Settle for this house?

[upstairsdownstairs]

DH and I are first time buyers. We are TTC, so looking for a 3-bed, but because DH works from home we need a bit more space than the average 3-bed semi or we'll grow out of it very quickly. However, we can't find anything that fits what we want! It's all either large 4-beds which are way out of our price range, or cramped and rundown 3-bed semis.

We found one house that we like: extended ex-council house with big south facing garden backing onto fields, open-plan living/dining room with two big double doors opening out onto garden, spacious kitchen, utility room, downstairs study, downstairs cloakroom, 4 bedrooms (3 double), and ensuite bathroom to master bedroom.

The catch is that it is in a village 10 miles away from the city where we currently live. It is quite a big village so lots of facilities (school, shops, pubs, swimming pool and gym). The primary school is rated "satisfactory", but having read the Ofsted report I would say it is good.

However, I'm nervous about moving away from the city which is vibrant and has loads going on, and is where my social circle is based. I'm nervous about having to drive everywhere rather than cycling/walking/getting the bus (we would have to buy a second car too). And I'm worried that if we are stuck there when we have teenagers then they will be bored.

For a variety of reasons, we need to move by next summer. The question is, should we settle for this house or wait and see what else comes up? We've been looking for a month so far, and there is not a whole lot coming up.

[TheFallenNinja]

I work from home but built a large shed out in the garden which serves as an office.

[JRmumma]

10 miles really isn't far from the city. If it doesn't affect your work lives/commute then id go for it.

Your children wont know any different and living in a village will be the norm for them so wont feel like they are missing out not living in the city.

And when you have kids you wont have so much of a social life anyway! And chances are as time goes on your friends will all drift out of the city to start families etc too. As long as you wont feel completely isolated with a small baby then it will be ok.

[soundedbetterinmyhead]

Is there a station within walking distance? We live further out than I would choose to, but because the DCs both have train passes for school, they can get into town by themselves, no hassle. Not sure I would consider moving away otherwise.

However, you are right at the beginning when TTC, so I'd probably look at 2 bedroom houses with a second reception to use as a study/office - this would widen your pool of housing to look at in town and even if you have 2 DCs within the next three years, they can share until they are too big. It's lovely not to have to drive all the time when you have babies, I found.

[soundedbetterinmyhead]

Sorry OP - cross post with JRmumma with completely opposite advice!

[upstairsdownstairs]

There is a train station about 1-1.5 miles from the house, there is a train every hour. It wouldn't work for my commute, but maybe for weekend trips.

There is a great nursery about 10 minutes drive away.

I still am not sure though, but then I think maybe I'm being selfish. We made a big move a couple of years ago, and I finally feel like I have some friends here now (and quite a few have young children too). We have no family nearby at all, so having that support network feels good.

[BendyBusBuggy]

I personally wouldn't want to move to a village, especially when TTC - we moved when I was pregnant and I wanted to be in walking distance to the town centre. It was such a bonus to be able to walk everywhere, because for me driving with a baby was just stressful (my babies hated it).
We also had lots of new mums things on offer and I would expect there is less choice in a village.
You could always move again when you've outgrown your first house in a few years - that's what we're doing now.

[BendyBusBuggy]

Oh and wanting to stay where your friends are is not selfish at all

[hotbot]

Yes to proper garden shed.

[Inclusionist]

You can buy amazing garden room/offices now. Do the city houses come with a big enough garden to have a decent 'outdoor room'?

[Inclusionist]

These were on Beeny!

[upstairsdownstairs]

Some of them do have big gardens actually, so rhat is a brilliant idea. We've had a talk tonight and think we're going to keep searching for something in the city.

[MortifiedAdams]

Can we help? Which city?

[timidviper]

We moved from a town suburb to another suburb but much more provincial when DCs were young. It was the best move we ever made.

I would not want to be isolated with children but think smaller places can be good for families

[upstairsdownstairs]

I would rather not say which city, but it is a nice place with lots going on (in my opinion).
Timidviper- can I ask why you made the move?

[CarlaBrooni]

You've only been looking for a month - that's no time - especially at this time of year. If you are so unsure then the house is not for you (even although the big garden backing on to fields sounds idyllic and children would have loved that)

[upstairsdownstairs]

OMG, we have just been to see a house in the city, and it was perfect! A little on the small side right now, but easy to do a single storey extension downstairs and a loft conversion, so as our family grows the house can too. It has a nice south facing garden, and on the front looks out onto a green. It is literally a mile from the city centre, and parks and commons and the river, and the supermarket is just around the corner. And, the local primary and secondary schools are Ofsted outstanding, and have a good ethnic mix. Going to put in an offer at asking price tomorrow. So nervous though as apparently 30 people have already viewed!

[OnePlanOnHouzz]

Best of luck !! Sounds Fab !! :-)