We have seen dilapidated but good sized house which we are v interested in (having missed out on similar but done up version further down the street).
It backs onto a park and we are trying to gauge the pros and cons of this. Garden is 45 feet and one of the park's paths runs about 3 feet away from that.
So far we think:
PROS Not overlooked Quiet when the park is quiet Lots of trees and wildlife around When our DS is older he can hop over the fence
CONS Noisy when park is noisy (there is playpark v close to end of garden) Burglary risk My colleague says parks are havens for pervs (I think that's just his filthy mind) But I am worried about teens drinking etc. Park is shut at night but they prob do. I don't actually know this tho.
I would go along one night to see if their are any teenagers out, probably best to go at the weekend. But you do have a huge garden so any noise should be far enough away.
If you are worried about burglers you could have one of those sensor lights out the back, that should deter them.
Dyou think 45 feet is a huge garden? Mine is 35 feet and to me it is really small.
I think you have summed it up well in your opening post. Re security, we have an alleyway at the end of our garden (it's a cul de sac, just a service alley) and we put trellis on the fence with a big rambling rose over it - no one could hop over that! We also have a burglar alarm.
What hours are the playparks open? The noise might get a bit annoying if you're trying to enjoy the garden.
People keep telling us we have a big garden, it's only about 20ft. It's not a bad size, but I wouldn't class it as big. 45ft on the other hand is really not too bad.
Be careful! Some friends with a newborn bought a house facing onto a little neighborhood park. Seemed perfect. But the reality was lager louts, football (despite a ban)and waking to the sounds of vandalism. And this was a relatively pleasant little town. They sold up within the year! I'd go with the check it out carefully, first, school of thought. We always go knock on the neighbor's door. No vested interests from them and if they're grumpy best to find out now.
I wondered that about the huge garden too as ours is prob just over 30ft and it's not poky by any means but we came from 80ft+ garden and that was a really good size.
With the park it may depend on what type of area, but saying that in my old small village the parks are still used by teenagers. You'd definitely need to do the drive by and scouting at different times thing. Only don't go like I did when it was raining of course they're not hanging around then
I agree good size for some parts of London (I'm in London too) - but I don't think it counts as huge in terms of distance from from lager louts/playparks. I'd want them a lot further off than that!
lol at HC going when it was raining - I would not have thought of that either
Definitely check the area out at different times, check the gates of the park for opening / closure times. Check the local papers for reports of crimes around your prospective house.
Good Luck.
Ary.
-------------------------------------- ***Do not, I repeat Do NOT feed the Trolls! *** *** All Hail the mighty hamsters! ***
My garden is a similar length - about 50ft in total - and I back onto a public footpath and beyond that extensive playing fields, woodland, a river etc. It is wonderful and I love not being overlooked at the back of the house. But there is a downside.... The footpath doesn't really lead anywhere except to other footpaths and to a riverside pub. The footpaths are a rabbit warren for unruly teens to hang around in and the pub makes for a certain degree of rowdiness on Friday and Saturday nights on occasions. I have had my fence and gate vandalised a few times and once the yobs got into my back garden and kicked some pots about. In spite of all that I am just about willing to accept that as the price of the open aspect and gorgeous view. I wish it wasn't necessary to compromise, but sadly this is modern life in Greater London I agree that you should take whatever steps necessary to find out what it is like at the back of the house at various times of the day - and ask the local police about complaints and incidents.
I can thorougly recommend firethorn (pyracanthus) for a hedge to keep people out - completely evergreen, white flowers in spring/summer, red berries in autumn, and vicious spikes throughout. No one would ever want to fight their way through one of these. Nest door's cattle have totally failed to make an impression on it, unlike the beech hedge further up, which is permanently stunted from cows leaning over and eating the growing tips. Even cutting the hedge with a petrol hedge trimmer I end up with arms covered in weals from the spikes (I know, I should wear proper protective clothing!).
Originally posted by susiecam: I have had my fence and gate vandalised a few times and once the yobs got into my back garden and kicked some pots about.
Having lived in such an area, I think that's probably your main risk. One of my neighbours had theirs set on fire .
as ours is prob just over 30ft and it's not poky by any means but we came from 80ft+ garden and that was a really good size.
of course they're not hanging around then
All Hail the mighty hamsters! 
I agree that you should take whatever steps necessary to find out what it is like at the back of the house at various times of the day - and ask the local police about complaints and incidents.
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