Character or modern style?

[mountains76]

Hi all, viewed these two places a while back, one modern and the other period style, both are sold now, but still interested to know which of the two you prefer and why:

www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/54968549

www.zoopla.co.uk/property-history/87-wroslyn-road/freeland/witney/ox29-8hl/55311835

Your 2nd link is much better. They’re both the same price but I don’t know the location to comment.

Much prefer first one as it has character and feels homely. Second one seems characterless.

Going purely on looks, the first one is way ahead. It has character, a blend of modern and traditional and could adapt to any style. The second is just so bland it makes me feel a bit deflated just looking at at. It's so non descript it's such a waste of the space and location to not do anything othe than boxy rooms and nothing of interest architecturally whatsoever.

Also, it takes a lot of effort and money to make a boring house look stylish whereas the bones of the first property are so good that even if you're that good at interior design, it can more easily look appealing.

I'd always take a well maintained period property over a identikit boxy modern one with no features. Although I do also love a modern property if it's done well.

Definitely the first one, for all the reasons @Namechange2020lalala said. It's just got bags more character than the new build, though the interior isn't to my taste it could easily be made gorgeous.

First - the second one is completely soulless.

Second link looks more spacious, bigger garden. First one has more character but may need updating. It is quite evenly balanced. I think the location will be the deciding factor.

First one, though itooks arts and crafts style which is not my favourite. Thr second-best like so many new houses I've seen being built in small developments of about two to six houses. Too boxy and bland.
The first has issues though: a semi and only one bathroom - not great for that ground floor bedroom! So would need some work.

They're in very different areas, OP. Is catchment area for secondary a consideration? If so, the Freeland property is the one to go for (Bartholomew catchment).

First for me too. Beautiful mature garden and any tired bits inside can be changed. Second house is also lovely but there's nowhere to really go with it.

First, by a long way. It has good bones, and character, and a lovely garden, and beautiful radiators. The second is nice, but it's just such a blank slate.

Interesting comments, thanks. I actually preferred the first myself and the other half much loved the second. I found the new build a bit soulless but it was all finished to a very high standard and ready to live in.

It seems hard to find a new build with character, I guess it’s one or the other unless you go bespoke.

OP did you move in the end?

@RaymondSpectacles

OP did you move in the end?

We are still looking, but we can't decide over old-style or new. Those are the best to examples we've seen but the market seems a bit dead at the moment.

I couldn't see a floorplan on the second listing so haven't necessary compared them fairly. Personally although the first one looks much nicer from the outside, I think it's darker and smaller. You can add an element of colour/character to a house but I'd always go for light, space/layout over anything else. I'd prefer to be inside the house I loved looking out at a cute cottage than the other way round!

I've always lived in period houses but actually I'm surprised to say I prefer the second one of your links. Detached, looks easy to maintain, open, light and airy with a better garden.

I saw the first and loved it, thought that would defo win, but then I viewed the second and I really like that too! I don't think it's soulless?! I don't even like new builds but it looks warm and homely to me.

So, I love both!

House 1 all the way. The modern one is so souless.

I'm not dead set on either character or modern though, I would judge each house on its own merits. Character can be added through furnishings and decor. Ceiling height is a deal breaker for me though - I can't bear low ceilings.

First one. I do live in Oxfordshire so prefer that location as well as the house. The second one looks like it’s been modernised to sell and lacks any personality.

I would say neither are period properties.

Second isn’t a new build though is it? It‘a remodelled mid-late 20th century (unspecified - hard to tell as it’s been re-rendered, but the roof doesn’t look new) - which should mean the proportions are probably a bit better than the average new build.

IMO of these two I’d choose the second - layout looks better - two living rooms, no downstairs bedroom, reception space and kitchen next to each other which is much better with kids, detached, more space to remodel/extend if you ever wanted to, garden is also lovely. First has lots of character but the layout wouldn’t work for me, third bedroom upstairs is tiny and semi-detached.

I say this as someone who as a rule much prefers period properties, but recent househunt has taught me never to exclude anything on this alone.

I've always loved period properties but refreshed so they are quirky. But now after moving into a new apartment I want at least mid century or newer. My period houses were so cold but this place keeps the warmth in. I hope they are less expensive to maintain as you are not rebuilding things

House 1. No contest.

First one by miles. We wouldn't have even view the second.

I wouldn’t say either look like character properties but I don’t know the areas, would definitely chose number 1 number 2 looks boring

I’m the complete opposite of most mumsnetters with house. I’d pick no.2 any day of the week. I love new houses. Modern, white & finished is what I’m looking for 😂 I grew up in a 1930’s house which is lovely but boy has it cost my parents a fortune over the years & it was always freezing! As an adult myself, I’ve always lived in new build flats & houses (not always brand new but 10 years & under) and they just suit me & my taste in minimal, scandi-esk furniture!