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Property/DIY

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Original poster

garden not visible from the house

13 replies

sommewhereelse · 14/05/2012 07:49

We saw a house over the weekend that ticks many of our boxes but the garden is not visible from the house. It's a 100 yr old town house in the middle of a terrace. There's a courtyard at the back and at the end of the courtyard a small path going behind the neighbours courtyard where there is a big garden which belongs to the house.

DCs are 7 and 9 so we don't have to worry about constant supervision. We would be able to hear crying from the house (if the windows were open).

I just wondered if anyone else has experience of living in a similar property for pros and cons.

Sorry no link, it only came on the market on Friday night and is not yet on the web.

OP posts:

Northernlurker · 14/05/2012 08:10

That sounds lovely - like a 'secret' garden. As long as it was secure it wouldn't put me off and I think there is a real charm to that sort of terraced townhouse. There are some like that in the city I live in - with gardens across an alley way. They are Highly Sough After

Original poster

sommewhereelse · 14/05/2012 08:17

It's fenced in all around and bordered by neighbours gardens all around. Anyone accessing it would have to go through someone's house and garden.

I'm not concerned about safety. DH wonders whether we would use it as much as a smaller one right next to the house.

OP posts:

Rhubarbgarden · 14/05/2012 10:33

Tricky. I think your DH is probably right though.

IAmBooyhoo · 14/05/2012 10:36

i dont think the safety aspect is an issue. although i grew up on a farm where my mum didn't see me or dsis between meals. you children are a good age where they know rules about not leaving the garden without asking etc.

your dh could be right about not using it but the dcs would surely?

Original poster

sommewhereelse · 14/05/2012 12:33

I don't know. We've had a big garden before and I would spend a lot of time gardening in it which motivated them to come out but they never really took the initiative of going outside. One is a bookworm and I have to suggest reading on the grass rather than in the bedroom, the other one spends a lot of time playing lego which for obvious reason is not allowed outside. But he wants a nerf gun for his birthday and it's the ideal garden for that!

Our current garden has a trampoline which you can see from the dining table so they are out there straight after most meals.

OP posts:

IAmBooyhoo · 14/05/2012 13:01

well i'd keep the house on my list and think it over whilst still looking at others are you under pressure to move soon?

Original poster

sommewhereelse · 14/05/2012 13:55

No hurry, we're renting, but we've been looking for 6 months and most of the stuff available doesn't tick many boxes.
We're going back for another visit this week. Thanks for your input.

OP posts:

GiveTheAnarchistACigarette · 14/05/2012 14:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LittleMouseOnTheHairy · 14/05/2012 14:20

Surely part of the pleasure of having a garden is being able to look out of the windows and enjoy it from the house, as well as when you're out there?

I would have to think long and hard about it if it were me, and continue to look for other properties.

Lexilicious · 14/05/2012 14:24

As a keen gardener, the issue which would strike me about this is the need to trek through my own house to get things to the garden. e.g. buying in quantities of compost, large plants, garden furniture, or in the other direction if you store your bikes in a shed in the garden. But that's a general point about side/rear access which would equally apply to taking out the bins, etc.

Original poster

sommewhereelse · 14/05/2012 15:51

LittleMouse, I was thinking that. At the moment there's wisteria blooming in the courtyard so the view from the kitchen sink is very pleasant, but what about the rest of the year.

Lexilicious, that wouldn't be a problem. There is a garage at the other end of the garden with access to a different street so bikes and compost etc would go that way. We'd mostly park at the front for unloading shopping etc.

Good point about the bins though. I imagine we'd have to put them out the front. Will check on Wednesday.

OP posts:

FioFio · 14/05/2012 15:54

we can't see the whole of our garden from our house if we are inside, I imagine it'sthe same for alot of people tbh it's just that yours will be fenced off seperately and you will have to lock your back door if you are all going into the garden

addictediam · 14/05/2012 16:02

We looked at one last week like this, we decided it wasn't family friendly, but our children are much younger (18 months and 14 weeks) we also didn't think it would be used very much. Is it ideal otherwise? Is your heart saying yes but head unsure? Ime if your not sure you should keep looking and go and view again in a week or 2 if you start comparing all other houses to this one go for it, if not walk away.

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