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Original poster

Fugly house. Do we extend or move?

68 replies

lockdownbreakdown · 04/02/2021 13:52

So we live in the ugliest house ever. It's a sixties built semi and quite a monstrosity. However on the inside its lovely, light and nicely decorated with breathtaking views. We can now afford a much bigger mortgage but I cant bear to leave the lovely views behind. We can't quite stretch to a much bigger house in the current location but could buy a four bed detached with double the floor space in a not so nice but fine area on the other side of town . Or we could extend our fugly house to get the space we need but forever have our hearts sink when we drive up to it. It also won't ever be worth as much as buying a house at the top of our affordability. We are currently in a great school catchment . What would you do?

OP posts:
KirstenBlest · 04/02/2021 14:02

Watch the George Clarke Channel 4 programmes.

KirstenBlest · 04/02/2021 14:05

I like 1960s houses. Your house sounds great. You love everything about it apart from the kerb appeal.
Make it bigger and prettier and it will be perfect.

Sell it and someone will buy it for a song, then will make it bigger and prettier, and you will be looking out of your window and wishing you had a nice view.

Original poster
lockdownbreakdown · 04/02/2021 14:13

Is that ugly house to lovely house? Yes I'll check that out. It is only a semi though so the neighbour's house will still be hideous. Also worried about appreciation which would be higher on a prettier house.

OP posts:
Tonightstheteriyakichicken · 04/02/2021 14:13

on the inside its lovely, light and nicely decorated with breathtaking views
We are currently in a great school catchment
If you get on with your neighbours too, it seems a shame to up sticks.
Is there a qualified person with George Clarke's skills in your area you could consult?

I wish you could give us a photo, but understand that you probably prefer not to.

Original poster
lockdownbreakdown · 04/02/2021 14:16

Think brown , elevated with steps up sixties semi with garage underneath the house. Concerted brown tiles. Really hideous! The elevation means panoramic views of the surrounding mountains though.

OP posts:
KirstenBlest · 04/02/2021 14:18

Ugly House to Lovely House - that's the one.

You love those views. Don't lose them.

emsyj37 · 04/02/2021 14:19

I think once you get the idea of moving into your head, it doesn't go away. We extended instead and then moved anyway. Just move and save yourself the hassle!

Theunamedcat · 04/02/2021 14:21

Can you pretty up the frontage?

Original poster
lockdownbreakdown · 04/02/2021 14:22

We could pretty it up but wouldn't ever get the money back and the neighbour's is still awful!

OP posts:
KirstenBlest · 04/02/2021 14:22

I can see the merit in all sorts of architectural styles. Even though I tend to choose places with small windows, large windows like you get in midcentury house are great if you have a view.

My view from upstairs is like something from Corrie. Smile

Post us a photo of something similar, please @OP.

KirstenBlest · 04/02/2021 14:26

If only i'd seen this.

KirstenBlest · 04/02/2021 14:28

Link to a nice reno

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Original poster
lockdownbreakdown · 04/02/2021 14:33

A bit like the one above but elevated with a garage underneath and steps up to it

OP posts:
LaLaLouella · 04/02/2021 14:34

Move, if you can find something much bigger in a nice area. Views are lovely but loving your house is important too...

If you own a semi then you can't pretty up just half of it - it looks ridiculous.

BabyMoonPie · 04/02/2021 14:36

Don't under estimate the value of the view. We used to live in a terrace where the front and back views were of more terraced houses. A view was something I longed for when we moved and it makes me happy when I look at it. When you're inside the house what it looks like on the outside doesn't matter (ours isn't special from the outside). School catchment is obviously valuable too. In your position I'd stay and extend

Original poster
lockdownbreakdown · 04/02/2021 14:39

It's so difficult as the views give me such peace of mind and I love watching the weather come in. Its just the outside of the house which is so depressing and embarrassing

OP posts:
UltimateIrritant · 04/02/2021 14:40

Maybe your neighbours would be interested in improving their house too?

Original poster
lockdownbreakdown · 04/02/2021 14:40

They are really elderly so I dont think they really care to be honest!

OP posts:
Whoateallthestuffingballs · 04/02/2021 14:43

Oh I definitely wouldn't move - I had never lived with a view until my last house (rental) and when we had to move out, my number one criteria was a view. Especially with spending more time at home. Will it not also be cheaper to extend and stay put? I wouldn't trade in that case.

Alonelonelyloner · 04/02/2021 14:47

Stay! I can't get the link to work but how about Japanese ivy or something. Lots of it. Clematis?

Original poster
lockdownbreakdown · 04/02/2021 14:50

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/76446975

OP posts:
Original poster
lockdownbreakdown · 04/02/2021 14:51

At bit like the one above but elevated with a garage under the house. A real eyesore

OP posts:
Original poster
lockdownbreakdown · 04/02/2021 14:52

I think the costs would be about the same to be honest but we might even lose money by extending

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