2 bed apt in central London or 4 bed town house in suburbs?

7 years ago

Have you left city life and a small apartment for a larger house in the suburbs - are you happy you made the move? What do you miss about 'inner city life' and what don't you miss?

Current flat in N1 (top floor). Walking distance to Camden/ Angel/ Islington/ Kentish Town

Dream house in London suburbs (including garden for the dog!)

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emilybishop_iphone

7 years ago

Winchmore Hill, N21 is the best place to live. Grovelands park is beautiful, Trent park 5 mins away is stunning & you can get the train to Finsbury Park (Piccadilly line) in 10 mins or go straight into Moorgate in 30.

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headers13
7 years ago
Moved last year to a house in a village in Hertfordshire from a flat in London & not regretted it once. Go into London couple of times a week for meetings etc but I love living in the country.
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Josefina
Original Author
7 years ago
This is great to hear! I fear I will miss the easy accessibility to everything. Pub around the corner, food shop across the road. Uber cab 10 pounds home from a night out. But at the same time I can't wait for a garden, larger parks to take my dog, a shorter car ride and I'm in the country!
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Josefina, I think all would agree, the first thing to address would be reducing heat loss, through walls, roof and floors. Roof insulation is possibly the easiest to achieve by fitting, replacing, or adding to existing loft insulation. The means of insulating the floor will depend on the subfloor, but in a Victorian House, adding insulation below floorboards between floor joists is typical. What is achievable in terms of improving heat loss through walls will depend on the property purchased, e.g. whether it is Listed or in a Conservation Area. If possible, solid wall insulation should be considered, either in the form of internal wall insulation or external insulation. The latter is possibly easiest to install and effectively provides a wooly jumper to the whole property. Internal wall insulation is harder to implement to ensure there are no breaks in the insulation (i.e. cold bridges). Windows and doors should also be considered for replacement, refurbishment or just simple maintenance. Implementation of the above all require a holistic approach to ensure that by improving insulation, other issues are not being introduced in the form of condensation and maintaining adequate ventilation. Once heat loss is addressed, energy usage can be considered in terms of boiler/central heating, energy efficient appliance, low energy lighting etc. With all the aforementioned, for the works to be 'eco' the costs/impact should be considered as a whole life cycle, taking into account embodied energy/CO2 etc. Regards, Simon
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siobhananis
7 years ago
Ruislip maybe a good choice for you as it is the suburbs but has the central,picadilly and metro line plus its a 25min drive into central London. Its described as the new chiswick
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Josefina
Original Author
7 years ago
I have not thought of Ruislip before! Will have a look at that area. We were thinking Ladywell, Peckham, Nunhead etc. (south east). Not on the tube though, but close enough with train to Victoria!
headers13
7 years ago
Chesham ? is on the end of the Metropolitan line a friend lives there. I think moving out of London depends if you are going to commute in for work, cost of commuting, if you still want to go out in the evenings a lot etc .... good luck !
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Josefina
Original Author
7 years ago
Have not thought of that either. Will look it up! We have looked at Walthamstow - end of Victoria line, but not towards north west. I will still be working in London, so need an easy commute, either tube, or 15-25 min on train arriving at Victoria/London Bridge/Kings X etc. I think I can do an hours commute, but not much more.
Ann Par
7 years ago
Forest Hill?
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Josefina
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi Ann, what is your experience with Forest Hill? We've been looking just north of it. But perhaps we should expand our search further south!
Amanda Robinson
7 years ago
Hi Josefina - we're living parallel lives albeit we've already made the move. Went from elegant 2 bed flat in South Kensington to 4 bed house in Chiswick. Not that far away but a million miles apart in terms of life style. ALL of us are SO happy. Garden for the dog - and yes the garden needs continuous work but on days like this it's a joy to look at, be in. The people - we live in a community, people greet each other with good mornings, even strangers. And the space in the house is a dream. What do I miss from being so central? Um, the pollution? The noise? The parking restrictions? Nothing. Not even the upmarket restaurants.
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moonlight5
7 years ago
Why not come to Queens Park? Everything you have and want, you can find it here.
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Kitchenpod - Temporary Kitchen Hire (Home use)
7 years ago
It depends at what stage of life you are at. The fact you are thinking about it suggests you crave the space? I would say go for it. Will you always be just 2 of you? If you hate the burbs you can always move back.
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Patricia Suarez
7 years ago
Interesting. I live in SE London and don't really think of Peckham as much of a suburb. I can't imagine you'll miss much of central London life being that inner.
How about East Dulwich? You could be within walking distance of Peckham Rye and Dulwich parks.
So if the choice was Camden or Dulwich for me I'd choose Dulwich. If the choice was Dulwich or anther suburb further out I'd probably for Dulwich. I don't live in Dulwich by the way - in case you think I'm biased; I couldn't afford Dulwich.
How about Blackheath? Crystal Palace? If you go further out Bromley and Chislehurst have good links into town.
Good luck
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LTS
7 years ago
Moved to London in '97 & shared a house with 2 girls. Moved to Hertfordshire in 2000 to buy a house. I stopped working in London in 2006 as I had had enough of the commute (40 minutes to Moorgate). Husband still works in London though. It depends what you want really - would a longer commute bother you? Do you have children/plan to have children? I have 3 & space is vital for my sanity. lol.
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Josefina
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you all for sharing your experiences and thoughts!

