Would you choose a garden or location?

padington

BettyBoof wrote: »

That would be lovely Padington but not many of them about!

Look for a house you can build a one story extension on then.

Top tip: Put some walk on glass on the top.

NotNormal

Idea - over the space of a week/month/year? Keep a tally of how often you think "I love that XYZ is so close" and how often you think "If only my garden were bigger..." Given your post I'm going to say you'll prefer location. Regarding garden furniture - could you possibly look into folding/stackable garden furniture that could be stored to one side when not in use. That way you can make the garden work for you x

SaveSomeMore_2

I was in a similar position.

I would have liked a garden for the added privacy (moves your neighbours further away!) more than anything.

But having a yard (terrace house) has its benefits too. It is less maintenance and means i have a house closer to amenities. I love green space, but I ask myself would I really want to be weeding and mowing the grass on top of all the other household chores? Potted plants and house plants are so much easier!

If you have children, is there a local park close? It is important that kids stay physical, but maybe there are alternatives (leisure clubs, indoor sports, martial arts etc)?
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BettyBoof

padington wrote: »

Look for a house you can build a one story extension on then.

Top tip: Put some walk on glass on the top.

I think adding yet more criteria (a house that can have a one story extension) is not a sensible plan for us - it's hard enough to find what we want already! LOL at the glass roof - interesting view for those below

Notnormal Great idea re keeping a note of how often we wish we had a garden versus how often we are glad we are close to something, thank you. A foldable table and stackable chairs will be the way to go for us - we can store them in the shed when not in use and give the kids some more space.

SaveSomeMore We have two small children who have been happy in the yard riding their scooters and playing at their sand and water table etc. There is a lovely park within easy walking distance and another fab one within a few minutes drive. Oh and we have a big open space nearby too, plus the woods in which to go adventuring. The kids have swimming lessons and we'll sign them up for a sport or dance activity they fancy too when they're a bit older so they will always be physical and able to burn off energy.

I don't miss a garden day-to-day but then I'll see one on TV or we'll go to my parents house or a holiday cottage with a nice garden and I think "oh I'd love this!"

BettyBoof

Update: we bought a house with a (south-facing) garden in our preferred location!! They come up very rarely so we were super lucky to get it. I can't wait to watch the kids playing in the garden and to start growing some food. :-)

Thank you to everyone who offered advice, it really helped me work through the dilemma.

LittleMax

BettyBoof wrote: »

Update: we bought a house with a (south-facing) garden in our preferred location!! They come up very rarely so we were super lucky to get it. I can't wait to watch the kids playing in the garden and to start growing some food. :-)

Thank you to everyone who offered advice, it really helped me work through the dilemma.

Garden and location - fantastic! Thanks for the update, always good when people remember to come back and tell us what happened :beer:

Jhoney_2

BettyBoof wrote: »

Update: we bought a house with a (south-facing) garden in our preferred location!! They come up very rarely so we were super lucky to get it. I can't wait to watch the kids playing in the garden and to start growing some food. :-)

Thank you to everyone who offered advice, it really helped me work through the dilemma.

Congratulations!:T

Davesnave

Good for you.

You're not the first to come here asking, "Should we buy A or B?"

IMO it's never just an either/or. I'm a firm believer in C.

Some people think C doesn't exist, but it looks like you persevered and found one.

ellie27

I have 2 young children ages 5 and 4 and a big, private, safe enclosed garden is pretty much my top priority!

We would not compromise on that one, well I didnt (husband probably would have been happy with something smaller)

However I would not live in a 'bad' area to get that big garden.

Just read your update.......woohoo!! Sounds perfect to me.

Someone earlier mentioned to think about how often in the year you can actually use the garden. I am in Glasgow and our weather is rubbish, except this heatwave right now! My kids are out in their garden in all weathers, not joking. When we get home around 4.30pm everyday they get a snack and go straight out to play for an hour while I make dinner. Of course it will change as they get older.

I hope you will be very happy in your new home, keep us posted!

zagubov

We moved from a house in a cracking location but a tiny garden to two locations with bigger gardens.

Now moved to a better location but small garden again. Mind you, it's London so there's not much chance of a big garden anaway.

Got to say, go for location every time. Gardens just don't compensate.