In all our years together, hubby and I have brought and sold six properties along with one period of renting for six months, and can honestly say I have loved them all. From our maisonette in Essex, a fixer-upper in the East End of London, several houses again in Essex and up to our dream house in the Highlands of Scotland.

Overlooking Ben Nevis was a dream come true. Hubby worked summers as a lock keeper for Scottish Canals and a ski lift operator during the winter up Aonach Mor. Eldest daughter joined us and persuaded me to join her in making ‘free from’ chocolates due to her youngest being dairy intolerant. Although it was hard work and the messiest job I’d ever encountered, it was great fun. Attending the many craft fairs selling our wares in all weathers, meeting so many wonderfully talented craftsmen and women was a joy.

To be honest, there are not enough adjectives to describe how magnificent and breathtaking the Scottish landscape is, with its natural raw beauty, wildlife and fascinating history.

I immediately felt a deep connection to the world around me, where every moment felt alive, leaving me with a sense of wonder and appreciation. I had no idea how profound the experience of living amongst the mountains and lochs would have on me.

Unfortunately, the villa we purchased was on private land owned and managed by a greedy, unscrupulous and avaricious family, forcing us to sell up and leave. To this day I still find it difficult to believe there are such people out there who have no thoughts or concerns regarding the welfare of anyone but themselves.

We both felt moving back down south to England and situating ourselves in Cumbria – with the thought of being centrally accessible to our kids – was a good idea (and for a brief time we considered not letting them know our address).

I have found leaving the Highlands extremely difficult, not being able to settle and experiencing feelings of sadness, uncertainty, headaches and lows – akin to suffering a traumatic event. These emotions have been tough to deal with and understand.

Google has explained ‘adjustment disorder’ as being a condition that involves an extreme reaction to a stressful event or change in life. I believe that coming to understand yourself is half the battle, so this is something I have to work on, but I know I will get there. Bear with me hubby.