Options for window facing a neighbours wall?!

[Givemepickles]

I'm in a detached house with neighbours close either side. We want to get more light in downstairs and have decided to add a window to the west facing wall. This will be straight onto our neighbours house and the fence that separates our gardens so an awful view!

My question is how can we make it work so that light comes in but without a ridiculous view straight onto the side of their house? I'm really keen the sun comes in and have found window film blocks the sun and some light. Do we just have to go frosted glass or are there other options?

I would grow a creeper on the fence so it is a nicer view and put some light plantation shutters on the window so you can angle to let the light in but not see the wall when you want to.

Could you make it lighter with a barrisol ceiling instead? https://www.barrisolwelch.com/products/stretch-ceiling/

You should probably just knock down your neighbours house.

Stained glass? I love the colours it throws around the room!

As the window faces a blank wall, I can't see that overlooking rules apply. They are to prevent you looking into windows of your neighbour's house.

What does the wall look like? A window is always worthwhile for the light even if the view is nothing special.

How about a garden window, then put some pretty plants on it

https://images.app.goo.gl/pzxyJTmzUQXxhTQz7

It's about 4 foot between our house and the fence. Probably about 2.5 metres between the house walls.

I should have mentioned its the side access to the garden so we do need to keep it quite clear and there's a gate. Could do narrow planting on the fence but nothing that will stick out too much (and it's not our fence so need to be careful)

I'd put a long narrow planter outside the window with some high plants in it. Just about 12 or 14" wide so you don't block the side entrance, enough for one plant deep.

Ok, since it's quite a narrow access I would prefer high up windows that you wouldn't be looking out of, I think it would look more contemporary than frosted glass.

Nicely etched glass if you have cash to spare

As PPs have suggested, I would go for a clerestory window —- let’s light in but isn’t really intended for gazing out of or nosing into. I think it would look really distinctive and modern too.

I love the clerestory window idea! Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Will see if that can work with the layout of the room.

I’d just have a vase with pretty flowers on the windows sil to distract from the view but still show light in.

Family have a window the same as this on one wall of their conservatory, Really like it.

Have you thought about pretty patterned window film?
https://creativewindowclings.com/products/decorative-patterned-window-film

I've got frosted glass on one of my kitchen windows for this reason. Maybe it's not quite a bright as a clear window, but it's hugely better than no window.