Townhouses

skylight

We live in a townhouse now and have done for a whole 3 weeks! So far its great.

The garden is slim but OK for our needs, the kitchen is large enough for an 8-seater table plus small sofa so we are living in this really. The living room is on the first floor and the TV is rarely watched and is almost a retreat all to myself when the kids are in bed.

Instead of an integrated garage, we have a fourth bedroom on the ground floor.

So far its great, but hadn't thought about heat shooting up the stairwell. Must bear that in mind!

SuzieSue

I grew up in a 1970's townhouse with an integral garage and a spare room and wc on the ground floor. The living room and kitchen were on the first floor and 3 bedrooms and a bathroom on the top floor.

The groundfloor bedroom was used as a playroom when we were children but then became a junk room.

I personally wouldn't buy a townhouse because I wouldn't want a terraced house, but if I had to buy a terraced house then I think a townhouse is a great way of getting more space for your money if you need the space. Also, with the main living areas being on first floor, it meant that the house always felt warm (perhaps too warm in the summer).

The other obvious point is the number of stairs and I think they kept us all fit when we were young which was a good thing, but now that my parents are much older they are finding the stairs a struggle. Also, as other people have mentioned, it can be difficult getting furniture and kitchen appliances up the stairs.

In summary, I would only go for a townhouse if you need the extra room and can't afford a larger conventional house. Also, bear in mind that they will probably be more difficult to sell when you want to.

neverdespairgirl

If we could afford a townhouse near where we are (WC1) I'd definitely go for it. But we'd need to lay our hands on a few million quid first!