Mews houses
Traditionally these were built in the late 19th century to stable horses with staff living above, tacked onto the back of grand townhouses in London, Edinburgh, Bath and Brighton. Due to the popularity of the name Mews, house builders are cashing in and are now offering new build versions of traditional Mews houses. A garden-less front identifies a mews house so this would appeal to house builders even more.
For:
- Neighbours close by to keep and eye on the property.
- Often close to town centre and all amenities.
- Living accommodation (lounge, kitchen dining) on the first floor can mean for some spectacular views.
- Freehold title.
- Cheaper to heat being smaller and terraced
Against:
- Traditionally they only have small windows at the front of the house.
- Can be expensive for what you actually get.
- A window in the bathroom is rare.
- Can be dark with low ceilings and small and fewer windows
- Can have small rooms in new build versions.
- Little or limited storage. (cupboards and wardrobes)
- It can also be difficult to sell this type of new house due to the cost.
- No front garden. No access for wheelie bins except through the home!
- Lack of private outdoor space - small rear gardens and overlooked.
- Noise from neighbours can be a problem depending on the type of construction.
- Parking can be limited as there is no driveway and garage is rare.
Size and value for money
Traditional Mews houses are around 1000 - 1500sqft but can be large as 2000sqft if extended. £300,000 for a conversion to £500,000 for a two bedroom new build in Walton-on-Thames for example. London prices start at £500,000 (2012)
Who are they for:
Affluent single professional, downsizing mature couples, early retired.
People who are often away for business or pleasure.
City loving celebrities.
Who are they not suitable for:
First time buyers, families, pet lovers and those on limited budgets.
Our advice
Avoid! Unless you have no other choices on the development or love the area and the design. The "Mews" tag comes at a price. Typically calling something "Mews" adds 5-10% to the price. Many house builders are just using the name "Mews" so they can charge more for less!
In addition, a better, less expensive option for those who are away a lot would be to stay in a hotel rather than buy a traditional city centre mews house.
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