Tell me about your south-facing house

105 replies

Streap · 05/04/2023 22:44

We’re about to exchange on a lovely house that faces full south. Lots of windows on that side and also a loft conversion with a south facing roof and velux.

Is it going to be stupidly hot in the summer? We have been living in a damp north-east facing cottage and I’ve been so excited about the southerly aspect that I am only just realising there may be downsides.

OP posts:

motherofkevinnotperry · 08/04/2023 15:59

It's amazing. Like the med in the UK summer but as others have said it's gets incredibly hot inside. Northside of house is much colder and darker. We've made north rooms snug and warm, we tend to use these in the winter. Southside is open with sunshades and good ventilation! You will need windows that open well, fans in rooms, sun blinds and I'd encourage hard flooring rather than carpets. Trust me when I say it gets hot!

Joanne101030 · 08/04/2023 16:01

Hi,
I’m thinking of moving to Great Dunmow is Essex, but don’t want to get caught up in a rough bit (sorry).
is there a good part to be in please ?
Thank you.

motherofkevinnotperry · 08/04/2023 16:04

Oh and if it's sunny out, our bank garden is hot. Today, I'm sat in vest top and it's 22oc in the sun. According to the weather it's 14 where I am. I don't think I could not have a south facing garden now.

minipie · 08/04/2023 23:49

We are S facing at the back, kitchen extension with lots of glass.

We have a large awning across the garden doors which really helps keep it cooler, and the glass is triple glazed and solar control. Upper bedrooms have new double glazing and the roof is new and well insulated (these rooms were much hotter before we made these changes).

Still, even with those measures, there’s about 2/3 weeks a year where it hits 32-35 degrees (plus) and in those temps, yes it’s unpleasantly hot.

I still would pick south facing, every time. We have so much light, and every bit of winter sun helps warm the house. I love the sun streaming into the kitchen. I love the sunny garden (awning and trees give shade). I might put a bit less glass in next time mind you…

MrFirstTimeBuyer · 09/04/2023 12:22

NeverDropYourMooncup · 05/04/2023 23:08

Have you got enough money left over to fund some aircon?

Shouldn't cost too much in the great scheme of housebuying, just means maybe not buying all new appliances/replacing a sofa.

Add in some thermal curtains to keep the heat out and it shouldn't be quite as bad that way.

(My house is southfacing. The digital thermometer read 43 Celsius with the thermal curtains and windows closed. It wasn't what I'd call comfortable more like hellish )

You should open the windows once the temperatures indoors is higher than outside.

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