Bright LED Streetlight Outside Flat Purchase

nkarma

Hi all

In the middle of conveyancing on first property - flat in South London. We have really done our due diligence in the neighborhood and with the flat. In my mind it exceeds all our requirements and will be a very long term (10+ year home).

BUT I just noticed when at the flat last night for another reason when all the lights were off in the master bedroom as I was leaving that there is a bright white (like a moon) light that shines in from the streetlight just outside. It's victorian ground floor with large bay windows.

We can't change the use of the room as it will make the entire layout of the rest of the place extremely awkward. We live in South London now and sleep with our curtains fully open as I have my entire life because I like the natural light coming in. We can probably add some black out curtains for some of the windows, but I will not sleep with them completely blocking out the outside light. I have also read that LEDs still get through black out curtains.

Anyone have any experience with this?

Otherwise, the flat is beyond perfect.

AdrianC

You didn't previously notice that there was a streetlight outside?
Or you simply didn't understand what a streetlight is?

You have two choices.
1. Buy a different flat without a streetlight outside.
2. Accept it's there, and mitigate it as much as possible with thick curtains. If you can't cope with total darkness, then don't put black-outs, or have a nightlight somewhere.

The third option - get it moved - is not an option here on planet reality.

getmore4less

Depending on the position of the outside light there may be options to reduce the direct impact into the room.

It must still be lighting up the surroundings so that light will still reflect into the room just the same way natural light does.

streetview link(or pictures) would help provide options.

martinthebandit

Actually a streetlight directly outside your property is probably a plus from a security point of view.

I suspect blinds will be the answer to your issue.

davidmcn

Let me get this right - you want to sleep with the curtains open but also block out the light from outside?

Owain_Moneysaver

You can approach the council and ask if they can partially mask the streetlight or otherwise alter its light dispersion.

AdrianC

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

You can approach the council and ask if they can partially mask the streetlight or otherwise alter its light dispersion.

"Because I don't want to close the curtains on the flat I've just bought."

Yeh, good luck.

G_M

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

You can approach the council and ask if they can partially mask the streetlight or otherwise alter its light dispersion.

Of course they can ask..................:rotfl:

sleep with our curtains fully open as I have my entire life because I like the natural light coming in.

Either you change your habits, or this is not the flat for you.

lindens

I lived in a street where the street light was a 360 degree globe type. The council (or someone) painted the globe black on the side that overlooked the nearest bedroom window, i presume for the same reason
So it was about 200 degrees light and 160 degrees black

AdrianC

Given that it's LED, it's already going to be as directional as possible. The OP's complaining about light being reflected off the street scene, because they cba to close their curtains.

nkarma

Typical responses on here I was expecting- 'let me get this right, you are stupid and I am SO smart and feel so much better about myself right now.' I love the ego and flippancy the regulars deal with real people on this forum.

In reality, when you view homes in London you get 10-20 minutes. We've actually come at different times of day and been in the flat a few times, and did miss this cause I walk everywhere and it's a streetlight. There is one every 50 m everywhere I go. I have never lived ground floor though so may be why I didn't consider.

Black out blinds are NOT an option for all windows - I want the natural light.

Just checking whether I need to find a way to get used to the ambient light or pull out of the purchase. Those appear to be best options.