Having lived in Camden for the last 4 years, I do feel like Peckham (south east) would be a good next step for us (in terms of distance). It is not on the tube, and would require a somewhat longer commute. But I would be happy to commute for up to an hour for the right house and community.

We crave space indeed, with our dog growing big(!), we need a garden. I also have my (big) family back in Sweden, so want them all to be able to come and visit at the same time! Current flat is a bit too small. Looks like a camping site if they visit :)

We've had Blackheath and Crystal Palace on our agenda to check out. Spending the next few weekends visiting all areas we're interesting in before we settle for a favourite.

Patricia - East Dulwich is amazing, but not sure we can afford living there! That is why we were thinking Crofton Park or Ladywell. Slightly further away, but still a nice weekend stroll away.
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Josefina
Original Author
7 years ago
Moonlight5 - I have not been to Queens Park. Must add to my 'to visit list' :)
gokr
7 years ago
Ruislip, Rickmansworth, Uxbridge are good areas still within the tube network. Alternately somewhere on the new cross rail - Iver, Burnham, Maidenhead - this would be a good investment opportunity also.
Having lived in London for 10years my husband and I moved to buy 2 years ago towards the Berkshire area and we have no regrets. I still work in London so get to see friends but love coming back to somewhere with more space and quiet, there's still lots to do fetes, regattas, lovely country pubs, gorgeous places for afternoon tea - but I think a car is essential.
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Josefina
Original Author
7 years ago
Gokr - Thank you! Cross rail is a great idea, it is something we're discussed before, but not those specific areas. They have now been added to our 'prospect list' :)

It is great to hear you don't miss London city that much! I hope to feel the same. Can't wait to go to sleep and it will be somewhat quiet outside my window. I currently hear police cars, busses and people chatting outside a shop opposite our flat until 11pm and beyond... I'm hoping to find the perfect balance. Work and fun in London. and a suburb home bringing me tranquillity and more space. Space to entertain and have people staying over! Space for dog!
Patricia Suarez
7 years ago
Josefina it's the Crystal Palace festival this Saturday if you want to visit then. It's a bit smaller this year but still plenty going on - I know as my husband owns the Roasted Bean cafe in Westow Street - if you want to pop in for a coffee ;))

I really like Crystal Palace actually!

Good luck with the search.

