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Property/DIY

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Original poster

Would you say this is a small garden and will we outgrow it?

34 replies

Beanbeany · 30/03/2011 09:26

It's roughly 45ft by 35ft. Sunny. Southfacing.

We like the house but the garden is smaller than any others we've seen. We had our eye on something with a much bigger garden but we may have just missed out on that. We live in a flat so any garden seems attractive to us, frankly.

We have two children (4yo and 12 wks) and not planning any more. We would hope to stay put until they are teenagers. We are not gardeners but happy to plant a few bits, especially veg. 4yo is desperate for a trampoline and we have agreed cos we think it is well deserved after 4 young years with no outside space to speak of. We would also like a small shed and possibly even a playhouse.

So, in your experience, is this garden too small? Will we outgrow it? Will a 10ft trampoline (plus net) dominate it?

TIA

OP posts:

angel1976 · 30/03/2011 15:38

Beanbeany Sounds like we are almost in the same situation and process (you must be the non-London 'me'!) ! We have almost exchanged on the house we are currently in and several weeks along the process of buying the new one (searches being done and valuation survey booked for next week stage). I know exactly what you mean. We saw a few houses (not many as not many come up that meet our rather 'stringent' requirements) in about 6 months we were looking and soon realised one of the first we saw came closest to our 'wish list'. It still took a while to negotiate as the vendors were really stubborn on the price. We didn't want to rent either, what a nightmare with two little ones hey? It's stressful enough moving once, let alone twice!

Original poster

Beanbeany · 30/03/2011 15:57

Angel - I am def the non-London you! This place was also one of the first we saw and the vendors also stubborn on price (according to the agent)!

Madhairday - you are speaking my language!

OP posts:

angel1976 · 30/03/2011 20:05

beanbeany Too funny! How much did you guys get off in the end? We only got 5% off asking but it was a bloody hard slog to get them to take the 5% reduction. Or have you not even offered on the property? It is so hard isn't it? The area it is in is great as it's a conservation area, great local state primary schools and near public transport - almost unheard of in London! Which is why prices stay fairly high in the area despite the economy. I think we paid the right price for it in the end. We saw quite a few that were slightly bigger in terms of house size but those went for fairly close to asking price. It must have been meant to be... :)

smashingtime · 30/03/2011 20:55

We have a 30 ft long x 45 ft wide garden and an 8ft trampoline - it's fine! Also planning on a playhouse and a pergola so plenty of space. I have two kids and I do like to be able to see them esp as they fight a lot - a large garden would make that difficult. Also, as a novice gardener a smaller garden is more easily manageable esp as we are pretty much starting from scratch!

Our main problem is being very overlooked by the house behind but as long as that isn't an issue, I think small gardens have a lot of benefits!

Original poster

Beanbeany · 31/03/2011 09:58

Smashingtime, that's great to hear. We would be overlooked on all sides but I'm not bothered about that really. Well, I don't care that people can see into the garden, more that it can feel a bit claustrophobic. Still you can't have everything. Can I ask if you think the 8ft trampoline is big enough? I don't plan to allow more than 1 (possibly 2 under strict supervision!) at a time but if I'm honest I know I'll want to have a go. Is that size OK for an adult?

Angel we've offered 5% under and waiting for EA to get back to us but they've basically said vendor won't take it. It all takes so long not like when Phil and Kirsty get involved! We can go a bit more but not much so fingers crossed. You sound like you've found a great place.

OP posts:

angel1976 · 31/03/2011 13:59

Beanbeany No, you don't need Phil ad Kirstie. I was watching relocation, relocation last night and realised how rubbish they are at negotiating! They rarely venture very much off the asking price and they are always so negative when presenting the first offer! You can do better. :) Sounds like property has been on the market a while as well, just reiterate the strong position you are in. Good luck! Let us know when you hear.

smashingtime · 31/03/2011 19:00

Hi Beanbeany - my dc are 3 and 6 yrs and both bounce quite happily on the 8 ft trampoline together. I also venture on it from time to time although my pelvic floor not what it used to be so not for long

Good luck - hope vendors accept your offer and that you are in a good position

fedupandfifty · 31/03/2011 20:14

That size garden would be normal for around here, as there's plenty of public parkland. Ours is quite big for the area at about 70 by 20 feet. yours sounds nice and square to me. Also, think about how much use you'll get from it - once kids are older they'll be out and about more so may not need a garden forever.

frankie3 · 01/04/2011 18:29

Our garden is about that size and I have 2 active DS's. I think it is fine. I was a bit worried about it before we moved, but now realise how little time they spend in the garden compared to in the house when you think about how the house is used all year round. We have a playhouse, a climbing frame and football goal and there is plenty of space.

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