How much space does an AP need? Double bedroom, own bathroom?

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I've been wondering about getting an au pair when DD1 starts school, as I don't want her to go to after school club when she's still that little and not keen on childminders either. We're currently trying to buy a bigger house. If we are going to have an au pair, how big does the house need to be? Will she need her own bathroom, for example, or can she share our family bathroom? Will she be happy with a single bedroom or does it have to be a double? Ideally of course she'd be on her own floor (e.g. converted loft) but our budget won't stretch to a 4 bed house. What does everyone think?

lymond - why do you not like sleeping in a single? i personally find it such a waste with just one person in a double bed - much more to wash.

catepilarr - Um, not sure, never analysed it. Just now that I'm used to a double (well, actually an Emperor, to share with DH and often 1, 2,3 or all 4 DC!), on the rare occasions I sleep in a single I find the duvet falls off and it just isn't spacious enough. Is that not a general feeling that adults get?

when we had a spare single

We have a small 3 bed place and only one bathroom. So AP doesn't have a lot of space - but they do see it before arriving, (usually) as I interview here. I find it better than coming from overseas. Expectations can be very different. If they see the place and meet us then it's up to them if it suits. Our location is pretty good so that helps.

Tv with DVD player and laptop are essential for their own room - helps keep them out of living space.

Great, we have plenty of laptops, DH seems to collect them

I think I myself would have been happy with a single, actually.

I based the au pair's room on my room in Uni accomadation (since I was much the same age as the au pairs then), so single bed, wardrobe, desk, drawers and private bathroom. And a big corkboard to stick up photos and stuff.

How lucky were you to have a private bathroom at uni? I had to share with about a hundred people!

would have to agree that needs at least a double rather than a single (sure boffy would agree)

i have king at home, tho dh seems to hog 90% of it

i have done night nannying and even PP and been in a single - it seems tiny - though i have all to myself