After many years of living in Hendon, former Barnet Homes tenant Ian made a life-changing move to the Lincolnshire coast through the Seaside & Country Homes scheme. Looking for peace, quiet and more space, he relocated to a two-bedroom bungalow in Skegness with his cat, Benji.

Ian shares how he discovered the scheme, the challenges of moving, and why living by the sea had always been a dream. He also offers advice for anyone considering making a similar move through the scheme.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself

I’m 62, retired and until May this year I was a Barnet Homes tenant living in Hendon, in Northwest London, in a one-bedroom bungalow near Brent Cross. I lived on my own with my cat, Benji.

Q: How did you first hear about the Seaside & Country Homes scheme?

I read about it in atHome magazine, and it was also mentioned to me while I was on a short break to Clacton. So, I looked it up online, and then I asked Denise Bracken, the Barnet Homes Fresh Start Officer about it.

Q: What were you looking for in a new home and location?

I was looking to move closer to the sea and to a quieter area with more space. London, in general, is just too busy. I also wanted a bigger bungalow.

Q: How did you feel when you were offered your new two- bedroom bungalow in Skegness?

Ecstatic. It sounded like something I’d always wanted. It was definitely a dream come true.

Q: What was the moving process like for you?

There were lots of little challenges. For example, I had to borrow money from family to get all my belongings moved up here and that cost about £1,250. Another challenge was getting my cat here. My brother brought me up and I sat in the back with the cat all the way.

Q: What do you most enjoy about your new home?

Peace and quiet. The property is great, there’s plenty of storage space, and the people are nice. The biggest positive is being surrounded by clean air and being able to breathe properly.

Q: How has Benji settled in?

He’s a lot more settled. He’s the dominant cat around this area now.

Q: What has been the biggest adjustment since moving?

I’m so used to being in a place that’s moving 100 miles an hour, day in and day out. Then I moved to a place that is incredibly slow and quiet. Public transport is a problem. If you’re used to London transport, there’s nothing better in the whole UK than London transport. But I’ve gone from a tiny bungalow to a huge bungalow with two bedrooms.

Q: What are your neighbours like?

I thought all my neighbours were vampires at first because I never saw anybody! But really, they’re lovely. Lots of nice people. I talk to everybody anyway, so I’ve met a lot of people.

Q: What would you say to other Barnet Homes residents who are considering a move through The Seaside & Country Homes scheme?

Think deeply before you move. The Seaside & Country Homes scheme is a fantastic scheme, but make sure you visit and really consider all your options around the area you’re moving to. Just because somewhere is by the seaside doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Have a really good look into things before you do it.

Q: Looking back, was the move worth it?

Living by the sea was always something I wanted to do. I’ve achieved that and I’m pleased I did it.

Q: How would you describe life in your new home?

Interesting, eye-opening and completely different. If people are looking for complete peace and quiet, come to Skegness.

Q: And finally, what would you like people to know about the move?

There are so many different home-swapping schemes out there that people don’t know about. I’d tell people to look at all their options. And I’d also say talk to Barnet Homes Fresh Start Officer, Denise Bracken, she has been a tremendous help. She’s a lovely lady and I can’t praise her enough.

For more information about the scheme visit here