House with style out in the sticks, or sensible house on estate near school

[Bowlersx5]

We want to move to a bigger home and have a dilemma between a beautiful 1930s home down a country lane, with about 100ft garden, still only about 12 minutes to work and 15 minutes to school, or a not very stylish 1980s house walking distance from school, smaller garden, but still decent size house. The first would really be the choice of my and hubby, but would rely on us to drive the children everywhere and the children would just have our garden to play in as the road is quite busy. On the housing estate there are likely to be other kids around to play with and as the children get older they could be more independent, getting a bus into town etc. The children are 3, 7 and 9 but when we move we want to stay put for a long time.
What would you choose?

[namechangedtoday15]

Sorry meant I wouldn't let her walk home from the 1st house - got my links mixed up!!

[whois]

I think the first house has a really awkward lay out and actually I would go for the modern estate house. It is 'uninspiring' but will be better as a family house.

[whois]

It is bloody close to the M6 tho! You'll have bad M way traffic noise.

[JeffreySadsacIsUnwell]

I went for a wander past the first house using street view. That farm/industrial place that a PP also spotted (clearly same antennae!) has a sign in its driveway saying "HGV deliveries next left" and you can see one of the HGVs on street view. I would not want lorries thundering past the house - can't see speed limit signs anywhere so assume it's 60. Google maps has a bus stop close to the house but how frequent are the services and would you want your children standing on the verge at the bus stop with those lorries (and cars...) speeding past?

Think I'd keep searching...

[t1mum]

Don't know the area at all but there seem to be some other nice houses around that would tick more boxes www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-40337985.html

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-37331757.html

[Bowlersx5]

Plan with 1st house would be to split huge bedroom upstairs back into 2 rooms as it originally was. My boys don't actually mind sharing and so we might keep them sharing for now to gain a playroom/second reception downstairs. The loft would be big enough for master + en suite at some point.

I think it basically comes down to head vs heart. Both in nice enough areas, but do I go with heart for less practical option in the country, or head for sensible option in town....

We do enjoy gardening and would look forward to having the opportunity of a veggie patch etc.
We would need another £100 k to get the ideal option of character property with space, parking and garden in town
Then again, maybe just need to keep looking. ...

[irregularegular]

I'd be very tempted by the first - I do love a nice 1930s house, garden and view - but I think that with children the age of yours, the second might give a nicer lifestyle. I think there is an enormous amount to be said for having school, friends, activities, public transport within walking distance. Being part of a community rather than nowhere in particular on an A road. If you think there would be that community, public transport links, and good schools within walking distance of the second house then I'd go for that. Assuming you care about that kind of thing. There do seem to be some people who aren't that interested in local community and are happy to have two cars and drive everywhere.

[LucyLocketLostHerPocket]

I like both the houses t1mum linked to in same area better tbh but if you had to have one of the first two I'd go for the second. It's just more practical for kids to be able to get about by themselves. The first house looks like a lonely place for a child to live.

[notagiraffe]

How about this one?

[sherbetpips]

We went estate, much better for ds and his friendships, doesn't have to rely on me ferrying him everywhere. House is big but boring but suits just fine for now, we can have our dream house when he moves out!

[notagiraffe]

or this?

[GretchenBeckett]

I know the area of the first one well and that is a very busy road it's on. I love the house but the traffic noise would drive me crazy. Also it sometimes floods around there so make sure you check that out too.

[Bowlersx5]

As far as floods, we asked specifically and that part hasn't flooded for over 40ys and the extended the sea defences after that one - actually the area of the last link not a giraffe posted flooded in December just gone. We've looked at crooked hall gardens, but it's in the grounds of a school for children with behavioural difficulties - might present different challenges, but yes it's nice. Second link to mum sent puts us into a different postcode which may well lead to secondary school challenges. As both my husband and I drive to lancaster each day for work it would be better if they were in Lancaster for school too. I will look again at the one by the canal... it virtually backs on to the hospital where I work... although that might just be a bit too close for comfort
;-)

Thanks for all the advice

[BeauGlacons]

Let's be realistic.
House one has been on the market for a while (why?)
Have you a day where you can pull into a layby, at 6am for 14 hours to get the traffic vibe?
Are you prepared to be a taxi service for 10-15 years?
Are you and DH prepared to spend 5/6hiurs gardening every week from May-Sept?
Are you prepared to pay £750 for a survey and then possibly some extra ones for further investigation of damp/electrics?
The conservatory looks as though it will need maintenance and the kitchen will need updating.
A loft conversion will cost you upwards of £45k.
A 30's house is pushing 100. Has it had a new roof - if not £30k.
I think it might be a money pit and it isn't in a great area without risks judging from people who know it.
BUT
Do you love it? Is this a long term proposition of 20+ years? (you are asking the question so perhaps not)
Is there any development potential vis a vis the plot? Could you at some stage build another house or three in the garden: Could parts of the land be valuable to a local business?
Do you have the money to turn it into your dream home?
If the answer to all of that is yes then offer £255,000 and see what happens.
do you know already where your Christmas tree will go

Sits in 1927 money pit with a tired interior that we overpaid for BUT we fell in love with it, can afford it and it's potentially an awesome development plot in an area where three houses would be snapped up when the garden becomes too much