Settling in

Thank you for all the good wishes about moving, as you can see we have arrived! Moving day went remarkably smoothly, although we were shocked when a very small removal van turned up!  Luckily a larger van followed a few minutes later. We ended up only needing the larger van ... our decluttering must have helped!


The picture was taken on a walk further up the hill from us, looking back towards West Bay and the Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland to the right.



Above is the sea view from our  new home - the  ragged edge  of  East Cliff  is eye catching and watching the colour of the sea constantly changing has been a welcome distraction from the unpacking.


Down at sea level West cliff looks equally as dramatic, as many families enjoy some autumn sunshine.


 We have unpacked all the boxes and we are enjoying our new home now we have more time to relax.  Initially it felt like we were on staying in a holiday home but had brought all our belongings and furniture with us!  Twinkle is settling down well in her new surroundings. I don't think it will be long before she is demanding to be let out! Our son and daughter's boyfriend joined the three of us for the weekend and we even found time to visit one of our favourite cafes at Eype, which is now in walking distance.


We have inherited a huge grape vine, spending a few moments sitting underneath it in the sunshine makes me feel that I am in the Mediterranean! We shall be busy trying to convert this crop into juice and wine. Does anyone have any good recipes?


Now the house is sorted we can start to plan where to plant all the cuttings that came with us from the old garden!


We will also be taking many more walks along the seashore, hopefully with you alongside too!


You have to dream before your dreams come true.-A. Abdul Kalam
 Sarah x

Comments

  1. Rosemary5 October 2014 at 19:41

    Dear Sarah - I am amazed at how quickly you have settled in. I thought about you on removal day and remember thinking what lovely weather you were having for it.
    Gorgeous view from the window and a Monkey Puzzle tree too - you cant get much better than that. I did a post on the Monkey Puzzle Tree once, did you know that fossilised jet comes from its wood?

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    1. Down by the sea5 October 2014 at 19:56

      Rosemary I have just found your interesting post about the monkey puzzle tree. I didn't know about the fossilised jet, it seems appropriate that there is a tree close to the Jurassic coast! Sarah x

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  2. Janneke 5 October 2014 at 19:42

    Wow, I am almost jealous on the seaview from your home. And the grapevine full of juicy grapes.......wonderful.
    Wish you lots of pleasure with your new home at this beautiful place.

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  3. rabbitquilter5 October 2014 at 19:45

    So glad the move went well and the weather was kind to you! I have just come back from my last week in my favourite spot, just popping down next weekend to bring the caravan back for the winter (groan)! I did look out for a removal van while sunning myself and enjoying a coffee by the boats!!! Wishing you lots of love and happiness in your new home X

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  4. Freda5 October 2014 at 19:58

    Oh well done Sarah! You must be a great organiser. Every good wish for many hours under that wonderful vine in the sunshine.

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    1. Down by the sea6 October 2014 at 19:49

      Not sure about a great organiser - we couldn't have done it so quickly without our daughter's help! Sarah x

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  5. Sue in Suffolk5 October 2014 at 20:18

    The opportunity to look out of the window and see the light changing over the sea - ANYTIME. WOW. Goodluck in your new home

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  6. Jolanda5 October 2014 at 20:26

    You live at an magical place! What a view. I just red al your last posts and enjoyed it. Lovely greetings

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  7. Things and Thoughts5 October 2014 at 20:29

    Life seems to hide new excitements and pleasures Sarah! I'm glad you feel closer to the Mediterranean from your new home!
    Happy new week.
    Olympia

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  8. CJ5 October 2014 at 20:45

    A sea view (and a beautiful one at that), a grape vine and a greenhouse, perfection. It all sounds absolutely blissful. I would certainly feel as though I was on holiday. I do hope you'll be very happy there. It such a glorious area. CJ xx

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  9. Gemma5 October 2014 at 20:56

    Glad your move went well. My cousin has just bought a place in Cornwall with a sea view, I've always dreamed of a sea view so I'm jealous of yours! Maybe one day I'll get one!

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  10. Louise5 October 2014 at 21:05

    Glad to hear you have settled in nicely :)

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  11. rusty duck5 October 2014 at 21:55

    Oh that view, how wonderful to be so close to the sea. I hope you will be very happy in your new home x

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  12. Lynn5 October 2014 at 22:08

    How lovely that you inherited the grape vine which looks really healthy. I am also jealous of your greenhouse too. One thing I would love is a sea view, but at California prices, I don't think I ever will.

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  13. Seawashed5 October 2014 at 22:10

    Your view of trees through your dining area is absolutely dreamy. So happy for your smooth move nearer the sea coast. Will look forward to your walks along the shore.

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  14. Angelsdoor * Penny5 October 2014 at 22:12

    Welcome to you new home.. Oh Sarah. It is breathtaking! You have settled in so fast... These photos are gorgeous!
    Wishing you much joy in the years to come.
    blessings,
    Penny

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  15. Castles Crowns and Cottages5 October 2014 at 22:27

    Oh I am so glad I caught your post tonight; tomorrow morning I will be running out the door to go teach my early class!

