House #1: Brickfield Lodge
Photo albums on webshots and my Facebook page (I am told webshots doesn't always load all the pics): http://travel.webshots.com/album/573900940oEzWks
Pros:
- Rural location next to stud (place that raises horses)
- Private driveway with over-arching trees
- 20 minute drive to work
- Front and back garden
- Big bedrooms
- Traditional older English style house
- Utility room for washer and dryer
- 5 minutes from Newmarket, all the bigger-town conveniences and attractions
- Available in 2 weeks
Cons:
- Somewhat isolated, not really part of a village community
- No downstairs bathroom
- No dishwasher
- No sidewalks on roads, not withing walking distance of any services/attractions
House #2: Bexwell Rd
Photo albums on my Facebook page and webshots: http://travel.webshots.com/album/573926772xIXmLd
Pros:
- On a residential street in Downham Market (within walking distance of train station, restaurants, shops, scenic buildings, etc)
- Newly remodeled kitchen includes dishwasher
- Bathroom with shower upstairs and half bath downstairs
- Includes conservatory and outdoor "summer house"
- Garage for my convertible
- Unique window styling in front is attractive and lets in a lot of light
- Better insulated, would save on energy costs
Cons:
- 30 minute drive to work
- Not as much privacy or quiet
- Newer more modern style, less traditional English
- Smaller bedrooms
- Small stairwell, queen mattress may not fit going up
- Not available until Sep 1st
That is all I have come up with for the lists... please let me know what you think (comment or email heidi.keller06@gmail.com). Time is short on both, so I may have to decide very soon: Brickfield Lodge has been shown three times in the last two days and seemed well liked by the others, someone might steal it from me. Bexwell Rd already has an offer, but the landlords (a very nice family with two kids) would rather rent to me because the offer is from a family of 6 and they think I would take better care of the house, they will give it to me instead if I want it, but I have to tell them ASAP.
I am about to get kicked out of the on-base cafe where I am using my laptop (oh the joys of being able to drive myself!), so I better post this before they close... thanks for your help!
I say go for Brickfield Lodge!
ReplyDeleteBefore you decide, I hope you can measure both stairwells well enough to see whether your bed will fit. Assuming they are both big enough, you could live with less space at Bexwell since you'll only be there for two years. It does appear large enough to hold your current furnishings. The lodge seems like more space than you need, but that's not a bad thing in itself. On locales, my guess is that you would enjoy the community more at Bexwell than the isolation of Brickfield. And from my own experience in CA, the dishwasher would tip the balance. They both look like nice places to me...a tough decision...good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry for not looking at this sooner so I could chime in, but looking at both of them I agree with Matt...I think you've made a wise choice and are going to be very happy with it. Plus, I really dig those windows! That would have probably cinched it for me anyway. :)
ReplyDelete(Joe/Laura)
Ok, I have to tell you that I made my comment without first looking at all of the pictures. I'll tell you, I would love to live in the Bexwell house! I can't believe that you found that...it is fantastic! I haven't shown them to Laura as she will turn totally green with envy...esp the fact that you have that cute garage. I think you've done incredibly well and I think that the drive won't really phase you too much...hey, you'll be driving throught the pretty English countryside every day...not many poeple get to do that! :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I noticed a name plate on the side of the house...what's it called? This is another very cool English thing...naming houses! :)
(Joe/Laura)