time in September, possibly moving house and will have a daughter to prepare for university but I will definitely come for as much of the time as possible, since my course just means going into London. It is probably best that I book hotel accommodation which will be flexible.
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I really really want to go, but not sure that I can make it this year.
Too many extraneous expenses this summer and fall (new college for s18).
Don't count on me at this point.
SORRY...
Sea
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Ahh darn. I just heard back from the eye doctor about travelling after surgery. Not for a month after. My dates are August 25 for 1st eye and Sept 22 for 2nd eye. So unless the surgery dates change I can’t go. :-X But,,in April or May I will learn if I can have it done sooner as more space on the surgery surgery schedule could open up. So,,I’m out for the immediate planning. :(
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So far only 5 definites for staying in the house: Milly, Enyo, KIT, Shining Star And Sachet3..
Lots of maybes including me. If eye surgery dates are moved up, then I still have to worry about the possible shoulder surgery.
Maybes: Maleficent, Barbiedoll, Anon,
Staying for a few days and arranging their own lodging: Nerissa, Mortesbride.
Several others expressed interest when thread initially opened. Anyone more definite now about being able to come?
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Anon, thank you so much for breaking down the confirmed people as of now, and the possibles. It really helps to see things more clearly.
I suggest doing what we did last year, set up a whatsapp thread between us so that those more likely to make it can decide between ourselves how to go about the accomodation, prices, etc.
I would say that the thread should be for the ones definitely wanting to come, and for those really trying to come. Then as we make some progress with house choice, etc, we can post it back on here and see if we can get others to join us.
I realize that September seems very far away at this point and it's hard to make definite plans requiring payments, etc. I think it would easily be possible to find extra acomodation later in the year if other people find they can now come.
For those who don't have my whatsapp number already, please pm me.
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I will 100% be there. I just not sure how long for as depends on childcare. However will be there.
Will Pm you my number now Milly!
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I’ve only just caught up with this thread- it’s been manic.
I’m still interested but can’t commit to accommodation for a week in September as the kids will be at school and my oldest will be starting secondary schools so I’ve taken time off to help get settle.. I’ve also used up most of my work holiday fir the year. I’m definitely interested in coming over the weekend & possibly take one day off if it’s the weekend I don’t have the girls. I can book accommodation for myself closer the time. Would be nice to see everyone x