    SARAH! WHAT A DREAM COME TRUE, INDEED! You have reached the rim of lifestyle perfection in this life (in my opinion!) - to live so close to the sea. I will be right along side you, YES, as you take us on more, more, more walks along the sea. BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!

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  16. Teresa5 October 2014 at 22:28

    Congratulations on reaching a dream! The location is fantastic! We are very much behind, especially with the decluttering. I suppose it will never happen for us until we are forced to do that... To have a vine of your own is just divine! That is certainly something we could never even dream of having around here.

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  17. Margaret5 October 2014 at 22:54

    How lucky you are to have inherited that beautiful grape vine and how wonderful to be living at the seaside. I hope you will be really happy in your new homexx

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  18. Anne, Life LDC6 October 2014 at 01:21

    It looks perfect! Well, almost...you know what I think you need :) I am so envious of your idyllic spot! Good envy :)

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  19. Bobbie Lynn6 October 2014 at 02:52

    All the best to you and your Hubby in your new home. Your grape vines look beautiful. Sorry, I do not have any grape recipes. They look sweet.
    Many blessings,
    Bobbie Lynn

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  20. Sigrun6 October 2014 at 05:45

    Liebe Sarah, ich wünsche dir, dass all deine Träume in diesem neuem Haus in Erfüllung gehen. Die Lage ist wunderschön, um den täglichen Blick aufs Meer beneide ich dich - er ist traumhaft. Wer möchte nicht jeden Tag am Strand spazieren gehen können? Alles Liebe für dich

    Sigrun

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  21. Greenorchid6 October 2014 at 07:47

    So glad all went well... how exciting.... a new garden to play with. All your root cuttings flowered this year here Sarah!! Cx

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  22. elaine 6 October 2014 at 08:11

    Goodness you got yourselves sorted out pretty quickly. Your new place looks lovely I hope you will be happy there. And what a view - I can tell you are going to make the most of your new home town.

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  23. WILLIE...! =(^..^)=6 October 2014 at 08:29

    Well done on your move...Pleased to hear you've stayed in
    the area....God's own County...! Best there is!

    I did chuckle when l saw the grapes...Yesterday, from 11 in the
    morning until 4 in the afternoon, l was sat picking them. Filled
    a 5 gallon bucket, all ready to wash and process...My friend Rob,
    does all that, and we've some on the go at moment...
    Vino Calapso..2014! :>).

    There are plenty of recipes on line for wine making, l could give you
    my family's way of the process....But, would take to long...And, how
    is your Sicilian language...HeHe! It's not that difficult at all....But, please
    don't waste them...They look lovely...Just remember, if and when you
    pick them, make sure it's first thing...Early morning, that's the best time!
    Good Luck!

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    1. Down by the sea6 October 2014 at 21:52

      Thanks for the hint Willie about early morning! We shall have to compare our Dorset vintages! Sarah x

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  24. Amy at love made my home6 October 2014 at 09:25

    Welcome to your new home!!! I hope that you have many happy years of living there! xx

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  25. Stephanie Gau t6 October 2014 at 09:46

    What a lovely sea view! We also have a fine few of the sea here in Hastings, and have a telescope to watch the ships going up and down the Channel. Last night the moon shone on a silver sea.... you will never tire of it.

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  26. Annie Cholewa6 October 2014 at 10:27

    Such a wonderful place to live. Wishing you many, many happy years there x

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  27. Julie 6 October 2014 at 13:07

    Lovely view... glad the move went well. Hope you will be very happy in your new home :o)

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  28. kristieinbc6 October 2014 at 14:51

    Welcome to your new home, Sarah! It looks like such a beautiful place to live, and I look forward to getting to know it through your blog. I felt like I was on holiday when we first moved into our cottage too, and in many ways still do. We are both so very fortunate.

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  29. Unknown6 October 2014 at 14:59

    Hi Sarah congrats on moving and hope you all enjoy your new home for many years to come! It looks like a lovely place and what a splendid view to wake up to! It seems like you have a lot of projects in the garden which I'm sure will keep you busy. It's all so exciting to move isn't it! I'm looking forward to seeing your posts about your new area! Love and hugs Sharon x

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  30. Stone Angel6 October 2014 at 15:34

    Absolutely gorgeous- wishing you many years of happiness there.

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  31. Caro6 October 2014 at 16:57

    So pleased it all went well (I'm in awe that you managed to move with just one large van - impressive!). With that lovely view and garden, it's a promising start for life in your new home. Looking forward to hearing (and seeing) more … ! Caro x
    PS. Don't forget that vine leaves can be used to make dolmades.

