Good news. I have finally found the house I have been looking for.
Empty. Turn-key condition. No chain. Fully furnished. It even has a verandah overlooking a lake. Best of all the house is very close to the city – one bridge and a brisk jog.
I have had to do some landscaping in the garden. I also put up a new wall for privacy. I haven’t met my neighbors yet but I’m sure I will. I hear some of them at night. Walking around. In the morning they are not there.