To think this house is good for my family?

[Countrysidegirl]

We've had a really tough few years as a family. My DH is unwell, we took on a big house project which has been a huge financial and time burden. Yes we have a lovely big house in a great location but it's nearly torn us apart.

My DH was in hospital before Christmas and I had a good think about how I can improve our family life. We have 2 DC who are 5.5y & 3.5y and a dog. Moving closer to DH work to reduce his commute from 1.5hrs each way to 20 mins, get a house that needs no updating/DIY, reduce our mortgage/outgoings burden, give us some life back like family trips/holidays etc which we haven't been able to afford.

We've seen this house a few times now.

www.rightmove.co.uk/s6p/53157450

It ticks all those boxes. I love it but DH is resisting. He thinks it's too small inside and outside. What do you think? Catch is the garden which is only at the front and terraced. It backs on to Minchinhampton Common though so no shortage of outdoor space!

It has good schools and amenities nearby. We've seen other houses nearby but they haven't been much bigger inside and need a lot of work!

I’m pretty sure it ‘backs onto Minchampton Common’ is some what of an overstatement too.

Short of trekking through bushes I think you’d have to drive down the valley and back up to get to the common from there.

The no hallway would put me off the most. And being able to eat in the kitchen is a invaluable when your dc are little as you can keep an eye on them and do something else at the same time.

I've had another, closer look including the floor plan.
Only one bathroom and no downstairs 'cloakroom'? Well, that's easily fixed, the big bedroom study on top floor could take an ensuite shower room and toilet without inconveniencing you too much during installation - wouldn't take long either. I haven't quite worked out the downstairs loo but am sure it can be done.

I think the garden is gorgeous.

I think it’s lovely!

The only downside is the kitchen, it’s quite small and dark.

I would say the garden is useless with DC but you say it backs onto a common so that’s not an issue.

I think there might be more suitable houses around but a lot depends on the feel and if you think you would all be happy there.

We moved a couple of years ago and reduced our commute from 1:30 each way to 5 minutes, and it has been utterly life changing. I would never in a million years go back. I would definitely make sacrifices to achieve that if I were you.

PS: There appears to be a freestanding brown wooden cabinet/sideboard along one wall of the kitchen. Chances are the vendors will take that with them and you will find the kitchen is bigger than you thought.

"Does anyone else suspect the OP is actually the vendor of this house trying to increase viewings?"

I thought this immediately The photos are terrible for such a lovely house. It's been on the market a long time. If I was the vendor I would be taking it off until the market settles post Brexit and relisting with a different agent who can take better photos.

Kitchen looks dark and pokey

Garden too small and awkward for that price point. I wouldn’t buy that if I had kids.

Also the fact it has been on the market for 2.5 years is a massive red flag

Very cute but I’d be going for something like SushiMonster posted. Far far more for your money. The one you like looks more like a holiday let. It’s right at the top of its game so there is absolutely no profit to be made in it. Or if not profit just moving costs / stamp duty recouped.

The brand new property is also very nice. With yours I’d be wondering how much it would cost to heat. I lived in a stone cottage as a student. Admittedly it would not have had loft insulation etc. But it was freezing inside even on a warm summers day.

Kitchen's small, 6' 3" before you take space off that for the units, hope you're both pretty thin!

MadeleineMaxwell, yes, but the OP currently has a big house in a bad location for her family, and that's why she wants to move!

SushiMonster, the house to which you posted a link is great, wouldn't need anything doing to it at all. More expensive though.

Beautiful part of the world.

Does anyone else suspect the OP is actually the vendor of this house trying to increase viewings?
Yes!

So many things wrong with it, I preferred the new build one in Charlford Hill (I don't know the area.)

As everyone else has pointed out, 1 toilet. If 2 of you have D&V you are screwed.

No hall, nowhere for wellies, coats, bags, shoes.

Nowhere for the children to stash their toys. I prefer bedrooms to be a place to read and sleep for children. All their tat should live somewhere else.

The garden, you couldn't let them out to play without the worry of them falling off the wall.

The new build offers you an extra bedroom, playroom potential downstairs etc etc

We moved into this house when the children were 6 and 3. They are now almost 16 and almost 13. I am glad we have more than one bathroom and a playroom with plenty of storage.

OP are you coming back after reading the critiques of your this house?

It's a lovely looking house but I agree that the garden is a huge weakness for a family house. I suspect you are paying for prettiness, and it would be more practical to buy a less pretty house with a better garden. I bet you can get that near there for 500K.

Hmm, the house on Chalford Hill is nice, but I have driven up and down that hill, and wouldn't live there if you paid me!

Also, in that area old stone is highly prized over new build. So you will pay a premium for a genuine old house, which is why the one on Chalford Hill is more house for your money.

Rodborough common has the same problems in terms of winter and snow. They are high up, and you will get snowed in. The roads are narrow and steep, and therefore not easy in bad weather

Isn't the second in Bownham park? that is just opposite The Bear and has all the advantages of this area with easy access to the main road.

SushiMonster

Id rather live here if the area is the draw.

Shit loads of space and super modern. Great garden for kids.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-54801225.html

No way. That house is totally devoid of character.

sisters

I had the same thoughts. I'm sure I've read another of the Ops threads where her and dh are separating so I'd imagine she wants a speedy sale.

Thanks for all the comments! I'm definitely not the vendor! It's been on awhile because the garden is only at the front. It's on a tiny lane with no through traffic so with a gate/fencing it would be quite safe. To the back of it is another garden. No windows look out to the rear. There isn't any real ways to add space except for an enclosed porch for coats/wellies and an ensuite on top floor. It will feel a bit of a squeeze.

We need to be 5 minutes from Nailsworth for my work so this rules out lots of other cheaper areas. It's catch 22 as we could push the budget up but we'd still be constrained by mortgage but at least the commute would be better!

We've seen it 3 times for those asking!

Definitely seen this house linked to on MN before?

I posted it before Christmas in property for feedback but wanted some more views...but i didn't mention anything about the vendor. She is separated though so maybe there is another thread!

It's been on awhile because the garden is only at the front. It's on a tiny lane with no through traffic so with a gate/fencing it would be quite safe. To the back of it is another garden. No windows look out to the rear.

^No way would I buy this house then

Hmm, the house on Chalford Hill is nice, but I have driven up and down that hill, and wouldn't live there if you paid me!

I used to drive up and down that hill all the time when I visited my grandparents. I'm not sure I'd want to do it on a daily basis either.

I quite like that house in Amberley. I wouldn't buy it because of my mobility problems, but the garden is a PITA. The fact it's been on the market forever, too, would put me off. What if you needed to sell it quickly sometime in the future?