Fugly house. Do we extend or move?

[lockdownbreakdown]

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?

If my house was like that I’d just change the cladding on the front. Cedar and white render would make it look more modern. You could speak to the neighbour and see if they fancy having theirs done too.

I'd personally stay - no way would I move to a prettier house in a worse area.

Also, sorry to be blunt, but generally very elderly neighbours won't be with you very long... you might find yourself with younger neighbours, who would be interested in a refurb?

I think you're being a bit ridiculous. What does the outside matter? It's what it's like inside surely. I've never considered kerb appeal, it's all about interior space, location and views from the property for me.

I'd extend.

Loads of good ideas on Ugly House to Lovely House. I wouldn't move in your situation.

@lockdownbreakdown The love it or list it team are looking for participants for the next series!

Eventually your elderly neighbours willbe replaced by someone else who will likely pretty their side up too, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. A view and how it feels to live in are the most important things!

@lockdownbreakdown

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

Funnily enough that sounds quite similar to one of the Ugly House to Lovely House houses - series 2 episode 3.

Don't underestimate the difference new doors and windows make.

We changed ours to grey aluminium (1960s ugly house), with a new garage door to match and the house was transformed overnight.

I wouldn't do it unless the windows need changing anyway, but if you think they're going to need changing in the next few years, I'd bring it forward.

I know they're much hated on here, and people think they're a fad, but ours have been in 10 years now, and a few more down our road have put them in since (including one going into a renovation right now), so I'd say it definitely isn't a fad.

I'd stay. I don't spend time outside looking at my house. Inside is the most important part. And a view is a lovely thing to have

God no, don't move. Plant a climber or two, some new render and cladding.

Kids grow up and leave home - but you'll have the view for ever!

If you have an expense of brick wall like the Rightmove link above (your link didn't work for me, OP), is there scope for trellis around the door and a nice climbing plant to soften the aspect?

I live in a house with a view, sadly I'm going to have to downsize over next few years and I'm unlikely to find somewhere else to match it (think view of horizon with sunset...).

As you drive towards your home, think more of the lovely views that await you, rather than your dislike of the front. I fear you may regret moving if you do so....

You make some really good points. Last summer we sat outside our front door and watched lightening storms over the mountain. You can only see that from our ridge. It is pretty special. I'll look into climbing plants!

I think that once you’ve lived in a house with great views, you’ll always feel like something is missing when you move to a more normal house.

I’m not sure that it is possible to compensate for that loss of quality of life by having a few extra rooms, or a bit more curb appeal, so if I were you I’d definitely look at what you can do with your current house

@theshellhouse I'm going to check out that episode!

I’d move personally, just because of the steps.

I wouldn't sacrifice the joy the inside brings just to get a prettier outside. You don't even see the outside when you are in it.

can you buy next door and redo the exterior?

Post a pic of a similar exterior or your exterior and we can advise.

Stay put however. You’re very happy where you are apart from one aspect which can be improved with good planning

Would converting the garage work? May be cheaper than extending.

Garage conversion is a no go I'm afraid. Without the steps there wouldn't be a view. Houses across the road have to stare at my hideous house while I stare at the mountains

I don't know what area you are in but I can say that mid century houses with original features are very very in.
A work with colleague who's absolutely loaded has bought a sixties house and has furnished it with all stuff from that era it is fabulous.
Have you seen the estate agent called modern house? Take a look your place will turn out to be highly desirable I think 🤔

Ok I’ve just seen the house and I like it a lot. Maybe use some of the money to get some professional advice about updating the frontage.

@lookingoutadirtyoldwindow wow! I actually didn't know that. How interesting! Definitely something to consider

Contemporary black front door, black thin framed windows. Lots of planting to soften.

Not sure you can paint pebble dash . It's a mixture of materials on the front. Brick, pebbledash and concrete tiles. Loving the ideas though!

I think an awesome view is worth a great deal.

You only look at the outside of your house as you go in so unless you are in and out all the time it's not something you see for very long.

I'd rather have a lovely interior and gorgeous views than a house with kerb appeal and less going on inside.