FROM TOWN TO THE COUNTRYSIDE
COUNCIL HOUSE EXCHANGE

Stevenage to Dyfed

Most people, at one time or another, dream of a cottage in the country. Many are put off this idea often because it appears to be impossible to realise. Unless one possesses the capital to buy and renovate uninhabitable cottages the case would seem hopeless. My particular solution to this problem may be of help if you are prepared to put some effort into this 'dream'.

I possessed no capital, and was earning and living on a fairly average wage. I was living in an industrial town, in the centre of a terraced row of council houses.

First of all I went to my local bookshop and bought some Ordnance Survey maps of the areas that interested me. In my case it was Pembrokeshire, now called Dyfed. I then went to the library and in their reference section there is a book which lists all local newspapers printed in any area and their price, address, sub-scription rates, etc. I chose six covering a fairly large area of Dyfed. I wrote to them all sending a small fee (price of paper and postage) asking for one sample issue and their advertising rates. When I received these papers I then wrote off enclosing the relevant fee and an advertisement for 3 weeks (usually for the price of two) asking for a house exchange (one council house for another council house).

I received several replies and one weekend I drove 300 miles to Dyfed to meet the people concerned and view their houses. Unfortunate-ly, none were suitable for various reasons.

I persisted in my advertising and three months later I had three more interested tenants to visit. Once again I drove down, and this time I was prepared to consider one in Tenby that appeared reason-able. This house was still a town house, semi-detached, but on the coast, away from industry, and a local base from which to continue my search for a cottage in a more agricultural setting. The tenants of the house in Tenby visited my house, all was agreed, and we were all prepared to move.

The next step was to apply for permission from our local councils. Tenby council presented no conditions for me to fill but my local council specified that the new tenant would need to have a job in Stevenage Town itself, not even within travelling distance; e.g. 5-10 miles.

I was able to arrange for him to have my job with my then employer, which I understand he left soon after he moved in, finding something else which suited him better. I include all this information so that readers can see that, although it is not easy, these problems can be over-come.

Continued