Garden compromise

[Longheath8]

Would you be happy to compromise on a garden that is smaller than you hoped for (shallow but long) if you had a field and some beautiful woods with lovely views literally a minutes walk away? We have young kids so I always imagined a big garden for them to run around. House is very good size wise for the money.

I did this. It’s big enough for the kids to have a kick around though.

Sometimes I think I would love a bigger garden. Then I remember I’m not a fan of gardening and am glad that it isn’t too big. Do you enjoy gardening? Room for kids is a consideration but maintaining it is another!

It's defo big enough for them to have a kick around. And we think we could claim a bit of grass back. There are some very mature trees in each corner...9ft deep in one corner and 7ft deep in the other. I just feel it's out of proportion with the house. No we aren't big gardeners although I think I maybe hoped I might learn to love it? Although maybe that's a bit romantic of me. These woods are beautiful. Part of me thinks how lovely for them to grow up with these woods being on the doorstep. Early morning and evening walks so close to home does sound lovely. I just can't help feeling a bit unsure that it's something I should compromise on.

It sounds bigger than mine and we manage!

I love my house. Which is weird because I’m not overly emotional. I had to be really blunt with myself and ask whether I wanted to pay another £100k (approx price difference round here!) for a similar size house but with a big garden.

I decided to save the money and I’m glad. The kids don’t use it as much now they’re older anyway. What sort of ages are your children?

Can you comfortably afford the sort of house and garden that you’d envisaged? If so, I wouldn’t compromise. If the budget is a bit tight, then it sounds like the garden is decent enough.

I would but depends what alternatives are. It worked fine for us and meant the gardening only took an hour each week so more time to spend with the kids and less on chores. We did trampoline in garden then David Lloyd for swimming / football / tennis and playground / forest and playdates and it was fine.

I have a wood on my doorstep and it's fantastic. I love walking the dog there, and Dd has seen so many animals. Plus it offers scope for the kids camping out when older. And gives them a space to hang out with friends that's 100% better than hanging around the local shops.

I would for living in, especially if direct access

UNLESS the garden is unusually small for the street as a) I’d probably have buyers remorse constantly b) I’d worry it would make it harder to sell, especially if houses nearby have big gardens & some have extended

I think most of us have to compromise on variety things when we are buying though - unfortunately!

You always have to compromise on something , and personally I feel a large garden is more trouble than It's worth. Especially as the children grow older and don't spend so much time out there running around etc. Space inside is more important as the kids grow older I always feel. If you have lovely woods etc on your doorstep then I don't think it should be a problem.