house dilema - semi rural or across road from school??

[birdsong]

I'm in a quandry. We are about to exchange contracts on a lovely house which is in a semi rural location , with nice big garden but away from friends and school. Due to after school activities and 4 children I am back and forward most nights. BUT 3 houses have now come up for sale on estate were school is and I feel that it would be so much more practical to live there, but these are newer houses which dh doesn't like but it is me doing all the running around. House in countryside is lovely and has real fire and fields at back etc but will I regret not going for one near school ?

Close to school when they are young.
Close to public transport when they are teenagers.
Semi-rural for you and dh when they have left home!

Thats how I see it.

I like the sound of the semi rural one. If you bought one of the others would you be wistfully thinking of the one that got away?
How long do you intend to live there?

To me there would be NO contest, definately go for rural.

I was brought up in a rural environment, and we did a lot of to-ing and fro-ing , but it was still worth the tranquility and views esp over the summer hols, and on those beautiful crisp winter days.

Live on an estate near ds's school ATM and am Gagging to get away.

Semi-rural.

Semi-rural.

living opposite a school will be convenient, but it will also mean a big traffic jam of cars on drop off and pick up, more noise, more rubbish, possibly less privacy and a smaller garden

How far away? Would they be able to cycle it when of the right age? IS there a handy school bus?
can you / your kids walk to a village shop / bus stop or anything?

Across from school.
Did I mention somewhere before how much I hate commuting ... always swore I would live walking distance to my children's primary school. PollyLogos said it well. The less chaffeuring you have to do when they're a bit older & want to go see their friends, the better.

Exactly zebraz, I was a taxi driver extroadinaire for my 3 (2 teenagers) until we took the concious decision to move back into the city last year and it has made my life much easier.

I also believe that the kids have more fun growing up on an estate with friends and playmates available, rather than only having company when you arrange it.

It is a very personal decision though.

Went to look at estate ones today and have decided to go for semi rural after going back there this evening and sitting in garden ( vendor on holiday) and deciding how tranquil it was. School 1.5 miles away so can walk at a push. Do think I would always regret if we didn't.