What Makes the Perfect House for a Big Family Christmas?

It's that time of year when people tend to switch off from property because their minds are concentrating on Christmas. However, it is also a time that families come together and enjoy quality time in their own home and when guests visit.  So we decided to have a think about what makes the perfect house for a big family Christmas.  

Open fires or log burners are right at the top of the wishlist as they create an atmosphere and indeed warmth on a cold December day. We find prospective purchasers when viewing properties will often comment on how they can imagine the family gathered around the fireplace at Christmas.  

High ceilings are a huge benefit when it comes to buyng a fine specimen of a tree to place all the gifts under and of course you'll need a decent sized dining room to seat all your nearest and dearest for lunch.  Reception rooms with cosy corners to snooze in are appealing especially if you have elderly relatives to stay.  Lots of bedrooms are naturally a prerequisite, with a good bathroom to bedroom ratio so there isn't a queue come Christmas morning.  Anyone who has to do the cooking will want plenty of worktops to spread out the numerous plates, preferably two ovens or even better an Aga.  

At least two rooms with big televisions and lots of soft comfy seating will save any arguments about the Queen's speech versus E.T. and a games room will always go down well with children and teenagers.  A large garden is also a must for little ones to run off the sugar high and try out their new remote control toys that hopefully will last to at least the day after Boxing Day!

If you have certain members of the family that you have to invite but you perhaps wouldn't choose to spend the festive season with then we highly recommend buying a house with an annexe.  That way everyone can retire to their own space before any sparks fly after a few too many sherries!

Of course, a great house, can be for life and not just for Christmas!