Another option, not far from Dulwich and Crystal Palace is Beckenham - good transport links too.
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Josefina
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the heads up Patricia! If I make it to the festival, I will pop by Roasted Bean cafe for sure :)
Cath Sheehan
7 years ago
Hi Josefina - we moved from a flat in Clapham right next to the tube to Crofton Park a few years ago. I love it here. It's very green - loads of parks, good community and good schools. It's definitely less urban. With the overground and 2 train lines transport is good but not the same as being so central. So I think if you're ready for a bit of a change of pace (nothing too dramatic) then go for it.
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Victoria
7 years ago
Bear in mind that the train, although less frequent, is often quicker than the tube from a long way out.
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Xenon Interior refurbs Marilyn Watson
7 years ago
It is a no brainier. I'm moved from London and haven't look back. When I visit London I can't wait to get out. You can always commute to London's entertainment, which is a welcome treat. There so much more other things to do outside London
championcat
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
moved from flat in south kensington to house in ladywell/ brockley borders. Best thing we did. I don't miss over inflated prices for everyday basics, tourists dawdling along the pavement, traffic noise, the facelessness of it, and I certainly DON'T miss the tube. I love the green spaces (there are soooo many parks in SE London and we're a very doable walk from Blackheath), strong sense of community and identity, peace and quiet yet with the dlr and trains 10min walk away so central London is at our fingertips. I love exploring new places (we love eating out - there isn't as much choice on the doorstep, but it is there, you just have to look), seeing the area transform, easy exit down to the Kent coast on a hot sunny day and mostly not falling over each other in a tiny flat. And if kids are on the agenda, Lewisham primary schools are very good. If I have a night out in town, there are always plenty of trains to Lewisham then I grab a cab the last bit (laziness mostly, but I feel I'm justified as, like you say, previously I'd have just taken a cab home)
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Amber Jeavons Ltd
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hello Josefina,

This might seem far to you when I suggest Cambridge which is 50 miles away... It is pricy as cities go, but I'd say it's definitely worth a look if you don't know it... It's very beautiful, leafy, historic and a development boom. Colleges, cycling, punting, museums etc...

I miss it!

If you consider that the tube from one side of London to the other can take up to an hour or more, a 40 minute train from Cambridge into Kings X is really fantastic! : ))
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Josefina
Original Author
7 years ago
I love hearing all your thoughts and recommendations. Especially hearing from those in Ladywell/ Crofton park etc. as that is a key area for us - close to friends and easy access back to town. I've put all your suggestions on my list, and I will take the summer to explore them all!! :)
Christina Ioannou
7 years ago
Southgate. Can never understand why it's not more popular. One of the top state secondary schools in the country, Trent Country Park, Piccadilly line, great family houses and best Greek restaurants in London! A hop to Muswell Hill and Finchley. I'm biased as I live there but it really is a hidden gem.
londoncottage
7 years ago
Some things to consider, from someone who has lived both in and just outside london:
- If you move outside, you have to commute in and depending on the train line that can be very expensive and can mean packed trains.
- Its not as easy to 'go out' in London. Trains are not as frequent as tube trains and sometimes don't run late! Prepare to get in the mindset of thinking about your train journey times more...
- I prefer the countryside, but a lot of places that are in commuterville are literally like dormatory towns - usually the ones with character are by far the more expensive! Sometimes it doesnt feel as if there is a community.
- House prices are definitely better and there is definitely more space to be had though...

