First day of house inspections
This morning our relocation guide Stephen met us at just after 9am. He explained over coffee that we'd focus our attention in Windsor and that there were about a dozen properties to look through. We were happy to hear that there was reasonable stock available. It turns out that there is nothing in Henley - but this is no suprise given our research.
So off we went to look at predominantly 3 bedroom apartments with the odd terrace thrown in.
By lunch time we had inspected 8 properties. I'd have to say that I was a little disappointed. By this time we had seen only one apartment that was a possibility. It happenend to be the first place we say. It was a gated apartment block about 15 minutes walk from the High Street. From the secure underground carpark you take a lift to the second floor. Whilst the apartment was 3 bedrooms they were a little on the small side and had some angles that cut back on the usability of the rooms. The family room was of good size and the communal gardens very attractive. But it just didn't quite grab us.
In contrast we saw a lovely modern 3 bedroom apartment with all the features and good sized rooms. However, it was located next to a major round-about and was not really within walking distance to the town centre. Strike that one out.
We also saw one or two older terraces. These feature three levels. The stairs tend to be small and steep; a worry for James. Also - what's with the carpeted bathrooms? Seems is was the vogue a generation ago. Can you imagine it? Not very hygenic. Stephen tells us that some landlords are flexible and will consider removing the carpet and replacing wih a hard floor. Another feature of these older homes is that there are several small rooms. I mean - really small. So the floor plan can be a little strange.
Other places we looked at were close to the city centre (one had the Castle Guards march past during the changing ceremony!) but with a rather sombre outlook.
Stephen dropped us off for lunch and Merrilyn and I had a chat to review. Seems we may have to consider upping the budget to see if we can find something with more character and a better floor plan. Ironically, Stephen advises that once you get to a certain size landlords will tend not to furnish. It is expected that the tenant will bring their own furniture for larger homes. So we'd have to be careful not to be hit with the double wammy of higher rent and furniture leasing.
Straight after lunch we visit what we knew to be our most favoured place. Again its a 3 bedroom apartment in a gated development but its location is ideal. Very close to the town centre and also very close to the Long Walk. We'd seen this place a number of times as we have set out for walks to the Castle. Turns out that the landlord has had a bitter experience with the previous tennant so wanted to meet with us personally.
We arrived at the apartment and was immediately impressed. It has such a lovely outlook. And the floor plan is well proportioned. Its currently undergoing a refurbishment - although its only just over ten years old. New carpet, fresh paint, and new furniture. Even the interior curtains and fabrics were to be new. Merrilyn and I knew this was the place for us. So we were understandably a little apprehensive when we were introduced to the landlords. They turned out to be an Australian couple. We had a relaxed chat for over half an hour. James got a little fed up half way through (he'd only had about half an hour sleep and had been draged through properties all day long). We caught the landlords glancing at James once or twice and Stephen was very quick to offer to take him downstairs for a while.
Given that they have had this bad experience, and that the apartment will be completely refurbished we hope that they will accept a young family over a shared tenancy. We think we made a good impression - bu the wait will be tough.
When we got back to the car we found that James had made a new friend in Stephen. They were both sitting in the back seat with James opening and closing the windows. Ahh - he's so facinated by such things.
We then went on to inspect a 19th century terrace in Eton High Street. Not a bad location althouth the parking is tough. Again the floor plan is not great (three levels) but the ground floor kitchen was very nice. Large slabs of polished timber line the floors. Exposed beams and low entry doors are also present. Its really quite attractive. But this place is not for us.
The final place we looked at was a modern four bedroom apartment again not far from the city centre. Although it is larger than we need (3 levels) it is fully furnished and would easily accomodate lots of visitors. It also features a lockup garage and a car space. Of course it is very expensive - over our allocation in fact - but we're keeping it on the table at this time.
