Buying 'forever' house - garden or extra reception?

[CoffeeMum]

We're looking for a family house to live in for many years, and we may have to choose between a garden, and a third reception [we hope to have a lounge, a dining room that will be used primarily as a playroom, and a third reception to eat meals in, or a kitchen/diner.

Please can you share your experiences of living in your house with children [we have two, one of each], and tell me how valuable/dispensable you find either a garden, or a playroom.

We are currently in a flat, so having either feels like a dream at the moment! But any opinions from those already there would be great. Thank you

We have just moved to our "10 year" house and it was the garden that sold it to us (house is great too though)

I have 2 boys aged 7 and 4 and they have practically lived in the garden since we moved 4 months ago, I also sit out on a steamer chair and read a book whilst they play.

I had a playroom at the last house, well, conservatory. It was used every day but we had good storage so everything could be tidied away.

We are about to convert the double garage into a huge playroom/guest room in about 3 months time! So yes, to have both is great but you get a lot more use out of a decent sized garden because everyone gets to use that.

Garden.

I was thinking about this thread today. my 3 children have, variously, 3 bedrooms, or 2 bedrooms and a playroom. This week 2 of them are sleeping on the landing, which is also a full-on dolls' home and play area. I don't know why we even bother with bedrooms for them let alone playrooms....

I'd go for a garden...but not a big one...as its great for you for bbq's etc too The size depends on the layout/features and whether you are a gardner and have the time or inclination with its up keep. I can't stand gardening but luckily DH does.

We have a playroom also and Its a godsend. I'm not keen on the idea of the kids playing up in their rooms on their own until they are much much older. We also envisage that in years to come it will become thier 'lounge' den or whatever to sit and do homework, have friends around etc...