So What’s in a Name?

Not a lot, one obviously deranged magician might say, but I think, that a name can mean a plethora of things.

Parents take extensive time, consult with various resources and books that help the process. To ensure, as well as, actually liking the name, you avoid dodgy shortenings and unfortunate connections with the in-situ surname, Richard Head springs to mind. 

Many also believe that a name can characterise a person, so why not a house?  How important is it to give it a name that will reflect well on its surrounding and be in-keeping with what the properties existence will be?  The majority will never think about it, but if you’re starting from the ground, I think it’s wise to have your own name, rather than become branded by the unimaginative. 

In fact, according to some selling agents, and we all know what they spout is gospel; a house’s value can be affected by its name.  Some are even advising people to re-name existing properties, especially those that have become burdened with generic numbers, those with ugly suffixes spring to mind, like 14a for example. 

I’ve been thinking about a name for my property for sometime, probably since the site was purchased.  It actual seems quite straight forward.  Most of the properties within the proximity of mine have names rather than numbers.  They range from Royal Oak Cottage to Abbey Lodge, so I need one slap-bang in the middle. My gaff will obviously be new and will have glorious open aspect views. The views will be over fields currently scheduled to be used for growing broccoli in the spring.  Can you see what is coming?  

I’ve just received confirmation from the local planning office, that my request has been accepted and approved.  Therefore, the property will eventually have a beautifully crafted name plate with ‘Newfields’ carved into it.  As it happens it also sits quite nicely with our surname. 

The council also advised, that the previous owners of the site, who decided to sell rather than build, had asked if the property could be called ‘Rose Cottage’.  How very unimaginative, the second most popular house name in the figures I found, hopefully I’ve saved or added a few quid with my choice.