As for the SE - depends what you can afford, but I adore East Greenwich. It has the history of the royal college, is on the thames and has a beautiful park. Expensive though :) Ladywell has some lovely houses, but not really a centre (a few shops by the station...) - your closest would be lewisham and thats a bit 'meh' imo. Also Ladywell will be on a tube line in the future - the bakerloo line extension. There are lots of other places - sydenham, penge, blackheath, hither green which I could talk about, but it really does depend on your budget and what you desire in a property!
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Alexandra Apaloo
7 years ago
We moved from London Bridge to Herne Hill and love it. Brockwell park is heaven for dogs and it's super quick into Victoria by train or Brixton tube.
163 hrd
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Lived in Norfolk for 15 years, moved to SW London 8 years ago. It required a major downsize but you will never get me to leave.
lisa77226
7 years ago
Moved from a lovely 2 bed flat in Ealing to a 3 bed Victorian mid terrace in Hitchin in North Herts on the train line into Kings Cross/Moorgate in 2011. I struggled to leave the city but our town is v lovely and unique for commuterville in that there is a lots on offer on our high street both for shopping and entertainment. That said, we've sold to move a little closer to a big city again. Moving 10 miles north of Brighton later this year. I love our house and the space but after 5 years I feel I need more than there is on offer here and once we leave this town, it's a 30 minute (usually more) drive minimum to get anywhere with more on offer. I'm a city girl through and through and though I can no longer afford to live in one, I need to be close to one. Space is great, but think of what you do with your spare time, though it's pretty fab for where we are, I feel I outgrew this town of 35,000 people in less than 5 years.
gchan
7 years ago
Moved a few years ago from a 2 bed flat in notting hill to a 4 bed house in finchley. We got a house with lots of space, a big (by London standards) garden and a large park at the end of the road. We are still on the tube line but I still do miss notting hill and sometimes wish we hadn't moved...
Resh
7 years ago
My wife wanted to stay in London, I wanted out. Moved from Borough to Streatham. Don't regret it one bit...or didn't until we visited friends in Essex and saw the six bedroom, double fronted detached house they bought for half the cost of our 5 bed semi in South London!

We live on a pretty, quiet no-through road, with a small park behind the house, double driveway (I HATED having no parking!) and nice neighbours now. I work in the City and my commute is still only 40minutes (although I used to walk to work!).

Brixton is fantastic for going out in, plenty round here to do, and parks everywhere - Brockwell Park particularly is gorgeous.

No regrets - although I'll have that Georgian farmhouse in the country one day! Have to finish this refurbishment first, though...
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Josefina
Original Author
7 years ago
Suresh, sounds you made a good move! Hoping we will do the same! We have family on the country in big villa. So moving somewhat in between city life and country life is ideal.

I have not been much around Brixton, but I do love their market and the've got some pretty awesome restaurants around there too! Will add Streatham to our list :)

Georgian farmhouse thought... keep on dreaming.. for later in life!
Resh
7 years ago
Good luck - fell free to get in touch if you'd like to know more about the area!
Sophia
7 years ago
We've recently (2 years) moved to Penge, an area nobody really knows
Sophia
7 years ago
My comment didn't get loaded...

So Penge.. Close to Crystal Palace, Anerley, Sydenham, Forest Hill, Beckenham, Bromley, Kent.
Mainly Victorian houses, and large. Great transport links. Penge East - 10 mins to Brixton, 20 to Victoria. Also Bedford train to Elephant and Castle (tube connection) Blackfrairs and Kings Cross St Pancreas. Penge West - Overground and trains to London Bridge.

People moving in from areas that are now so expensive, but in those 2 years our house has gone up by over £100k which was a shock. As people now seeing Penge as an alternative to say Brixton and Dulwich (but not quite there). There's such a community feel also. This weekend is the Penge Jumble trail. 100 or so stalls by the locals. Looking to be a good day.
f4tto
7 years ago
Depends on you.... I live in a big one bed in Bloomsbury and wouldn't swap it for a mansion in the country but I have no pets and do have a lovely patio outside. My dream is to move to a Georgian house just round the corner... Roll on lottery win! Lol
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Josefina
Original Author
7 years ago
Springes - that is an area I don't know! I will make sure to check it out very soon :) we went to see a house in ladywell the other day, and also looking north, Walthamstow way! All very exciting. But noticed houses are not always as nice as in photos online ;)

2 bed apt in central London or 4 bed town house in suburbs?

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