Staying in London

We have decided to stay in London and not just London but still fairly central, albeit with bad connections.

During lockdown and when Violet was very small, I was keen to get out of town, to go somewhere green with lots of space. My Rightmove list is full of pretty cottages in Norfolk and interesting buildings in Hastings.

But ultimately, we decided that staying was right for us. What is more, we aren’t even looking in the suburbs - after a quick look at Crouch End just to check we still couldn't afford anything nice.

In early Feb we drafted rough criteria to try and help, it won't surprise anyone.

Essential

• At least two bedrooms
• Third bedroom or study - both working from home a lot and somewhere for Elsie’s soap/candles
• Very good schools (primary and secondary)
• Garden or, if that’s not possible big terrace
• Storage - General
• Storage - bedroom for clothes around 6m (this is v important)
• Nice shops/community nearby (pub, shops etc.)

Would like to have

• Nice kitchen
• Washing machine in a cupboard
• Kitchen diner and another living room, not just one big kitchen dinner, but if the kitchen in the room has to be big and separate
• Near some of our friends or family
• Open space parks etc
• Parking - Street parking is ok
• Hopefully two bathrooms
• Good transport links
• Maybe near water
• I would like a gym nearby

Well we found somewhere, it doesn't meet all the criteria, since the transport links are dreadful, there is no outside space, and we don't have a parking space. But there are lots of lovely things about it. More to follow...