Keith and I went to Brighton a little over a week ago with the goal of finding a place to live. Even more important than having a place to actually stay when we move in August, we needed an address so we could apply to schools for the girls.
Let me just say the rental market in Brighton is tight! Everytime something nice came on the market, it would be gone before we could even see it. Needless to say, we saw some junk and we saw some places that would have been great if we didn't have kids (those stinkin' kids). By the end of our trip, the only option we had was a nice flat that only had one bathroom. It would have worked, but we might not have survived it as a family sharing a bathroom (with 2 girls, can you imagine?).
As usual, God came through for us in the end. Our friends, Dave and Becky, had some friends that were trying to sell thier flat, and they let us go by to look at it. The friends decided they would be willing to rent it to us, and so we now have a house!
Our new flat is in a great location - 32 Coventry Street (if you want to check it out on Google Earth). It is pretty centrally located, and it is actually around the corner from our friends Dave and Becky. We don't have much a garden - just a paved patio really, but there are a couple of really big parks nearby.
The house also actually backs up to a really good junior school that would be perfect for Sloane. Unfortunately, that school is full right now, but Sloane is the first person on the waiting list. We are just praying someone in her year moves over the summer. We won't know where the girls will be going to school until probably after school starts. You have to put 3 school preferences down, and then the admissions council works with the schools to find you an available spot. The really good schools are already full, and you have to just hope for an open spot. Please be praying for the girls' school situation.
Our new flat has 4 bedrooms (and 2 baths!), so we will have room for visitors. You will have to share the bathroom with us though :).
I have a friend who moved to Oxford last summer so her husband could pursue his doctorate in theology. She went through all the same issues regarding schools, etc. If you need another contact (relatively speaking) I'd be happy to virtually introduce you. That said she is expecting #3 any day now!
ReplyDelete