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    1. Down by the sea6 October 2014 at 21:48

      Thanks Caro for the hint about the dolmades, will try this with the young leaves next spring. Sarah x

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  32. Patricia6 October 2014 at 17:06

    I hope you'll be very happy in your new home. To be honest as I haven't been around in blogging world for a while, I missed the run up to your move. It all looks very lovely. Hoping to make another come back this week. P x

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  33. Julie6 October 2014 at 17:55

    I think you must have been working pretty hard behind the scenes. I hope the garden is coming along nicely too now. And enjoy all those new walks and views. It looks stunning. Juliex

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  34. Madelief6 October 2014 at 19:29

    I am so glad your dream and that of James came true Sarah! Oh to have a view like yours! It's good to hear the move went well and you are enjoying your new house and surroundings. Good luck unpacking the boxes and have fun in the garden!

    Madelief x

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  35. serendipity6 October 2014 at 20:39

    Hoping you'll be very happy in your new home. My Mum and Dad had a caravan at the Eype site so I know how beautiful the area is. Good luck with the garden. xx

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  36. Anonymous6 October 2014 at 20:41

    Gosh - I'm so impressed! I still have unpacked boxes in the roof and we moved here over 25 years ago!!! Needless to say I haven't missed what's in them. How absolutely wonderful to have a view of the sea - well done for making the dream a reality. I wish you both exceptionally good luck in your new home. Ax

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  37. Anonymous6 October 2014 at 21:01

    Sarah - I hope your new home will be filled with love, happiness and many new dreams. The place looks charming. Those grapes - ahmazing. Thank you for sharing your new views with us. Best, Kim

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  38. Leanne6 October 2014 at 21:08

    Hooray for a sea view! It's lovely to hear to sound so upbeat, Sarah. The grape vine looks fabulous too. Enjoy your new home.
    Leanne xx

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  39. Claire/Just a little less6 October 2014 at 21:13

    Congratulations Sarah. Look forward to seeing more views and garden. Beautiful xo

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  40. Tori Dickey7 October 2014 at 01:57

    The scenery in your new area is amazing Sarah! I hope you love your new house!

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  41. Unknown7 October 2014 at 06:04

    Sarah, your new place rocks! You have a way with your pictures of transporting me home from the Colonies, and making me so homesick while missing everything the Devon and Cornish coasts used to throw at me! I am excited for you at the prospect of enjoying your new home in new surroundings, and I send mega hugs of happiness your way for a wonderfully bright future ahead. Looking forward to diving into the details! mwah from Oz, Hx

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  42. Anonymous7 October 2014 at 06:40

    Ever so glad you are settled in so well. That cliff is amazing - I look forward to your explorations, but for now sit back and contemplate that wine you are going to make...
    All the best for the future :)

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  43. SeagullSuzie7 October 2014 at 09:52

    Well done on a successful move, your new place looks lovely and a sea view too. I hope you will be very happy and enjoy your new garden. We were in Bridport last Friday and I thought of you when I saw the signs for West Bay.

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    1. Down by the sea7 October 2014 at 21:36

      If you are ever over this way again and have time to meet up let me know. Sarah x

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  44. Em Parkinson7 October 2014 at 19:44

    Sarah, you make moving sound so easy! Inspirational given the stress I always find it causes. All the boxes unpacked already? I still have boxes from six years ago. Shocking. So pleased you're happy in your lovely new house. xx

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  45. Jay7 October 2014 at 19:49

    I'm glad the move went well, your sea view is just wonderful . Now relax a bit before digging over the garden!

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  46. Draffin Bears7 October 2014 at 22:29

    Dear Sarah,

    So happy for you that the move went well and you and now settling in. Looks like a beautiful place and what a gorgeous view and to be able to walk along the beach with you will be great.
    Love the quote to dream also.
    Hope you are enjoying the week
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  47. Angelsdoor * Penny8 October 2014 at 04:35

    Dear Sarah,
    How sweet of you to come by to meet White Bear... Thank you so much for leaving such a kind comment.
    I hope you are enjoying the beauty in your new home and gorgeous surroundings.
    blessings,
    Penny

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  48. Anonymous8 October 2014 at 09:14

    I'm so pleased you've settled in and how wonderful to be able to see the sea. Is the cafe the National Trust one up on the cliff? If it is, we've been there too and it is fantastic. x

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  49. The House with the Blue Door8 October 2014 at 16:22

    How lovely that you have settled into your new home already :) Your new surroundings look beautiful, and your garden too. What an amazing vine, and with grapes ready to pick! Hope the unpacking goes well X

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  50. millefeuilles12 October 2014 at 17:21

    Dear Sarah,

    I wish you both, and Twinkle too of course, many, many joyful years in your new home!

    Stephanie

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  51. Emilie's daughter13 October 2014 at 19:51

    Hello Sarah - it looks like you are in heaven! Such a great view and the vine looks like in the Mediterranean, indeed! Lucky you! I think it is wonderful to settle in anew - give life a new twist and discover new things - even if it is "only" 20 miles away! Enjoy your days! Christa

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  52. a breath of fresh air17 October 2014 at 20:30

    Wow what a grape vine ! You have unpacked all your boxes ! happy new house :-)
    Annie x

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