Wimbledon or Barnes/Mortlake: which is better?

[Peka]

Hi there,

New to mumsnet so please excuse any false steps... Can anyone help with their opinions? We are currently considering moving house either to Barnes/Mortlake (a shoebox near lots of green space and great schools) or a spacious house in Merton Park area of Wimbledon (Wimbledon Chase catchment) - which, in your opinion is better?

[MertonTsarina]

Primary schools in Merton are good and there is also lots of green space (parks, Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park). I think it's pretty personal though, isn't it? I'd be sensible and go for the extra space but I always think Barnes/Mortlake is nice when I drive through and the shops are definitely better. How many DCs do you have? Are you a SAHM? Where do you live now?

[Peka]

Hi I live in North Battersea, near Battersea park with only one DS (10 months). Not working yet but will be 3 days a week in new year. Luckily granny provides childcare so nurseries not a big problem, but am planning a lovely big family - fingers crossed - so thinking about expansion. Am from the countryside so dread suburbia - is there life out there in Merton?

[MertonTsarina]

No. I'd slit your throat now, if I were you...

[Peka]

Sorry! Not suggesting it IS suburbia just hoping it isn't... have a feeling we'll end up quite far from Peter Jones eventually... should I buy the knives before I go?

[MertonTsarina]

So a Barnes shoebox is probably not the best plan unless you're going to invest in triple decker bunk beds? Or will you move out to the country eventually? Where does Granny live? What about work - there is a big difference in transport links between Merton and Barnes/Mortlake, isn't there?

If you are dreading suburbia what constitutes "life" for you?

[MertonTsarina]

Peter Jones?! I'l have you know that Elys (independent dept store in Wimbledon) is known as the Harvey Nics of SW London!

[Peka]

Yes I have been looking for those too in PJ - no joy! I don't think we'll ever get out a) because despite being a suburbia snob I find the countryside DEATHLY after about three days and b) because DH is a Laandan boy and c) because lovely granny-care is in Chelsea and I can't live without it.

Life (not that I've actually seen much of it since DS but nice to know it is there all the same) is a nice cafe in walking distance, live music, theatres, quirky little shops where you can chat to the person behind the desk but don't feel too bad if you don't buy anything, a couple of nice pubs (by nice I mean no fruit machine, devil dogs or carpet on the floor), fun people-watching action at the playground, a reason to put a clean jumper on before leaving the house... Actually if forced I'd settle for the cafe...

[Peka]

Wow! I always feel under-dressed in HN, things looking good ;)

[Peka]

Oh and people with opinions... about stuff you know, in general... if they're all like you MertonTsarina I don't think I'll be disappointed!

[MertonTsarina]

There is a good theatre in Wimbledon (and you can get on a train and be on the South Bank in 20 minutes, you know).

Wimbledon is not great for quirky shops though, or pubs but Wimbledon Village is full of them.

Also John Lewis in Kingston is fab (and Bentalls is even better). In fact Kingston is generally fab for shopping, lovely lunches and feeding ducks on river.

[Peka]

So Kingston a good place to live? But isn't the train link quite slow? Need to get into town quite easily. And how about the people (and their opinions) that side of the A3? Is it actually London? Always says Surrey...

[MertonTsarina]

Lots of areas of Kingston are really nice but it's definitely further out and feels it (people are quite normal/not parochial though). I don't know much about living there but it's a good place to shop! I live in West Wimbledon which suits us very well. Really friendly community, lots of parks and green space, local shops and Waitrose, also within walking distance of Wimbledon Village, trains to Waterloo frequnt and there in 20 mins and Wimbledon and Kingston close by for serious shopping.

[Peka]

Thanks very much! All great food for thought - going on viewings this weekend!

[MertonTsarina]

It's probably worth considering your commute too. In Merton there are lots of transport choices - District Line in Wimbledon, overground into Waterloo and then there's a Northern Line station in South Wimbledon which would be doable from Merton Park. I think trains from Wimbledon Chase station go to the City (but it's quite slow).

Not sure if you want to divulge your house budget? Have you considered the South Park Gardens area of Wimbledon?

If you want to know anything else feel free to PM me.

[Peka]

Thanks Tsarina, I have a weird prejudice against SPG - just didn't really like it when visiting... estate agents all think I'm mad! Merton Park feels a bit more airy. I don't like the serried rows of SPG (a bit neither nor cf inner city). TBH probably couldn't afford a big/done up house there anyway! Oh the list of requirements is endless.

Transport in Wimbledon is the massive plus, concern is that while big green space is near, it's not on your doorstep for the money we can afford. But have heard that Raynes Park is interesting and not too far from the common/Richmond Park. Only problem is there's nothing on the market over there at the mo! Will keep you posted, thanks so much for taking the time to 'show me round'

[MertonTsarina]

I know exactly what you mean about SPG.

You're right, there's not a huge amount on the market right now but there are some houses for sale here. What's you budget and how many bedrooms are you looking for?

You are welcome & if you want me to show you round in person I'm always up for a coffee!

[Peka]

We're probably looking for something around the 600 mark at least 3 beds... thanks for the offer of the coffee - I may just take you up on that post-viewings this weekend. Will let you know how we get on!

[MertonTsarina]

You're right though, not much round here for that at the moment but it's a realistic budget. You may see houses in an area of Raynes Park called The Apostles (12 roads lying between Kingston and Bushey Roads in SW20) but I can pretty much guarantee it won't be your cup of tea. If looking in SW20 look at roads west of Pepys Road and north of Coombe Lane.

I would have thought this one in Old Merton Park would be a good one for you. Many of the houses in Merton Park are actually much closer to Morden (did you hear me shudder as I typed that?) whereas this one is within walking distance of civilisation including a very nice Italian deli/cafe...

Good luck with it!

[Peka]

Yes it does look nice! Thanks for info about Raynes Park. We are looking at this one this weekend

[MertonTsarina]

Ooh that is nice! When we were buying our house I wanted to look at houses in that area but DH thought the roads were too narrow (ffs!). They are cul de sacs and what the map doesn't show is that there is a nice footpath running along the end which takes you along to Wimbledon Chase school.

[Peka]

My DH has exact same issue about narrow roads. Wants to live in Parisian boulevards... would I need to go to Wimbledon town centre for streetlife/cafes etc?

[MertonTsarina]

There are a few shops near there including a new cafe, a small art gallery, a good butcher and a rather ancient Italian deli but for any kind of "life" you'd need to walk into Wimbledon.

[Peka]

Thanks BecauseImWorthIt, going on viewings this weekend so I'll be in touch after that!