Since lockdown it has become apparent that DH is going to be working from home on a permanent basis.
We live in SE London (zone 3) and have a 3 bed house with a small garden - we are a family of 4.
It is a bit cramped with DH working from home - his desk is in the living room but we have an open plan kitchen/dining/ living room so it hasn't been too much of a problem but it would be great if he could have his own office.
We cannot extend into the loft as there isn't sufficient height clearance and the garden is too small for an office out there.
The house is worth about £900k and we are well aware that we could get something fabulous for that money outside of London- our budget is up to £1.25 million, looking in our local area for a house on that budget is depressing - houses seem to jump from our price point up to £1.5 million for a 4 bed semi.
I would still like to be able to get to London within 1-1.5hrs to see friends and family (I am born and bred here, moving out is a little scary!) and DH will probably have to go into his office (in Mayfair) every couple of weeks for the day.
We also need to consider schools for the primary age DC - they currently go to a fee paying school and I am happy to continue with private education but would also consider a decent small state school.
I work too but I can wfh/ work pretty much anywhere so that isn't a huge consideration.
We have family in SE London and Essex but tbh I don't think we should tie ourselves to them.
Our wish list: at least 4 beds, decent garden, close to amenities (I am used to being able to get bread and milk at any time of day or night 
) and things for the kids to do. So a town or large village with a train link to London.
At the moment I think we should just find our dream house and think about the location afterwards - I would really like something modern as we have been living in a Victorian terrace and I am over the "quirks".
Any suggestions of location or any fabulous homes to share?