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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

Mumsnet Homeswap - the houses are so luxurious!

167 replies

BeattieBow · 30/12/2011 12:28

so I've just been looking at the link to the homeswapping site through the email, as this is something we are thinking of doing.

But the houses are all so luxurious! where did they come from - surely they're not mumsnetters homes? I don't think I would feel comfortable swapping with any of those luxury houses, and I'm not sure that the residents of them would want to live in my house. are there any "normal" houses in the list?

OP posts:
SuePurblybilt · 30/12/2011 12:32

I have a very normal house (scruffy 2 bed bungalow) in a popular holiday area but I would be very wary of swapping. I fear rejection Grin.

moondog · 30/12/2011 12:33

Let's hjave a link eh?

ssd · 30/12/2011 12:35

I thought this too op!!

would love to see some sun and would swap, but jesus those houses.......we'd fit our house in their bathroom

what about setting up a houseswop site for folk who have normal houses??

SuePurblybilt · 30/12/2011 12:44

I am assuming that the site has attracted lots of people who aren't regular posters. Of the two near me, one has ten bedrooms, ten bathrooms. The other looks like something from a film set and for some reason they've chosen to add that their children are privately educated Grin.

Can we have a MN Hovels section please? For people who have doors that stick and dog hairs on the sofa?

Original poster
BeattieBow · 30/12/2011 12:46

here

OP posts:
Original poster
BeattieBow · 30/12/2011 12:47

I would love to go to the US next summer, but I fear that everyone would be very let down by my house. I don't have 10 bathrooms for a start.

OP posts:
GwendolineMaryLacedwithBrandy · 30/12/2011 12:50

Bloody hell Envy. Anyone want to swap a gorgeous mansion in California for a poky Victorian 2 up 2 down in Surrey? Bathroom door doesn't close properly, liberal scattering of clutter toys, no storage space, no parking.

Tempted huh? :o

ChristinedePizaTinsel · 30/12/2011 12:51

Blimey I would be really terrified of putting my house on there :(

fivegomadindorset · 30/12/2011 12:59

I won't be swapping with the one on there from the next door village.

DottyDot · 30/12/2011 13:06

I might put mine on just for a laugh... Hmm

MotherPanda · 30/12/2011 13:13

Thank god! It's only just opened up here so I'm guessing the normal houses are yet to roll in - mines up there. I won the comp for a years membership and was so disappointed that there weren't any normal houses for me to swap with. My house is certainly not a 5 star luxury pad...

MNHQ
RebeccaMumsnet · 30/12/2011 13:13

It is not MN exclusive but we are loving the property porn and there are some FAQs here and info on how it all works.

There is a helpline number for enquiries, lines are open Mon to Sat 9am to 6pm and number is 08450 805155 - or email is [email protected].

ChristinedePizaTinsel · 30/12/2011 13:16

Ah - I see why now, given it costs so much to join Shock I think I will stick with Guardian Home Exchange - more my budget :o

GwendolineMaryLacedwithBrandy · 30/12/2011 13:19

Never mind all that. I've just discovered that series from a few years back, Home from Home on 4OD :o

heliumballoon · 30/12/2011 13:30

Just what I was thinking! I'm too scared of putting my little place up, though it would be fine for a small family compared to a hotel.
The nearest homes to me on the site are all £1m plus, easily. I found it hard to believe the owners are real, surely if you are that phenomenally minted you can afford a hotel or holiday cottage?

Anyone want to start a normal house swap site???

MotherPanda · 30/12/2011 13:33

But... but I thought it was a mumsnet home swap! This makes me feel worried about it all - swapping with mumsnetters is very different to swapping with the world. And why can't anyone talk to us about it on here? i just keep being given the phone number.

I'm a phone phobic.

LadyBeagleEyes · 30/12/2011 13:35

Wow, those homes are so beautiful.
My little 2 bedroomed HA home doesn't stand a chance, even though it is in a stunning location, mentioned many times on the most beautiful places thread.

OracleInaCoracle · 30/12/2011 13:39

I want to know which mner lives in the 7 bed mansion in Shrewsbury. and why she hasnt invited me round for a nose cuppa!

TurkeyCurryTilFebruary · 30/12/2011 13:41

I had a look through and I thought all the houses were very plush. I couldn't possibly put my little mid terrace on there.

The disappointing thing is that I was hoping it would be more 'normal' houses.

I'd love to swap my 2 up, 2 down for something similar in another area for a cheap holiday. We had a holiday home in the summer and it was great, they were a young family away for the summer and renting their house out (in Devon) to pay for their trip. It was a normal family house, not a show home, but it was lovely. The DC played with their toys, they had plastic toddler plates, high chairs, cots etc. Thats what I want, somewhere with all the normal home comforts.

A more realistic MN house swap would be a site of real family houses which are clean and cheerful and help families have a cheaper holiday.

tethersend · 30/12/2011 13:46

Victorian 2 bed HA here next to a lovely park and the museum of childhood and very close to the olympics.

DottyDot · 30/12/2011 13:48

I'd definitely be up for a more realistic house swap. If anyone fancies staying in a bog standard 3 bed semi in Manchester for a bit, let me know as I'm very happy and willing to go anywhere! Grin

OracleInaCoracle · 30/12/2011 13:49

Ive got a tiny 3 bed (well, actually 2) in a tiny village on shropshire/welsh border!

MotherPanda · 30/12/2011 13:50

I think we are meant to add all our normal houses on there so we can swap. I have a feeling mine is the only family home up atm,

The wording of the website needs to change to stop putting mumsnetters off though "5 star luxury houses as nice as your own..."

I also have access to a concierge service with my membership apparently - can someone tell me what does one do with such a service? I call them to ask them to book me a table, why can't i just book myself a table?

SuePurblybilt · 30/12/2011 13:51

I'd like someone with very low standards, who can be trusted to feed the rabbit and not slag me off on MN afterwards Grin.
Beautiful Devon location. Come marvel at my varied clutter and inability to keep on top of the lawn mowing.

MotherPanda · 30/12/2011 13:51

plus - £99 for a years membership? The guardian is only £30 and full of normal houses.