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Original poster

Anyone got a house to sell in Bishopston?!

63 replies

redllamayellowllama · 08/03/2011 14:03

We've narrowed our search to Bishopston but are currently in London. I've been subject to lots of estate agents telling me that properties will go if we don't hurry on down. The earliest we can be down for viewing is next weekend so, quite frankly, I want to tell them to get lost.

But, this property is my idea of heaven, bit I've been told it will definitely be under offer by next week.

So, I got to thinking, I've got buggies and maternity clothes through Mumsnet, I wonder if I can get a house?!

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Original poster
redllamayellowllama · 10/03/2011 20:53

Runout would Southdown Road fall into the no-man's land category? Have seen the Stoke Lane property, but it's definitely too small.

We are definitely in the market for a semi that needs lots doing to it (in order for it to be affordable for us now). When I go back to work, we will re-mortgage in order to release some cash to do any major work. If we can get somewhere for the £300,000 mark, we'll have a bit of cash to do, say, a kitchen extension/new bathroom/carpets/paint.

We have Andrews on side already (a lovely lady working there has children at Henbury so could mention some boosting of coursework grades in exchange for a heads-up on suitable properties Wink). Haven't heard of Connells, will give them a ring tomorrow.

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Original poster
redllamayellowllama · 10/03/2011 21:00

Meant to say Apuski - living near pupils not too much of a problem. We do it at the moment and both of us feel quite strongly that a teacher should be a presence within the local community even when outside of work. Bloody martyrs, we are.

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Runoutofideas · 10/03/2011 21:10

I would say Southdown rd is likely to get Westbury but not a dead cert - verging on borderline, which probably doesn't help you. The problem is that if you don't get into Westbury you would probably be offered Blaise or Sea Mills, neither of which are as well regarded, but I have no personal experience of either of them. If you are not concerned about them as alternatives then it would be worth a go. A friend of mine got into Westbury from Southdown Rd but that was about 4 years ago. It just depends on the year and number of siblings.

Runoutofideas · 10/03/2011 21:22

Just wondered if you'd seen [http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-32947454.html this] ? Just goes to show how much difference a mile down the road makes. You would get Blaise or Henbury Court School, and there is a big estate and grotty flats nearby, but it looks like a lovely house..... I wouldn't do it personally, but you may be more open minded than me Grin

Runoutofideas · 10/03/2011 21:22

Sorry link again this

TheMouseLookedGood · 10/03/2011 21:56

Can imagine it must be v frustrating trying to house hunt remotely, but don't fret, you've now got your very own local team on the case!

In addition to the estate agents mentioned above, try CJ Hole and Maggs & Allen (didn't actually buy/sell through the latter but speak to Jo who was v helpful).

Original poster
redllamayellowllama · 10/03/2011 22:02

Oh yes we have seen it! I nearly linked to it here, but already knew what the verdict was likely to be. I love it. You could dig out the cellar and make it even bigger.

But, with my sensible hat on - I will already be moving to an area where I know no-one and it looks to be quite out on a limb; I try to avoid driving so would be relying on buses. It's on a main road. It's that bit too close to Henbury School (pupils in Sainsburys is fine, pupils walking past your house en masse to get home, not so much). I'd like to think I was open-minded, but I'm clearly 'conservative with a little c' (I quote the Kendall Harper estate agent who told me I would prefer Bishopston to WoT on the basis that we are coming from London Hmm).

Schools-wise, DH and I pretend to hold the opinion that as long as your child is somewhere that places a premium on their well-being and nurtures them, they will do well. I have shocked myself in this week of searching.

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Original poster
redllamayellowllama · 10/03/2011 22:08

Yes themouse, deeply, deeply frustrating. DH nowhere near as het-up and thinks I am being ridiculous. His theory is that if places are coming on and being snapped up, they will be doing that when we come down on the 26th. Have tried persuading him to come down earlier, but his bezzie is launching an album in Bristol on the 25th so he wants it all to coincide. Priorities, DH, priorities.

Am very, very grateful for all of the help you have given me so far. Something has come through that isn't on rightmove yet and that I will try to arrange a viewing for when we're down. If no-one else snaps it up. Grrr. Am on CJ Hole's mailing list (is it terrible that their name makes me giggle each time?) and will phone M+A tomorrow.

Thank you again, this is completely invaluable!

