64 Comments
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Chris's avatar

Oh, I so enjoyed this. Particularly as we are now in a similar situation, having g just lost our buyer on our estate house in Ayrshire. Trying, in a difficult market, to move more rural. We know it will happen but it's such a slight in the meantime. I shall now plough through the Keeper's journey when I feel the need to relax and draw breath.

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Gareth's avatar

Thank you for your kind words and so sorry to hear about your sale. It is such a relentless, frustrating and all-consuming process. You're right though, it will happen, and it will all be worth it, but that doesn't make the process any easier. Wishing you all the best - keep me posted! G

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Jacqueline Olson's avatar

Gareth: you are a kindred spirit. I cannot tell a story without a ramble! I agree that a real estate purchase with its accompanying bids and rebids is an emotional roller coaster (similar story when we purchased our one and only house 28 years ago!) I love that picture of you in the conservatory. Your friend is the US, JackieO

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Tats | Designer & Explorer's avatar

What an absolutely lovely read. Been following along on Instagram for a while and it's lovely to know a bit more detail about how you two got to Scotland. I do feel it's kind of meant to be when a house that seemingly got away comes back on the market. That's what happened to me 👍

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Heather's avatar

Great post again, thanks Gareth. Please say it’s not going to rain all next week, we’re on our way north to Oban again as we speak. May see you soon x

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Mandy Sinfield's avatar

Great to learn about the background to your purchase . Looking forward to further instalments

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Karen's avatar

Lovely intro to Scottish life - can’t wait for further chapters x

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Lauren Margaret's avatar

Ahh you have got me hooked. I can not wait to read more, a wonderful post and an adventure with lots of ups and downs I’m sure 💙

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Rosalie Mead's avatar

Loved reading this. Feels like definite fate that it came back up just as you were there ready. We were going through the same move at almost the same time so this all resonates so much with me.

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Lesley Russell's avatar

So glad you both decided to carpe that diem! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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Jo Thompson's avatar

How fabulous to find you here on Substack!

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Gareth's avatar

Thank you Jo!

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Jo Thompson's avatar

Pleasure!

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Denise MacGillivray's avatar

Love hearing about all your adventures with your wee cottage - looking forward to the next instalment 😊

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Gareth's avatar

Thank you!

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Lisa Dawson's avatar

So lovely to see you here Gareth! Xxx

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Gareth's avatar

Oh thank you so much Lisa. Very much finding my feet around another new (to me) platform 😆

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Heather's avatar

As you know, we viewed Keepers (from the outside) too 🤭, but it was always meant to be yours, you’ve come so far with it in such a short time, we love keeping up with you on our trips north. Keep(ers) up the good work (sorry 🤨)

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Gareth's avatar

Haha! And thank you so much. If you have time next time you're up, please pop by for a cuppa!

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Elaine Green's avatar

Loved reading this Gareth. Love hearing your stories about keepers Cottage and Scotland, shall look forward to the next read. X

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Gareth's avatar

Thank you so much!

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JP Clark's avatar

Your friend was very obliging taking you both up The Cobbler! How very generous. Now, I need to ask: Have you always said the word “wee”, or is it an I’ve moved to Scotland thing that just can’t be helped because everybody says it up there? And also, if indeed, it isn’t something you used to say before moving to the bonny highlands, did you giggle just a little bit when you first heard it, or said it, as every time I read it I think of my tinkle! Can’t believe I just typed tinkle. Oops, did it again!

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Gareth's avatar

Haha! No, it's definitely something that has crept into my vocabulary. I'm more confident using it in written comments that verbally. But I'll get there!

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JP Clark's avatar

Don’t get me wrong, I find it rather charming. It’s reflective of how comfortable you are up there. X

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Carol's avatar

I love reading your Instagram now there's this also! Joy! You have such a talent for writing. Your stories never fail to lift me. You're honest and often hilarious ramblings are just wonderful! Thank you!

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Gareth's avatar

That's such a kind comment, thank you so much G xx

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