I would NEVER buy a house with…

[Wyr]

• solar panels

• a ‘garden house’ IE a lockdown special outdoor wooden shed dressed up as an office - usually taking up half the garden and completely pointless

• a neighbour who has a load of cars / shit in their yard - hoarder vibes

who’s next? 3 things that would make you not buy a house…

An integrated garage, I’m not really sure why but they bother me!

I like an open plan kitchen, dining room, family room -however I would definitely want a separate lounge.

DH dislikes them too.

Since my much earlier post I have remembered what I don't like although appreciate many people do. Beams - even original ones. I prefer cleaner lines. Also the wooden beams and exposed bits in high galleried ceilings like loft conversions.

I'd also immediately remove decking, aka, rat run housing.

@TizerorFizz There are certain Dos and Don'ts with cob and not all cob was created equal, that's true. It has to breathe so things like built-in kitchens are better avoided, and it much prefers lime render and breatheable paint. Problems can arise when water gets in but not out. But treat it properly and it's wonderful stuff unless you want right angles and straight, clean lines. There are a LOT of cob houses surviving in Devon, which can't be about having a dry climate but I suspect is connected with the qualities of loam soil that was used.

By the way I'm not saying 'old house good, new house bad' or that new houses can't be well-constructed. My ancient walls are great insulation but I'm not making any claims about my windows, roof or other eco credentials. Of course there are wonderfully built modern houses and maybe some will still be around in a few hundred years- but 'no compromises' architecture is hugely expensive and those who can afford this probably aren't choosing it to avoid the maintenance costs of period houses.

Well I'm the same as both of you. I hate integral garages, to me I think they make access to the house really insecure. Hate decking, gives me the willies. I also cannot bear beams or sloping ceilings, ditto roof extensions.