How sweet of you - and thank you @Lilly2 but I've decided to turf the gap between the properties, sell them seperately and start searching for a larger home with a nice walled garden. This time a bit more inland so we're not so wind battered. Sea views are all very nice, but get a roaring gale and there'd be no sleep at night!

If need be I can extend the lease of our apartment rental. This will be useful while we search. That way we'll always have a home to go to, and the home's furniture put into storage. I think that would be the less stressful that way. Also, we can't have those mains water pipes moved. Best left where they are!