Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Other subjects
Original poster

House hunting... putting childrens needs first!!! or??

46 replies

kiwisbird · 22/04/2004 12:01

We're off to Lincs tomorrow to view soem houses for our planned summer move.
TORN!
We can have large cottages with grounds and sometimes a paddock and stuff... bit out of town and remote, 2 miles from schools etc
Or we can have executive large new build in upamrket non estate type - small but ok garden, close to schools and shops and life in general... price is not a differential factor...
WE are viewing a converted chapel... its so fabulous I know I will want it if I see it... DH says, we really should be closer to other families for the kids sakes...
What do you wise people reckon?
Kids are ds 10 and dd 18 mths and another planned for early next year (should I ever be stress free for long enough to contemplate a bonk that is....)

OP posts:
noddy5 · 22/04/2004 12:07

we have accomodated ds with our buy near schools and all his friends etc and a traditional housey house.We did view alternatives which I would have loved but like you dp said consider ds first!I have agreed now and have made him promise that when we are older and not reliant on catchment areas etc we will find the dream in the country!Don't view the chapel because if you're anything like me it'll play on your mind.Good luck!!!!!!!!!

LIZS · 22/04/2004 12:12

I would just be concerned not to put yourself in too isolating a position with small kids. The move itself willl be pretty stressful, and, unless you know the area well, disorientating for a while, so you might find it more comforting to have other families close by and easy access to facilities. However I guess it would also depend on whether you want a house and location similar to your current one or a complete change.

Original poster
kiwisbird · 22/04/2004 12:13

currently live in Maisonette above shops, quite noisy, neighbours are big country and western music fans... am growing to hate it, wonder if I am trying to go to the other extreme to be sure to be sure....

OP posts:
Pidge · 22/04/2004 12:14

Well, we're just buying (hopefully) and have made a bit of a compromise. We didn't go for a house in the catchment area of supposedly the best school in the neighbourhood, because we just didn't like the area - wanted to be nearer to shops, train station etc. But the house we have gone for has a decent school round the corner, and we figure that's a good solution. Schools are important of course, but you've got to be happy where you live too. I guess you need to consider how happy you would be being a permanent taxi service!

marialuisa · 22/04/2004 12:15

TBH I think it depends on how willing you are to drive around for activities. i grew up in rural nowhere, my mum used to drive me 2 miles down the road to play with local friends in the park and I loved it.

There will be stuff going on, you'll just have to make more of an effort. personally i think loads of space would make up for it, but then I was nevr one of those kids that "needed" constant company.

Sonnet · 22/04/2004 12:23

i'm with marialuisa on this one.
My kids don't need constant company or "activities" and I would feel that the space the countryside brings would be right for US. I am prepared to travel further to work, school, activities to live in the rural bliss I do. BUT having said that it is not my family that matters.
Question 1: What do "you" want
Question 2: How does what "you" want conflict with what you think your children need?
Question 3: Are you prepared to make the extra effort and time that living in a more rural location may bring?
Hope you reach the right ocnclusion for you!!
ps: the cottage and chapel would be on my shortlist!!

secur · 22/04/2004 12:23

Message withdrawn

Codswallop · 22/04/2004 12:24

go for the new house
dh is right

Codswallop · 22/04/2004 12:25

living near other families is so much better - someone can have your kids when you run to get medicine, kids can play out on bikes int he roads.

MUCH better

Jaybee · 22/04/2004 12:27

marialuisa has just taken the words out of my mouth. I think, until recently, I would have always opted for your second option but many of Sam's rugby friends are on farms and in tiny villages - he often spends time with these friends and they all seem to love it. I am really close to my two's school and that does have advantages but, if you are happy to drive them where they want to be and happy to have friends round at yours alot then I would go for it.
also think it depends alot on your children, is your ds one who is always popping out on his bike to call for a friend or do you usually arrange for him to go to friends or for friends to come to yours - if is is the latter then there would be no difference. Why not speak with your ds and see how he feels.

Nutcracker · 22/04/2004 12:27

Do you drive ?????

If you don't then i wouldn't even consider the rural property.

If you do drive then i would go for the rural one everytime.

Can understand why you would be considering an extreme to where you are now, but i don't think thats a bad thing.
I would view houses of both kinds and then see how you feel.

Good Luck

Codswallop · 22/04/2004 12:28

yes and I woul dhate to have to drive kids a 12 mile round trip to go to a swimming lesson

Jaybee · 22/04/2004 12:29

oops ds'

Beetroot · 22/04/2004 12:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Jaybee · 22/04/2004 12:31

Loads of people around me drive further than a 12 mile round trip for a swimming lesson, ballet lesson etc. I, personally, walk over the road and it is handy but I am still envious of ds' friends open space.

Codswallop · 22/04/2004 12:31

BT!! you turncoat! only a while a go you were bemoaning hte fact you couldnt wear pointy shoes in mud!

Original poster
kiwisbird · 22/04/2004 12:34

thank you all so much!
I do drive and the furthest a school is from the larger rural remote village type places is 2 miles, all the schools are excellent, we searched with that in mind.
Think we will view all, and then...
discuss ie he tells me why not and I rage and cry a bit!
Am prepared to do the running around though, and with one we could have a pony...

OP posts:
Original poster
kiwisbird · 22/04/2004 12:35

boots OMG, what use for Prada in the paddock?

OP posts:
emmatmg · 22/04/2004 12:42

definatley the rural one.

Codswallop · 22/04/2004 12:42

yuk smelly country smells

Codswallop · 22/04/2004 12:43

(another adult contribution form me!)

Original poster
kiwisbird · 22/04/2004 12:49

remember I'm a kiwi, so space is something I think I am entitled to by rights!
Can also say though that a nice shiny new house has appeal too... so little to do... I might actually end up getting a life...

OP posts:
Codswallop · 22/04/2004 12:49

clean tastic

noddy5 · 22/04/2004 12:54

kiwisbird I too live in a maisonette above a shop.Have you had difficulty selling?

Beetroot · 22/04/2004 13:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn