Living at the heart of a bustling roundabout might sound like something out of a quirky movie, but for the Howatson family, it’s their everyday reality. Nestled within the Denbigh bypass in North Wales, their bungalow has been a steadfast part of the landscape for over six decades. Despite numerous offers to sell and move, the family has chosen to stay put, preserving a fascinating story of adaptation and resilience.
A House Before the Roundabout
The Howatsons’ story began 64 years ago when they moved into their quiet bungalow. At that time, the area was a peaceful countryside escape. However, everything changed in the late 1970s when plans to construct a bypass and roundabout were announced.
Instead of selling their home and moving away, the family decided to stay. The result? A roundabout was constructed around their property, completing the bypass project by 1980. While this might seem like an unusual choice, for the Howatsons, it was a commitment to their roots and a decision they’ve never regretted.
Life in the Middle of a Roundabout
Life in the center of a roundabout comes with its share of quirks and advantages. Clwyd Howatson, who has spent most of his life in the home, jokes about the perks of not having neighbors. “We don’t have to worry about anyone being too close,” he said, embracing the solitude the location provides.
However, the setting does get busy, especially when family and grandchildren visit. Despite the challenges, the Howatsons have adapted remarkably well. Double-glazed windows keep the noise at bay, and they’ve developed a knack for navigating the unique logistics of their unusual home.
Accessing a Home on a Roundabout
One of the most common questions visitors ask is how the family accesses their home. Clwyd explains that a driveway leads directly to the house, making entry relatively straightforward. However, leaving the roundabout can be a bit trickier. Drivers on the road often don’t expect a car to emerge from the center of the roundabout, leading to a few surprised double-takes.
The family has learned to time their exits carefully, waiting for quieter moments to ensure safety. As Clwyd humorously noted, “It can be a bit awkward if someone lets you go, only to have another car approach from the other lane.”
Delivery Dilemmas
Another challenge of living on a roundabout involves deliveries. Delivery drivers often assume their navigation systems are wrong when they’re directed to an address in the middle of a roundabout. Clwyd shared how he often has to redirect confused drivers who mistakenly stop at nearby homes.
“They don’t believe us when we say we’re on the roundabout, not by it,” he said with a laugh. Despite the initial confusion, the family eventually receives their packages, although the process can sometimes test their patience.
Safety Concerns and Early Missteps
Living in the middle of a roundabout might seem dangerous, but the Howatsons have avoided any major accidents over the years. In the early days of the bypass, some drivers mistakenly navigated the roundabout in the wrong direction, leading to a few near-misses. Fortunately, no serious crashes have occurred near their home, a testament to the family’s cautious approach and the gradual improvement of traffic systems.
Why They Refuse to Leave
For the Howatsons, their home is more than just a place to live—it’s a part of their family history. Generations have grown up within its walls, and the memories created there are irreplaceable. Despite numerous offers from developers and local authorities to sell the property, the family remains steadfast.
“We’ve been here for generations and plan to stay,” Clwyd proudly stated. To the Howatsons, their home is more than its location; it’s a symbol of their resilience and the memories they’ve built over the years.
Conclusion
The Howatsons’ story is a testament to the idea that home is truly where the heart is, even if it’s in the middle of a roundabout. While their unique living situation might not appeal to everyone, it works perfectly for them. They’ve adapted to their surroundings, embraced the quirks, and created a life filled with history and cherished moments.
Would you consider living somewhere as unconventional as this? For the Howatsons, it’s not just a unique address; it’s simply life as usual.
