Buying a house on a steep hill

[itsalways]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking at a house that's up on a hill, very close to the town centre, so ideally I'd want to walk in and out rather than drive as parking is expensive and a bit of a nightmare.

The views are great, and the location is really appealing but… I'm a bit concerned about the steepness of the hill.

To give you an idea, it’s roughly the equivalent of walking up 16 flights of stairs over a distance of about three football fields. That said, the steepest part is right at the start, about half the climb is packed into the first quarter of the walk and then it flattens out a bit.

I’ve lived on a hill with a similar height difference before, and while it was manageable, it was less steep overall. Even then, I found it tiring and that was a few years ago when I was a bit younger and fitter!

My worry is that it will put me off walking into town, which defeats the point of living close to the centre.

What do you think? A deal-breaker or something you get used to?

If you are fit it won't be much of a problem. If you are not fit, it will make you fit! Regular hilly walking is one of the keys to long life apparently.

I walk up hills every day pushing a heavy buggy and I don't even breathe heavily any more (I did when I first got the buggy)! I fully expect to live at least an extra decade for my efforts 😂

16 flights of stairs is a lot of stairs! I initially mistook it for 16 stairs.

It really would have to be my absolute ideal property with amazing views.

At least you wouldn’t have any flooding concerns.

Just make sure you have a wee before heading back from the pub intown. The hill is much worse with a full bladder.

If only it was 16, more like 225 steps.

We used to live on a very steep hill, id say you'll get used to it I'm sure, but when its icy its a nightmare and parking if you have visitors isnt for the faint hearted! What prompted us to move was when DH broke his leg and how challenging it was for him, and it was thankfully only temporary. That said plenty do live in them so not all bad.

You could always set up your own comp to rival the one that takes place every year in Gloucester. 😂🧀

I used to live on a hill. Moved in my 30's thinking it would not a problem. Grew to hate the hill and it doesn't make you fitter because you just start walking up slower and shopping is a nightmare. Also council dont grit and even if they did, it was still treacherous when it was icy.

I live on a similar hill, not only that but there is another steep climb from my parking space to the property. I moved in my 50s and am now in my 60s. It doesn't get easier and even young people are out of breath by the time they get to the top. The views are absolutely stunning though and worth the effort, even when I have been ill, I smile at the view when I reach the top. We are by the sea so ice is really rare.

Are you planning on kids. Nightmare with a pram

I lived on a steep hill. One day when it was icy I fell onto my arse and slid backwards down the hill. I loved it there, for the views. I think it’s worth it!

Sounds like the town I live in. We’re fortunately not on too hilly bit, the city my parents live in though is holly and they have a hill into the city centre all absolutely fine except when it’s icy!!!

It wouldn’t put me off somewhere but you have to walk a lot slower when it’s icy.

My house is also on top of a hill.
Positive: Amazing views, incredible sunsets, good for your heart, not overlooked by numerous neighbours and walking up the hill sobers you up after a few drinks!

Downsides: Walking up the hill is horrible after a big meal, icy pavements that the council do not grit.

If I really can't face trudging up the hill, I have been known to get the bus or taxi home from town.

I live top of a hill and as other people have said ice is the killer

the don’t grit the main road my cul de sac leads out onto on the hill. One year l saw this bloke scared out of his mind sliding past me in his car unable to stop

big issue is this road leads out onto a four lane dual carriageway. He ended swerving to do an emergency stop before he got to the bottom, using someone’s gate and wall to stop him