Opinions on new build layout

Flick85

Thanks @SaverRate. I’m not a massive fan of the kitchen layout, and def prefer that in the first. So, you make very good points!

Was just talking to a friend who asked “are the things you like more about this one, worth an extra 55k to you?” And I suspect the answer is “no”.

I’m far too indecisive to be making home buying decisions by myself 🤣

Doozergirl

I don't really see what you're gaining.   

I prefer the bigger kitchen diner.  They've removed the ability for you to make it any bigger by putting the loo where it is. 

I don't understand why the lounge is bigger than the kitchen and dining room functions combined.  

You're one person.  I get that the first is well within affordability, but so what?  I want the layout to be either what I want, or easily configurable to it.  

Emmia

First one has a better layout for me - I'm also not sure about the hall location of the utility room in the second one. 

Ben1989

I personally prefer house no.1. Kitchen seems to have been an after thought in the second one. There's also extra kitchen storage (pantries) in the first one. It also has the extra capability as an extra social area with the breakfast bar and the sofa location which would be nice to have separated areas.

You'll be living on your own so the extra £55k (regardless of budget) is a large chunk to not pay and have the extra financial comfortability for me. House no. 2, however, has the L-shape at the rear allowing to have a nice patio area for the summer having access from lounge and kitchen and easier access to the downstairs toilet, also. 

bramptonbrew

Pretty sure House 2 is a Linden Kempthorne, which is the house style I'm sitting in right now as I type this! I live here with my husband and a cat we have an office each and there's a dedicated spare room for guests. We find the layout suits us well - we have been in since July last year. We are still working out how best to use the kitchen/dining space (we brought our old kitchen table with us which clashes with our decor, once we get around to getting a new table/chair set then we will configure it properly, but it works for now). 

Flick85

Hi @bramptonbrew, yes it is a Linden Kempthorne! I do really love that layout and the size of house (especially the size of the hallway!), but I think the extra money is going to be the deciding factor. Thanks for all your thoughts and opinions! It's pretty hard to make a decision on something so big alone, so I appreciate all the neutral advice given.

edgex

On both of those, the upstairs landing is going to be very dark, as there's no natural light.

Doozergirl

edgex said:

On both of those, the upstairs landing is going to be very dark, as there's no natural light.

This, I never really get. Both houses make best use of space to minimise circulation area - that space is given to rooms that are lived in.  

Most people have some door left open upstairs or simply go to bed when it is dark anyway. 

I would far rather have usable space in my house than natural light in an area that I spend seconds in at a time.  

Of all the compromises that come
with a house, natural light upstairs (that is usually borrowed) is so far down my
list.  

getmore4less

Dogs are quite low.

That(No.1) space could be dog bed/feed station and gin bar above.

Flick85

Yup, I’m with you on this @Doozergirl. Would upstairs windows be nice? Sure. Is it a dealbreaker? Absolutely not. And, from what I’ve seen to get that light in the upstairs landing, I’d probably need to jump to the next rung of the ladder, I think (we’re talking 450k+) which I can’t do. So, I’ll cope.

I’m coming from a 2 bed flat anyway, where there’s no windows in the hallway or bathroom at all, so I’m just excited about the prospect of a utility room so not drying laundry in my lounge and natural light in the bathroom!

Anyways, they’ve released house 1 now at 329,995 (slightly more than they initially thought, but still a good price imv) and I’ve got an appointment to reserve it this afternoon! Despite my initial concerns that my heart wasn’t in it, now I’ve got the meeting booked, I’m just really excited about the whole thing. 

Thanks for helping me figure this all out everyone. Much appreciated!

and @getmore4less I like you’re thinking! A puppy & gin corner sounds like a truly delightful place 🤣