I can see your dilemma because you have a goal (buying the house), but do what makes you happy..
Don't do the all-work no play thing if you're not that kind of person, I think you would just burn out, have to take time off, so you'd achieve the same as you would taking it easy in the leafy suburb, without the burnout 
On the other hand, being busy and seeing the cash roll in fast could make you happy too, and achieve your goal quicker..
Point of this ramble; Depends what kind if person you are and how you like to work.. 
Personally I prefer being busy, as long as I don't forget to take a couple of days off every week!!!