We were too busy enjoying ourselves last night (had some friends round to dinner – had a really nice time) to write this after seeing two flats yesterday, and as we’ve seen two more this evening it’s definitely time for an update.

5 Grove Lodge
We saw this yesterday. First impressions weren’t so good, the outside was rather dilapidated with peeling paint, and weeds in the yard. It was also on a very busy road – right in the centre of Twickenham though.

When we went inside, the lady living there was very nice, but the flat was rather cluttered – and a bit chintzy for our taste. Although obviously we’d redecorate, it was quite difficult to get a feeling of the size. There was also quite an overwhelming heavy scent which made us feel glad to get out into the fresh air!

So overall, we weren’t too keen. However, there was a nice small garden out the back (shared with the other flats), and also access to a private riverside garden/balcony belonging to another block of flats (Eyot Lodge), which was absolutely gorgeous – and made us wish that we were looking at a flat in Eyot Lodge instead.

Finally there was no gas in the block – but there was a carpark.

So overall, we weren’t impressed but since we were due to see another in the same block later in the week, we thought we’d see what a similar flat looked like without all the stuff in it.

Queen’s Road
We had been warned by the Estate Agent that the second bedroom was very small – which was something that we’d already realised. However, we hadn’t quite appreciated how large the other bedroom and the living room were – really quite spacious. It also has a balcony which runs down the side of both bedrooms – this was a really attractive feature (the balcony wasn’t that wide, but we could really imagine it full of plants). The kitchen and bathroom were both OK – not huge, but reasonably nicely done.

So – this was the first flat that we’d seen which we really liked. The downsides – no central heating (electric heaters and storage heaters), no gas (just economy 7 electric), small second bedroom (would probably fit a double bed, but not much else). However, the location is brilliant (nice quiet road really close to the centre of Twickenham), and we really liked the balcony, and lots of light. I think we felt we could imagine living there.

Berkley Court
We saw this tonight, and this was another one we liked. This certainly felt like the biggest flat we’ve seen, with two good sized bedrooms, a largish kitchen and bathroom, and a nice living room. Wooden floors throughout, and gas central heating.

Some little things that we didn’t like – no oven, only a hob, and the service charges were on the high-ish side (900 pounds a year), but definitely one we think is worth a second look.

8 Grove Lodge
Last one for now. Not a lot to say really – it was fine, but nothing special. Confirmed what we thought really about the other thing – it was fine, but I don’t think we would see it as a move up from where we are.