So the lawyer received a 'variance' for the front of the house, allowing it to approach the house by less than 50 ft.  But the house is still on contravention of zoning laws at back, albeit by a small amount.  More importantly, perhaps is the fact that it might be very difficult to get agreement to any extension of the house.  We were not planning to but it would almost certainly reduce the sale value of the house.

Anne also now has a 'bad feeling' about this house.  Too much has gone wrong with this purchase.  So we shall not buy, and will tell our lawyer so on Monday.  Pia and William, the owners who we know, will of course be disappointed. He has already moved to his new job in Iowa and they had planned to have the movers in Monday, with Pia and Stella then following.  We assume that they too were unaware of these problems when they bought 2 years ago, perhaps because their lawyer simply did not do a good job.  They too are victims and have our sympathy but we must look after our own interests.  

So, where too now?  We had hoped to stay in 2nd Street, or at least in Hopewell.  We could buy the house we are currently renting but it would need quite a bit of work and we would have to live in it whilst construction was going on.  One of the reasons why we wanted to stay here was because of the kids on the block but, if we are honest, Joey's best mate here, Chris, will probably leave soon anyway, as they are trying to sell.  Jack, from 1st Street, plays well with both our kids but is not around so much and the bond between him and Joey is not that strong.  Lindon, the boy next door who is Izzy's age, will be moving on once they find a place to buy and Grace, the wee girl behind us in only around at weekends.  Her and Izzy get on great together and it would be sad to not be close to her but Izzy makes friends easily so we are not so worried about that.

So, back to the house at 39 Main Street, Pennington.  Oldish (1860) and lovely, we both liked it but the upstairs configuration didn't quite work.  My brilliant wife thinks that she has come up with a solution, by extending over the back.  The garden is lovely and it would be within walking/cycling distance from school and many other attractions.  So our attention will return to Pennington.