So at the end of the day we have found at least one very nice place. We've left the strategy in Stephen's hands. The key will be to sound out the landlord's impression of us - and if we have a chance - to make an offer. Hopefully we'll know by the end of the week whether we have a chance or not.
So off we went to look at predominantly 3 bedroom apartments with the odd terrace thrown in.
By lunch time we had inspected 8 properties. I'd have to say that I was a little disappointed. By this time we had seen only one apartment that was a possibility. It happenend to be the first place we say. It was a gated apartment block about 15 minutes walk from the High Street. From the secure underground carpark you take a lift to the second floor. Whilst the apartment was 3 bedrooms they were a little on the small side and had some angles that cut back on the usability of the rooms. The family room was of good size and the communal gardens very attractive. But it just didn't quite grab us.
In contrast we saw a lovely modern 3 bedroom apartment with all the features and good sized rooms. However, it was located next to a major round-about and was not really within walking distance to the town centre. Strike that one out.
We also saw one or two older terraces. These feature three levels. The stairs tend to be small and steep; a worry for James. Also - what's with the carpeted bathrooms? Seems is was the vogue a generation ago. Can you imagine it? Not very hygenic. Stephen tells us that some landlords are flexible and will consider removing the carpet and replacing wih a hard floor. Another feature of these older homes is that there are several small rooms. I mean - really small. So the floor plan can be a little strange.
Other places we looked at were close to the city centre (one had the Castle Guards march past during the changing ceremony!) but with a rather sombre outlook.
Stephen dropped us off for lunch and Merrilyn and I had a chat to review. Seems we may have to consider upping the budget to see if we can find something with more character and a better floor plan. Ironically, Stephen advises that once you get to a certain size landlords will tend not to furnish. It is expected that the tenant will bring their own furniture for larger homes. So we'd have to be careful not to be hit with the double wammy of higher rent and furniture leasing.
Straight after lunch we visit what we knew to be our most favoured place. Again its a 3 bedroom apartment in a gated development but its location is ideal. Very close to the town centre and also very close to the Long Walk. We'd seen this place a number of times as we have set out for walks to the Castle. Turns out that the landlord has had a bitter experience with the previous tennant so wanted to meet with us personally.
We arrived at the apartment and was immediately impressed. It has such a lovely outlook. And the floor plan is well proportioned. Its currently undergoing a refurbishment - although its only just over ten years old. New carpet, fresh paint, and new furniture. Even the interior curtains and fabrics were to be new. Merrilyn and I knew this was the place for us. So we were understandably a little apprehensive when we were introduced to the landlords. They turned out to be an Australian couple. We had a relaxed chat for over half an hour. James got a little fed up half way through (he'd only had about half an hour sleep and had been draged through properties all day long). We caught the landlords glancing at James once or twice and Stephen was very quick to offer to take him downstairs for a while.
Given that they have had this bad experience, and that the apartment will be completely refurbished we hope that they will accept a young family over a shared tenancy. We think we made a good impression - bu the wait will be tough.
When we got back to the car we found that James had made a new friend in Stephen. They were both sitting in the back seat with James opening and closing the windows. Ahh - he's so facinated by such things.
We then went on to inspect a 19th century terrace in Eton High Street. Not a bad location althouth the parking is tough. Again the floor plan is not great (three levels) but the ground floor kitchen was very nice. Large slabs of polished timber line the floors. Exposed beams and low entry doors are also present. Its really quite attractive. But this place is not for us.
The final place we looked at was a modern four bedroom apartment again not far from the city centre. Although it is larger than we need (3 levels) it is fully furnished and would easily accomodate lots of visitors. It also features a lockup garage and a car space. Of course it is very expensive - over our allocation in fact - but we're keeping it on the table at this time.
So at the end of the day we have found at least one very nice place. We've left the strategy in Stephen's hands. The key will be to sound out the landlord's impression of us - and if we have a chance - to make an offer. Hopefully we'll know by the end of the week whether we have a chance or not.
posted by Marty at
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
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