I htink it sounds like a great idea Fiona. Where you are is a great area (I lived there for 6 years) and if you don't want to move out permanently then what you are thinking is a good option. Also you may try a couple of different areas over the couple of years to see if you prefer another area to where you are now. That way you also get to try before you buy and move out of an area that you know you love.