It's a compromise either way!

[amipreparedtocompromise]

Name changed for this because I've asked so many people in real life! DH and I have looked at 2 houses. Both chain free, both in budget, both lovely.

One has 4 bedrooms but they aren't particularly big. It has a lovely long garden and private parking. It's down a private road close to the river so very quiet and safe.

The other has 5 bedrooms and space for an office. Not such a big garden but backs onto a play park. It's also less than 5 minutes to walk to the village shop and school but near the main road through. My heart says it wants the smaller house in the beautiful location but my head says more inside space is better.
For context we have 2 children, one boy one girl. My DH works from home and I have a small sewing business. Neither of us are keen gardeners and it's a relatively small village we're looking in.

I've linked the houses below. Which one would you go for? Should I let my head rule my heart?

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/118818557 smaller house, lovely location, fab garden

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/85310154 bigger house, village location, small garden

Number 2. The garden on the first on doesnt look like it will be easy to maintain at all

Personally not keen on either house. I would hate having all those steps to negotiate, & also would not want to be that close to the river with the first house.

I think number 2 is a more sensible buy. Number one looks like a money pit. Number two looks bright and light and I think would work well as a family home. Do come back and let us know what happens. Best of luck!

2 id be suspicious about damp with the discoloured ceiling and peeling paper, but could be nothing

1 just fyi on the aga, if it's still gas the parts are next to impossible to replace because it looks like a balanced flue, so expect the expence, again could be wrong

I bet we know each other (or at least know some people in common...)
All the best with your house move

I expect we do! It's not a big place

We've thought and thought about this. Or rather I have, DH had his mind made up quite quick! We've decided to offer on house 2 without the huge garden. I think the inside space is much more important especially with the park behind. I took the kids to the park yesterday and the neighbours have some steps over the wall straight into the park so that's something we can do when they're older.
The house belongs to me boss and we've agreed a price so we just need to sell our house now. I honestly think I'm grey from the stress of this. I'm never moving again!

excellent choice. steps over the wall directly into the park will be perfect for the kids when they are a bit older.

Second one is stunning. I don't like the first one at all. There is nothing I like about it.

How old are your children? The stairs at the back of house one look lethal!!