Family Living in the Middle of a Roundabout Refuses to Sell Their Home

Nestled in an unusual location, a family has made headlines by continuing to live in a bungalow situated in the center of a roundabout. Despite the unique setting, they have no intention of moving. Here’s their remarkable story.

The Unlikely Home on the A525 Roundabout

If you’ve ever driven along the A525 near the Denbigh bypass, you might notice a peculiar sight—a house in the middle of a well-kept roundabout. This isn’t your average traffic island; it’s a family home that has been there for decades, predating the construction of the roundabout itself.

David John and Eirian Howatson moved into the bungalow 64 years ago when the area was far quieter. By the late 1970s, plans for the bypass and roundabout emerged, but the Howatsons refused to sell their property. As a result, the roundabout was built around their home, with construction completing in 1980.

A Home Filled with History

Today, the bungalow remains in the family. Clwyd Howatson, now 64, has lived there for most of his life and shared what it’s like residing in such a unique location.

“We don’t have to worry about neighbors, but life on the roundabout does get busy at times, especially when the grandchildren visit,” Clwyd shared. “I’ve lived on this roundabout for over 40 years. Before that, the family lived here for 20 years, so this home holds a lot of memories.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Life on the Roundabout

Living in the middle of a roundabout sparks curiosity, and Clwyd has heard every question imaginable. The first and most common query is: “How do you get to your house?”

“It’s fairly simple,” he explained. “We have a drive at the bottom of the roundabout.”

Another common question is: “Is it noisy?”

Surprisingly, Clwyd says it isn’t. “It’s like living next to any other road. Double glazing helps, and the traffic noise is only noticeable during peak hours.”

However, navigating off the roundabout does pose challenges. “Drivers don’t expect someone to emerge from the roundabout itself, so we do get a lot of double-takes,” Clwyd admitted. “It can be awkward if someone stops to let us out, as other cars might still be coming. We usually wait until it’s quieter.”

Delivery Challenges and Unique Solutions

One of the trickiest aspects of living on a roundabout is receiving deliveries. Many drivers, unfamiliar with the location, assume their GPS is malfunctioning when directed to the roundabout.

“Drivers often visit nearby houses first,” Clwyd said. “We have to clarify, ‘We’re not near the roundabout; we’re on it.’ Once they’ve been here, they don’t forget!”

A Unique Lifestyle, Rooted in Family Tradition

Despite the unusual setup, the Howatson family has embraced their life on the roundabout. For them, it’s more than just a house; it’s a symbol of resilience and a place filled with cherished memories. While the location might seem unconventional to others, for the Howatsons, it’s simply home.