Dave - If you want time at home then the 75% contract would be an ideal starter, the format is:
Jan & Feb - Off completely.
Mar to May - 50% = 10 working days per month
Jun to Sep - 100%
Oct to Dec - 50 %
You'll more than likely be offered 100% after 1 year from date of joining; you can either stay on 75% or go 100% and apply for one of the Winter Leave options, assuming they're offered next year. You'll work hard in the Summer.
Being 1 hour away isn't an issue for standbys, but in Summer you'll struggle to do much more than work and sleep.