Living in the middle of a roundabout might sound like the plot of a quirky movie, but for the Howatson family, it’s their reality. For decades, this family has called the center of the Denbigh bypass in North Wales home. Despite numerous offers to sell their property, they’ve chosen to stay, embracing a lifestyle most people find unimaginable. Let’s explore the fascinating story of a family whose determination and love for their home have made them local legends.
A family in the UK lives in a house located in the middle of a roundabout, refusing to sell it. Image Credits: Getty
The History Behind the Roundabout Home
The House Existed Before the Roundabout
The Howatsons’ bungalow wasn’t always in the middle of a busy roundabout. When they moved into the property 64 years ago, it was part of a serene area with no major roads in sight. Life was quiet and uneventful, just as the family intended.
In the late 1970s, everything changed when plans for a bypass and roundabout were proposed. Unlike many homeowners who might have sold their property to make way for the project, the Howatsons stood firm. By 1980, the bypass and roundabout were completed, circling their home and transforming their peaceful abode into one of the most unusual residences in the region.
Adapting to Life on a Roundabout
A Unique but Manageable Lifestyle
Living in the center of a roundabout comes with its quirks, but for Clwyd Howatson, now 64, it’s all he’s ever known. “We don’t have to worry about neighbors,” he joked, highlighting one of the unexpected perks of their location.
The family has adapted remarkably well to the unusual setting. Double-glazed windows keep the noise at bay, and while traffic peaks a few times a day, it’s not as disruptive as one might assume. For the Howatsons, the roundabout has become a part of their home’s character rather than a source of inconvenience.
Navigating In and Out of the Roundabout
One of the most common questions the family receives is how they access their house. The answer is simple: their driveway connects directly to the property. However, exiting the roundabout can sometimes be tricky. “Drivers aren’t expecting a car to emerge from the middle of the roundabout,” Clwyd explained.
To avoid confusion or potential accidents, the family waits for quieter moments to leave their property. While it can be awkward, they’ve mastered the art of timing their departures to ensure safety.
The Challenges of Living on a Roundabout
Delivery Dilemmas
Perhaps one of the more amusing challenges the Howatsons face is with delivery drivers. GPS systems often confuse drivers, leading them to believe the address must be incorrect. Clwyd shared how he frequently redirects baffled couriers, jokingly telling them, “We’re not by the roundabout; we’re on it.”
The home was built before the roundabout, which was constructed around it in 1980 after they stayed put. Image Credits: Getty
Despite the occasional hiccup, the family has found ways to make deliveries work, proving that even the most unconventional living situations can be navigated with a sense of humor.
Early Days of the Roundabout
In the early days, some drivers mistakenly drove the wrong way around the roundabout. Thankfully, no serious accidents have occurred near their home, though Clwyd recalls a few close calls. Over time, drivers became accustomed to the unusual setup, and the risks diminished.
A Home Filled with History and Memories
For the Howatsons, their bungalow is more than just a house—it’s a symbol of resilience and family heritage. Over generations, the property has seen countless family milestones, from the laughter of children to the gathering of grandchildren.
While offers to purchase their home have come and gone, the family remains steadfast in their decision to stay. “We’ve been here for generations and plan to stay,” Clwyd said. For them, the house is not just a place to live; it’s a part of who they are.
The family enjoys minimal noise due to double glazing but finds exiting the roundabout challenging. Image Credits: Getty
Why the Howatsons Refuse to Leave
A Deep Connection to Their Home
Many people might wonder why the Howatsons don’t sell their property and move to a more conventional location. For them, it’s not about convenience or practicality—it’s about the emotional bond they share with their home. The bungalow has weathered decades of change, and with it, the family has built a life filled with memories and traditions.
A Testament to Resilience
Staying in a home surrounded by a roundabout isn’t for everyone, but the Howatsons have embraced the challenge. Their story is a testament to resilience and the idea that home is truly where the heart is, no matter how unconventional it may seem to outsiders.
Would You Live on a Roundabout?
Living in the middle of a roundabout might seem like a logistical nightmare to most, but for the Howatsons, it’s simply life as usual. They’ve taken what could have been a disruptive situation and turned it into a unique lifestyle that works for them. Their story raises an interesting question: would you consider living somewhere as unusual as this? For those who value peace, a connection to history, and a touch of quirkiness, the Howatsons’ home might just be the perfect inspiration.
In the end, the Howatsons remind us that home is not defined by its surroundings but by the love and memories it holds within its walls. Their roundabout residence is a shining example of how unconventional living can be just as fulfilling—if not more so—than a traditional home.
