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Original poster

AAAH!

18 replies

noddyholder · 31/07/2012 19:18

I have been looking for a house for a year. I have always lived in period houses and also renovate them but I have had a hankering for a modern open plan 60s style house and thats why it has taken so long as not many here! Now I have found one and I am getting cold feet as I am worried I won't like modern! Has anyone switched and loved it (clutches at straws)

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oreocrumbs · 31/07/2012 19:28

I've switched from always having an old house to a new build, and its alright. It doesn't set my heart on fire when I drive up to it, but once I'm inside it makes no difference as I can't see it for junk it feels like home in the same way all of the other houses have.

I also enjoy the benefits of the house, we are in a new build because this house has a stunning location with views to die for, so rather than enjoying internal features, I enjoy the surrounding when I look out.

Even if period is your first love, which is mine, there are lots of other decor and features that are lovely too and its quite nice to have a go at trying them out for a while.

So after that ramble, what I'm trying to say is that it will be fine, and as long as you focus on enjoying the features of the house that attracted you, rather than looking for faults in the features it is missing, then it will be a lovely home.

fresh · 31/07/2012 19:44

I had always bought period houses, then we moved into a 70's place. I love it. I know you love re-modelling space in properties, so I think you'd enjoy the freedom you'll have with a more modern house. No period details to agonise over. No wobbly walls. Bigger windows, more light. And you can add whatever character you need without worrying whether it goes with Victorian/Georgian/whatever.

We live in a town and an area full of lovely Georgian properties. I'd find it hard to go back to one now though.

tricot39 · 31/07/2012 19:46

I haven't done the switch but we have been having conversations about compromises in our house in advance of a planned move next year.

By "period property", I assume what you mean is a house pre-1915? Because there are definite "period" styles which cover periods through the 20th century. So I am not keen on the use of "period" property to mean old!

DH maintains that he would prefer pre-1915, but I would be open to other later periods if it meant living in the right area. I would happily live in a 1960's/70's house BUT ONLY IF it had a lot of original features and had not been too insensitively treated, because it is those features that give the house sufficient character to stand the test of time. Sure they are not too fashionable now, but that is not to say that they will stay that way - avocado bathroom suite anyone?? Wink

I definitely do not yet feel as warm about houses built from the 1980's onwards yet tho...... and the period 1920-1950 is a bit dodgy due to the effect of materials shortages due to the wars......

tricot39 · 31/07/2012 19:49

LOL at X post with fresh!
Think I am on my own at the moment in my interest in "original features" of modern houses!

BloooCowWonders · 31/07/2012 20:02

Dh and I have got into the habit of living in modern ugly houses that look out onto beautiful period properties. And they have to look at us :) Doesnt seem fair really ...

I now go for practicality over style every time.

Original poster
noddyholder · 31/07/2012 20:02

Thanks. I do feel restricted by period houses in some ways but I do love them! It isn't a new build but it lovely and big with light and a south facing terrace with a sea view. For the size if it was period we couldn't afford it! I am thinking of a grand designs style make over and dp is really keen as he can have a music studio and park his car (easily pleased)

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Original poster
noddyholder · 31/07/2012 20:04

It was built in 1965

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tricot39 · 31/07/2012 20:31

Sounds lovely! Go for it!

fresh · 31/07/2012 21:02

SOUTH FACING TERRACE WITH SEA VIEW???? If you don't buy it, I will Envy Grin

Original poster
noddyholder · 31/07/2012 21:12

Grin We are renting atm in the centre of town in a tiny cottage.Ds has announced he doesn't want to move as he doesn't want to get a bus to college Hmm Going to view again tomorrow

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fresh · 31/07/2012 21:20

Just remind him about the music studio. Although I would suggest an intercom Grin

Cinderariel · 31/07/2012 21:32

We use to have a gorgeous 3 bed Victorian cottage. Just breathtakingly lovely. 3 DCs later, we are in a godawfully ugly UPVC-windowed new-build family house and I LOVE IT. (if I shut my eyes when I get home). It is so warm,and easy to keep clean, and quiet, and childfriendly, and cheap to run, and easy to decorate (flat walls), and easy to cook in (ergonomic kitchen, sigh), with so much space, and no spiders, no woodworm, no draughts, and so much light and pristine bathrooms. It costs us 2/3 less to heat this house in the deepest winter months, than it did to heat the old house in April. Go for it.

Cinderariel · 31/07/2012 21:33

used

Cinderariel · 31/07/2012 21:34

and no comma Blush

Original poster
noddyholder · 31/07/2012 21:44

Grin the cheaper heating sounds good. Has an open fire which is a big plus for me. Area not as yummymummy as we have been in the past but don't get views there!

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Original poster
noddyholder · 31/07/2012 21:45

We are going to need a vat of plaster though as it is like a wedding cake inside! Artex a go-go

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tricot39 · 31/07/2012 21:50

Oh watch it on the artex - asbestos can be a problem so get specialist survey.

Original poster
noddyholder · 31/07/2012 21:52

Yes I know there is a particularly fetching frosted effect fireplace!

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