Living in Berkshire, with Tom Waltham
From the people who move you: Tom Waltham shares places to enjoy in Berkshire.
Take 5… Homes for families with older children
From playrooms and proximity to parks, to nursery rooms next to principal bedrooms, new parents and young families often have clear wish lists when looking to buy – those ‘non-negotiables’ that will make their next home perfect for them and their offspring. However as the kids grow up, the in-house features that cater to their growing interests, are engaging for more adult children, or help create social spaces for the whole family to come together in, can sometimes get left behind.
Whilst there’s of course lots to consider when buying a home with children in mind – from security to good schools – it can be fun to explore the ‘extra features’ that might make your family home a cut above the rest.
Here, we’ve picked five homes that have all the bells and whistles for families with older children – from football pitches to cinema rooms.
For those who want action. This spacious home would no doubt become the social hub for your children and their friends - with a large outdoor heated swimming pool, a gym, an all-weather tennis court and an astroturf football pitch, every activity box is ticked.
Ty Gwyn, Llannefydd, Denbighshire
When teenagers want to do things on their own terms. This Welsh farmhouse has a separate two-storey annexe, complete with a kitchen and bathroom, for when the kids want a taste of independence.
Bark Mill Cottage, Harrogate, Yorkshire
A house made for sociable summer holidays. This family home is set in three acres of gardens which have been designed around outdoor living and entertaining. With an open fire barbecue area, complete with a 10 seat electrically heated garden hut, it’s ideal for hosting friends or bringing the family together. There’s also a large cinema room indoors for those cooler nights.
Stokes Cottage, Wokingham, Berkshire
An all-rounder. A six-bedroom house where entertainment spills across the indoors and outdoors. In the garden you’ll find a heated swimming pool and an all-weather tennis court, whilst inside, there’s a large cinema and games room, with a garage next door providing the option to extend this leisure area should you wish to do so. There’s also a roof terrace and a workshop – perfect for children with a craft-related hobby!
City living with kids. Set over four floors and with a sense of space on each level thanks to the width of the house, Smith Terrace is ideal for families. Four en-suite bedrooms offer privacy, whilst the media room and courtyard garden create social spaces. For when heads need to be in books, there’s a library which provides a quiet space for revision and homework. The lively Kings Road is under a 10 minute walk away, and buyers have access to Burton Court Gardens – including its tennis courts – for more open space.
