I am struggling with this. We found a neat candidate about 1 1/2 hour from my kids but it is extremely small (to me) 1130 sq feet, 2 beds, 1 bath. We work at home and really like having our space.
BUT, the house is affordable, has enough acreage, and fronts on a stream, which would be extremely cool. It is a craftsman bungalow which is my absolute favorite kind of house. I still regret selling the one I owned in suburban Chicago--it was a little gem.
This has a barn, which is important for what we want to do going forward. It's in rough shape but it is a glorious bungalow, with wait for it--a wrap around porch!!! Which I had in my first house and loved beyond measure.
We came out of an 800 square foot house 4 years ago and I said never again, it was too damn small with both of us home 24/7/
However, this house is a BUNGALOW, and I LOVE bungalows and best of all, it is a bungalow with a barn, a winning combination.
I know many of you live in less than 1100 square feet and my hat is off to you but I am really torn. We would have to put in another bathroom as it is impossible to have guests with one bathroom, at least we find it unpleasnant. We offer to put the kids up in a motel but they want to stay with us, which is flattering, but they need space, as they now come with grandchildren.
What do you all think???