North facing?

It would be for me but depends on how much you like your garden. I didn't realise how much it matters until I had a south facing garden. My kitchen is at the back so it's bright. For some people it's not as important.

Recently bought a house and our only negative thought going into it was preference for south facing. The garden itself is North West facing and on some of the sunnier days we've had sun until 8pm in the evening in certain sections (its not a big garden). We also like having the sun early morning to mid afternoon.

In summary don't let it deter you, also, its Ireland, we don't get to make the most of it very often so I don't see why you should put too much emphasis on it.

Wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, we bought a North facing garden. Was very worried about lack of sun but it gets loads as it's not particularly overlooked and it's large.
I'm not a fan of full sun and with small kids in like having a patch of shade to sit in!
However the kitchen is at the back and only gets proper sun streaming in the window in the morning. Otherwise it's very dark so if that bothers you a lot then walk away or see if you could put in a skylight perhaps to brighten it up.

Carrie6OD wrote: »

Thanks for all replies. I can see there are Pros and cons. My parents think it’s a complete deal breaker and I’m not sure it would bother me too much. I’m not a gardener and in actuality garden would be for my kids to kick a ball in but don’t want a dark or cold kitchen. Lots to think about

I've owned 2 properties in my life.

1. Duplex with a south facing terrace ~10sqm, so a small space but bigger than the average balcony. It was such a sun trap and the bricks and paving would really heat up on good days, sometimes it was almost too hot out there, but it was great, definitely felt we'd the best aspect within the development. What also worked for us was that the living room lead to the terrace, so the livnig room also got quite warm at times, even on a bright sunny winter day, sun coming in through the french doors would make the room really warm. Kitchen was at the front of the property so didnt get much natural light, so when I refitted the kitchen I was careful to fit a lot of lights to make sure it would be bright enough. I find if you actually use your kitchen, it won't be cold.

2. Current house, south facing large back garden, leading off the kitchen which is at the back of the house. The living room is to the front of the house. I find the living room is generally cold, unless we've the heating on or a fire lit. The kitchen gets quite warm (again, french doors) and sometimes its warmer than a kitchen should be and I find my fruit bowl can sometimes go off too quickly in good weather, which didnt happen in the last place at all. Long term we'll be doing big work on this house so will be able to address these issues - I'd prefer the living space at the back of the house where the sun hits.

Basically it depends on the overall layout as well as the aspect. It also depends on whats around you. A cooler kitchen isnt a bad thing IMO - once its in use it will get warm - I've fitted double ovens in both properties so if one or both is in use, I find they warm up a cold kitchen anyway.