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Would you choose a garden or location?
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As others have said, for me it would be location all day long. If there is a park near by then that is a good compromise for outside space, and if you can get a small table and chairs out there then at least you can sit out a little.
Kids wont care about how large or small a space they have to play - they make do with what theyve got and wouldnt consider another alternative.£2 Savers Club #156!
Looking for holiday ideas for 2016. Currently, Isle of Skye in March, Riga in May, Crete in June and Lake District in October. August cruise cancelled, but Baby due September 2016! :j0 -
When we had a back yard, we did this. Out of shot is the bbq. It was a good compromise, with room for my son to play and some plants. (We used a few spiky plants to deter the feral kids from nicking them and climbing over the wall.)
It sounds like, from what you've said that you would prefer your current location. As others have mentioned, the kids will soon grow up and you will be able to have a more adult space outside.0 -
Thanks so much for all the replies!
As I mentioned in my first post I know only we can decide but I do find it useful to bounce ideas off others as it helps me focus and also makes me think of things I would not have considered otherwise. :-)
I like what you have done with your yard Gigervamp, it's much more appealing than our current concrete box - the addition of the wood and stones makes it much more natural and gives a real garden feel.
A few of you have mentioned that the kids won't mind what kind of outside space they have and that they will soon grow out of garden play. I suppose I am projecting my desires onto them - I really wanted them to have a Wendy house and I fancied a shed I could use as a garden office. Maybe a converted loft or something could be a playroom and a study which would solve both issues!
I like the suggested idea of making a list in order of what's important to us and then checking the houses we view against it, we'll definitely do that.
We're not rich so there will be some compromises for sure, just have to decide which ones we are comfortable making!0 -
We don't have much of a garden due to a big extension. We have some decking and raised flower beds. We can site outside and have a brew/glass of wine and there's enough space for our toddler nephew to potter around in, but anything more is a walk to the park. We don't miss having a garden at all and I definitely don't miss mowing grass!
Go with location every time, especially if the norm in the area is small yards0 -
Thanks penguingirl, yards are definitely the norm around here!0
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Don't assume all victorian terraces only have yards. My road is all victorian ex workmen's cottages. Most of the road the houses have yards but mine and my imediate neighbours too- has 100 foot garden - Yet they look identical from the outside- Maybe use google earth to identify any roads with the same situation in your area.I Would Rather Climb A Mountain Than Crawl Into A Hole
MSE Florida wedding .....no problem0 -
Don't assume all victorian terraces only have yards. My road is all victorian ex workmen's cottages. Most of the road the houses have yards but mine and my imediate neighbours too- has 100 foot garden - Yet they look identical from the outside- Maybe use google earth to identify any roads with the same situation in your area.
Looks like they may be selling some off for building too!
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.20401,-2.2008957,328m/data=!3m1!1e30 -
I hate gardening and have to employ a gardener to keep it nice and tidy. However I would in your case still want a bit of a garden rather than a back yard. I'm not a lover of Victorian houses as I dislike the extensions etc coming off the back and with a yard - would feel very cramped in my viewStuck on the carousel in Disneyland's Fantasyland
I live under a bridge in England
Been a member for ten years.
Retired in 2015 ( ill health ) Actuary for legal services.0 -
I like having a garden but only really use the patio area next to the door for sitting outside and BBQs. Mind you I don't have children. Depends on the size of the yard, there may be enough room for the kids to play etc. Plus how much of the year is the weather good enough to use the garden? Location sounds more important to you. That will matter all year round, the garden will only matter in the summer months.0
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Its not really an assumption Duchy, it's based on knowing this area well and that fact that all the relevant houses I have looked at on Rightmove etc.have yards. I do have a friend with a Victorian house and a small garden in this location (the only one in their street) but it's like hens teeth unfortunately. Would be lovely to find a house like yours with such a good-sized garden!
I have been on Google Earth but not having much luck finding that rare house!
"Location sounds more important to you. That will matter all year round, the garden will only matter in the summer months."
That's a very good point Loopy28!0
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