Which house would you choose?

[TheVeryHungryPreggo]

House A: modern and well-thought out finish, small but neat garden, recently renovated. On top of a hill, stunning views. Parking for one car. Backs on to one of the best primary schools in London so you would never be out of catchment. A bit of a hike to the nearest stations, coming home would be a 20 minute walk uphill at this end. 2000sqft, 6 bedrooms - 4 double and 2 small singles. Slightly overpriced for the size.

House B: old and half again as large and needs some TLC, but not in need of significant work besides plumbing (new bathrooms) and wiring, the rest is paint and carpet jobs. 6 huge double bedrooms with original fireplaces in each. Large garden with pond, patio and greenhouse, end of terrace and on a corner so not really overlooked - also has parking for 3 or more cars (we only have one car btw!) Right on the edge of catchment for an excellent school - you may or may not get in - but other primary schools in the area have recently been Harris'd or had a change of leadership so there are options if a bit further away or wrong religion. Costs 150k less than House A and is closer to two stations - and on the flat!

We are torn. House A is beautiful and neat and modern and is next to a great school. We wouldn't have to touch anything, it's perfectly finished already. But House B is exciting, the exact layout we like and somewhere we could really make our own - and when we went to see it my two year old loved it and loved running around the garden. We could spend less money on it and on stamp duty and have more to do it up... DH and I really want it for ourselves! But we are supposed to be moving for primary schools and there probably isn't much point moving to a house that isn't guaranteed a good primary school close by, especially with the cost of moving.

WWYD? Either? Neither? Keep looking for one that ticks all the boxes of schools and style and space? Children are 2 and not-yet-born but due in summer... I'm also a bit of a nervous driver and worried about driving up in the hilly area, lots of narrow residential streets and sharp too-high speed bumps.

House B has so much potential as well as being a great home for kids to grow up in. House C just looked bland.

Having seen the links of both houses in Penge (they are both really in Penge), I also suggest to double think what are you going to do for secondaries, as that area is a bit tricky for secondaries, unless you can pay for private schools.

House B is lovely and D is lovely, and OMG what lovely garden for house D... however do not underestimate the scope and the cost of upkeep such massive houses and gardens.. unless of course you are getting cleaners, gardeners etc. too. I understand you both work, you will have 2 small children and nursery/school runs, you will be busy as a bee. Do you really need such strain on yourselves? I would possibly look for something more ordinary... just to make life easier. Unless you get everything done for you.

I am speaking from experiences. My budget is 3-4 times less than yours, I am currently in a small period terrace (lovely house but vague secondary choices). To be honest working FT, two kids, I find it too much the upkeep of an old house, and we'd rather go to Crystal palace park instead of staying in the garden. And we will have to move anyway - for secondaries, which will mean buying an ugly, small house to be in a good catchment (Langley park). I wish I did not have to make such choice.

House B is the nicest. But the description made me laugh! Will you holding socialite banquets after fitting in two SUVs on the drive? Will you be humbled as you walk in?

Yes house b is basically penge, and I would want to be sure of primaries too, I know Alexandra v popular and oversubscribed but not sure if there any other good primaries locally.i grew up very near there and there was and still is a lack of good state secondary options.
Re big gardens, ours is big (120ft) and a lot of work. We don't really keep on top of it (busy with two kids) and its a bit wild. Can't afford a gardener or £££££ for landscaping. It is nice in the summer but rest of the yr we prefer to use parks.
Try and future proof your decision as much as possible and think of what you will need in the future. Good luck.