Moving out of London was always on the cards. My husband’s dream was to trade his job in the City for a coaching job in the country, when the time was right. Nevertheless, over the years we spent time and money getting our house in London just right. It suited us very well, its big reception rooms and open-plan kitchen were perfect for entertaining and we liked to fill the house with people.

So when, a couple of years ago, the words ‘it’s time to start house-hunting in the West Country’ were first uttered, I felt sick. I had created a good life in London with friends and everything I needed close by. I also loved our house.

Reluctantly I went to view a property my husband had found. It seemed okay but it was the polar opposite to our imposing townhouse in London. It had small rooms and everywhere needed decorating. As for the kitchen – well, I couldn’t imagine myself cooking in it let alone entertaining.

After a few months of soul searching I was persuaded we should buy the country house – at least we could have a dog or two, which our pristine house in London just wasn’t suited to. But when I pulled our old front door to for the final time and got into my car to make the journey west, the magnitude of the move really dawned on me: what were we doing and how on earth could we improve on our London life?

The first few months were pretty awful. Yes, we had an amazing view but it was far too quiet and I longed to be back in London. But then we got decorating and started to put our mark on the house and with all our things unpacked it began to take shape. Shops and gyms were not too far away and I noticed how welcoming the majority of people in the village were.This was very different to London where we rarely saw anybody who lived in our road.

As I learned more about the house’s history I started to have a sense of belonging and realised that, actually, the oldest rooms were full of character and much cosier than their London counterparts.

But the real epiphany came after my first trip up to London. As the train pulled into the station, my stomach fluttered with excitement at the prospect of heading home. It slightly took me by surprise but as I thought about it I realised this was now home and I was glad to be back.

Yes, the kitchen still frustrates me but we enjoy filling the house with friends and family and now have a dog.

RP, Somerset

Further information

What makes a house a home and why does it matter so much? Our new series, 'Moving Stories', inspired by Savills new advertising campaign, explores the complex relationship between home and home-owner with funny, sad and bittersweet reflections on moving out, moving in and moving on.

We invite you to submit your own Moving Stories and we will donate £50 to Dreams Come True for every one we publish on Savills UK Blog. We'll also make a donation for every story submitted for consideration.