Anyone know Irlingborough?

[Enchanted]

Does anyone know of a large town or small village called Irlingborough? If so whats it like? We are house hunting and it has been a complete nightmare because we have to hit the M1 from London every chance we get and drag our 2 year old around estate agents. Our house is just about sold and we haven't been having much luck. A house has come up in Nothants in Irlingborough and before we drag ourselves and ds all that way I thought I would put it to you.
All we want is a nice place in the country to bring up our little boy, we are not looking for great night life, just good schools and a decent community, please help. Give it to me straight, would it fit our criteria?

If you mean Irthlingborough, then no, I don't think it would fit your criteria. It's not what I would call in the country (too near Wellingborough) and it's not what I would call nice, either (apologies to any Mumsnetters who live there, natch). Can't comment on the schools, as when dh & I were looking in that area we didn't have dd, so it wasn't an issue. There are some very nice towns and villages in that general area - Olney is lovely, and more towards Bedford, Sharnbrook is gorgeous with a senior school that has a very good reputation. There was another thread recently that mentioned a website to visit to check out locations - it was called something like Upmystreet.
I hope you find something soon - it's SO soul-destroying traipsing round estate agents!

Cheers soothepoo, I think you've told me what I need to know, back to the drawing board!

Can vouch for everything soothepoo has said! I would avoid Bedford though as it is quite a big town and there are some not too savoury places in it! Although they do have some very good private schools , both mixed and single sex. Dh who fishes around all the nice areas says Felmersham is very nice, as is Turvey.Do you specifically want northants/bedford way?

We are leaving Bedfordshire to go to a little village in Surrey, near Godalming, where there are loads of lovely villages dotted around with good schools. Milford, Hambledon and Witley are all great.

I would specifcally avoid any towns/villages near Luton, as it's an ugly and aggressive town, with a lot of overspill crime affecting it's surrounding areas, and the secondary schools are dreadful, although there are a few decent primary ones if you are in the right area, and a private school which caters for ages 2 - 11 (mixed).

Good luck in your search!

Lou33, Thanks for the advice woulld you believe Turvey was my next question, we are viewing a house ther tomorrow.
I love Mumsnet it has just saved us a wasted journey to Irlingborough.

Enchanted - I live about 5 miles from Irthlingborough, and would describe it as a small town.

If you like football its good, and has a great nursery (maybe I'm biased because dd has been going there for 2 years), but it definately is not picturesque, and I wouln't call it the country (although it does have lovely villages not too far away).

Thank you all! We put an offer in on a house in Turvey, (thankslou33) and it was accepted, we are very happy and the school is fab.
Now how about that for a result for Mumsnet, it has cut out all the leg work for us (nearlly). I also have another friend on Mumsnet who has been guiding me around the area, It would have been hell without all this support!

Congratulations Enchanted! Looks like we will both be moving this summer then!

That's good news, Enchanted! Turvey is lovely - hope you will be happy there .