No Facilities but lots of space?

S

snagito

Registered User
Hi All
Bit of a dilemma. House hunt narrowed down to two properties. One in mid-levels (end of Conduit Road) an old building now renovated inside the flat so great appliances etc and TONS of space for 16 mo old to run around in (also extra bedroom so that grandparents can come stay etc etc). But no communal facilities (playroom etc). Other would be Pokfulam, a complex with smaller rooms and smaller flat in general but a small indoor playroom and swimming pool.. Cost and distance from husband's workplace exactly the same (I work from a home office so not an issue for me).

I can see the pros of having the playroom as the helper could then take baby down there every day and easy interaction with other kids etc. etc. Sounds easy enough. But the older building is really lovely in terms of space inside and I suppose one could arrange maybe two playdates a week - and also the little one could do different things like go to HKU or down to the market etc. Or would it just be better for baby/helper to keep going down to the playroom, or would they both get bored?

This is our first baby so I really have no clue about how they develop & what kind of things they might enjoy when they are around 2 years old - very grateful if those of you with some experience could share with me your thoughts on which option you would go for!

Thanks so much!
 
I think it depends on what your daily routine is. We find that we never use our facilities as we are members of a club and tend to use the pool, playroom etc. there rather than where we live (better facilities and the children have various activities booked there). If we were to move, facilities would be a much lower priority for us. If we had not joined a club, in-house facilities would be much more important to us though.
 
Thank you so much - I never thought about a club. Are they very difficult to join? What are the best ones on HK island in terms of kids' facilities? I would be grateful to know more about it.
 
I agree with Mum of 2 we also very rarely use out facilities as now our children are older we tend to have lots of playdates elsewhere etc.

If it were me I'd go for the one that feels right and from your posts it seems you've really fallen in love with the Conduit Road apartment.
 
I live in a large, old walk-up with no facilities and do not belong to any club (yet).

Personally, I enjoy the space at home - my daughter has her own, large room with all her toys and I get to keep my study!

We live near the Toy Library (indoor playroom) which we use at least once a week, the playgrounds locally as well as Victoria Park (outdoor). We just started going to the beach as well. Admittedly, I do tag along with friends to clubs and use their building facilities sometimes.

I have thought of joining a club myself often. I like the FC's facilities for kids, but v.expensive. LRC is probably the best location for you - not too pricey and a new wing just opened.

At the end of the day, it all depends on your preference. If you don't mind traipsing around to take your LO to do various activities, there's plenty to do. I would think that going to the same playroom day in, day out, would lose it's appeal v.quickly.
 
hi kashismum - congratulations on the arrival of your son.

where is the toy library? sounds like fun. may be i'll take zenlet there.
 
in response to the original poster:
i'd always give the home priority as you'll be using that way more than the facilities, no matter what your lifestyle is like.
 
Sounds like you have fallen for the flat. There is lots to do in Mid-Levels. You've got the YWCA on Macdonnell Rd (loads of classes), Botancial Gardens and playground at the end of Conduit Rd. You can also organize a couple of playdates with other GeoBaby moms. There are playgroups with kids/helpers.

Some of the social clubs have long waiting lists, but you can rent a membership or buy a 2nd hand one. Here are a few companies that specialize in this

http://www.evergolf.com.hk/home.php

http://www.orientprestige.com

http://www.elitemembership.com.hk/fees/fees.html
 
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Thanks for all the advice it was really helpful. I didn't realise how much in love I was with that flat and now it's fallen thru as another offer already accepted - but I know that's quite normal isn't it when you're looking!! Ha ha. But at least it clears things up for us a bit -- now we are focused and looking just around Pokfulam as we like the area a lot. Anyone living at Victoria Gardens? Pros and Cons? Thanks for sharing.
 
I would also go for size rather than facilities. My old flat has a nice playroom but the flat is diamond shaped and small. Even though I took DD to the playroom and terrace everyday, the apartment was cramped and filled with stuff and there was not enough storage space. We have moved to a larger but older apartment, and there are no facilities at all but we love having a larger living room so she can run around.

Sorry it has fallen through, apartments gets snapped up so quickly here in HK. Good luck and I hope you find an ideal place soon!
 
i would defintely chose the larger apartment. home is where you will always be, and a nice spacious apartment will reduce a lot of household stress - where to put whose things, places to put your child's toys, getting more organised, etc. you will only accumulate toys & children's clothing as the years go by.

whereas the facilities downstairs are replaceable. if you don't mind your helper bringing your child to playgroups or the park, then your choices are limitless.
 
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