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Runoutofideas · 10/03/2011 22:19

That Eastfield Rd house would be a much better position for you then. Easily walkable into Westbury village or Henleaze rd shops - both, in my opinion, a world away from Crow Lane shops. Doctors, libraries, pubs, couple of restaurants, all easily accessed. Very safe to walk around. (By contrast, you wouldn't get me to Crow Lane shops after dark - although admittedly I'm a wimp!) To give you more of an idea, Henleaze Rd has Waitrose and Costa, Crow Lane has Iceland and the £1 shop. Honestly trying really hard to give you a true picture - not making any sort of social comment!

Runoutofideas · 10/03/2011 22:20

Can you say where the one is that isn't on rightmove yet?

TheMouseLookedGood · 10/03/2011 22:31

Fnar at Kendall Harper's view of London Folk.

Think the good stuff is going quite quickly at the mo as not much around but all estate agents have said that it's starting to pick up now it's spring - so maybe more choice means less of a scramble for anything decent?

Original poster
redllamayellowllama · 10/03/2011 22:38

Thank you runout - very good to know. These are the things that I have absolutely no idea about.

The other house is on Southdown (had to convince myself no-one would be lurking here, just waiting to snatch a house from under my nose before writing that)- I shall have to cross my fingers.

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lismarlilmia · 10/03/2011 23:25

It's a beautiful house, but that red brick wall you see at the back of the garden in the outer wall of Horfield Prison. Both my daughters go to bishop road school around the corner from that house and it is a very good school.

Runoutofideas · 11/03/2011 07:37

Is it this one on Southdown Rd or another one - maybe you could see both together if there are two....? Don't panic about the prioe, people may well be taking offers.

Also have you seen this one Eastfield terrace? Likely to get either Henleaze or Westbury school - both of which are well regarded. Very close to shops on Henleaze rd, or walkable still to Westbury Village.

Ot this one - unlikely to get Henleaze school, but would get Horfield which has improved it's reputation hugely over the past few years. I have friends with children there who are very happy. 5 years ago they wouldn't have sent them there. New head and more children who "should" have gone to Henleaze, but didn't get in, making for a more rounded mix of children - or so I hear.

Original poster
redllamayellowllama · 11/03/2011 07:56

We're already viewing Eastfield Terrace and it is another one on Southdown, on the shorter return of the road, if that makes sense. I think it would be wise to view that one as well though - thank you for alerting me to it!

Horfield property was on our shortlist, but didn't have that inside information on the school. Think we will take a look at that one too! I need to get some kind of folder with maps and note-making space!

Thank you again so, so much!

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Original poster
redllamayellowllama · 11/03/2011 07:56

Please excuse the over-excited use of exclamation marks.

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Runoutofideas · 11/03/2011 08:29

Just call me Kirsty!

QueenofWhatever · 11/03/2011 09:34

That house on Wellington Hill is a bit of a rat run (I use it to get to work) but would also say Horfield as a primary school is good. My childminder's daughter went there and lives two minutes from it.

Original poster
redllamayellowllama · 11/03/2011 10:19

Well, this morning's update is that EA are still very annoying. I have been reliably informed that both Southdown properties are sure to be gone by the 26th.

I am trying to think positively and console myself that this means other properties are likely to come on in the week before the 26th and we'll snap them up.

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Runoutofideas · 11/03/2011 10:40

Could you come down on your own and have a look at a few before 26th - then if they're no good you don't have to waste your time when you've got DH with you....

Runoutofideas · 11/03/2011 10:41

I'm sure they are making you panic unduly though...

Original poster
redllamayellowllama · 11/03/2011 11:27

I've been thinking about doing that. DS is at nursery on a Thursday and Friday, so I could get the train down on one of those days and check a few out. I'd be without transport, but I'm guessing getting to WoT will be relatively easy and the EA's could drive me. Wandering around would probably be a good way to get a feel for the area.

This is the other Southdown property. Looks to need quite a lot doing.

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TheMouseLookedGood · 11/03/2011 13:40

Sounds like a good plan redllama. I did lots of solo viewings on week days to weed out the crap and also to get a feel for what's around. Schedules for Saturday viewings are much busier, but I found EAs would always manage to fit in a 2nd viewing on Saturdays when my DH was free, so that could be a strategy?

Agree that there's definitely an element of scaremongering by EAs going on though.

Are you selling as well?

Original poster
redllamayellowllama · 11/03/2011 14:37

No - we're in a very fortunate position. Sold our place last year and have been living in my Mum's (she is living abroad at the moment) in anticipation of moving to Bristol. It should all work in our favour when it comes to making an offer, provided we can get to see them before they go!

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TheMouseLookedGood · 11/03/2011 14:52

Oh excellent. Should give you a bit of bargaining power then.