Being in the same situation Matt, I can commiserate. The ONLY avenue I have for astronomical pursuits now is trading (which I pretty much did before), and the hidden bank account (which get's cleared this weekend for another purchase)
.
Can't complain - after working for 20 years, I decided to have a mid-life "bugger that", stopped flying, and went back to Uni (almost done! But then there is the post-grad at Swinbourne to come too). Wifey been making the money, hoarding it into buying property (that's where all my flying money went too
) and putting a lot "off shore" (helps having 2 passports).
I have access to the most simply incredible, dark as pitch site, and we OWN it.... it just takes a 12 hour flight to get there. But at least I get to use Polaris
I think the VC200L (which I ended up withdrawing from sale) will end up there on an HEQ5 and live there. Father in law will build me an observatory out of birch and cedar, with a bania alongside for those frigid Siberian nights! Currently the land grows potatoes, cabbages and carrots
All that will have to wait indefinitely since Baby No2 is on the way, and bringing SWMBO's mother out to help.
Go with the chalet mate, best option.