Case Study: From Surrey to Wiltshire - A Family Finds Their Forever Home

Otters Home Search
Jun 23
3 min read

A Fresh Start in the West Country

Martin and Bella, along with their two daughters, had recently moved from Surrey to a countryside rental in Wiltshire. With Bella’s new job in Bath and a desire to be closer to her mother, the family was ready to plant permanent roots in the region.

But while the rental suited them temporarily, they longed for stability, connection, and a home that reflected their evolving lifestyle. That’s when a friend recommended Otters Home Search.

Their Priorities: Practical, Social, and Long-Term

Martin and Bella came to us with a clear but complex brief:

A low-maintenance home to minimise upkeep
Dedicated home working space for hybrid roles
Room to host friends and family comfortably
A location with commutable access to Bath and near Bella’s mum
Good potential for friendships—for them and their daughters
Insights into villages, schools, and community feel

Despite keeping a close eye on Rightmove, they had struggled to filter quality from noise. Too often, listings that looked perfect “on paper” turned out to be in the wrong spot.

Local Insight That Saved Time

We started by helping them understand what each local village had to offer:

Commute times to Bath by car and train
School catchments and extracurriculars
Walkability, traffic, and weekend feel
Community hubs—cafés, playgroups, sports, and more

Together, we built a shortlist of locations that fit their practical needs and social hopes. No more wasted viewings—just targeted visits to properties that felt “right.”

💬 “We were tired of ‘nearly-right’ homes. It was such a relief to work with someone who really understood the nuance of location.”

Unlocking Off-Market Opportunity

Through our local network, we uncovered a modern, spacious home in one of their target villages—before it even hit the portals.

It ticked every box:

Light-filled open-plan living spaces
Stylish home office with rural views
Guest room and flexible space for hosting
A manageable garden perfect for their daughters to play safely
Short commute to Bath and close to Bella’s mum

Better still, we knew the seller was motivated, and we negotiated a substantial discount from the asking price, allowing Martin and Bella to move forward with confidence.

A Smooth and Supported Purchase

We guided them every step of the way—from introducing a surveyor to recommending a reliable local solicitor experienced in country property. Timely coordination kept the transaction smooth.

As the family prepared to move in, we also shared:

Trusted trades for minor upgrades
Suggestions for local schools and clubs
Introductions to friendly neighbours through our network

It was more than a transaction—it was the start of a new, rooted life.

Building a Life, Not Just Buying a House

Now settled, Martin and Bella enjoy the best of both worlds:

A peaceful, connected village lifestyle
Easy access to Bath’s career and cultural opportunities
A modern home ready for the next chapter

Their daughters are making new friends, and so are they.

Why Work With a Buying Agent?

✅ Access to off-market and pre-market properties

✅ Local knowledge that avoids wasted time

✅ Smart negotiation based on seller motivation

✅ Support from briefing to completion

For families making life-changing moves, it’s not just about buying a house—it’s about making a confident decision with the right support behind you.