Family Home Inside a Roundabout: A Unique Life in the Midst of Traffic

Nestled within a roundabout along the A525 near Denbigh bypass, a family has lived in their unique home for over six decades. While the setup might sound unconventional, the Howatson family has embraced their unusual living situation with remarkable ease and resilience.

David John and Eirian Howatson moved into their home 64 years ago, long before any signs of a roundabout appeared. Back then, it was a quiet and ordinary house surrounded by open spaces. However, in the late 1970s, plans for the Denbigh bypass included the construction of a roundabout, which significantly altered the landscape. Despite offers to move, the Howatson family decided to stay put, leading to the creation of a roundabout built around their home. By 1980, the roundabout was complete, encircling their house and turning their residence into a local landmark.

Life in the Roundabout

Clwyd Howatson, now 64, has spent most of his life living within the boundaries of the roundabout. Reflecting on this unique experience, he shared, “Life on the circle can be hectic at times, especially when the grandchildren visit, but we don’t have any neighbors to worry about.”

For Clwyd, living in this unusual home has been second nature. “I’ve spent over 40 years living on the roundabout, and it’s all I’ve ever known. Before the roundabout was built, we had already lived here for 20 years. It’s always been a family home.”

When asked practical questions about living in such a distinctive location, Clwyd often fields two common queries: “How do you get to your house?” and “Is it noisy?” For the first, Clwyd explains, “It’s pretty self-explanatory. There’s a driveway at the bottom of the roundabout that leads straight to the house.” As for the noise, Clwyd reassures visitors that double-glazed windows effectively block out most of the traffic sounds. “It’s only busy during peak hours, which are just a few times a day. Otherwise, it’s no different from living near any road,” he added.

Challenges and Quirks of Roundabout Living

Living inside a roundabout comes with its share of challenges, especially when it comes to deliveries. Many drivers unfamiliar with the area are perplexed by the unique address. Clwyd often has to guide them over the phone, explaining that the destination is literally “on” the roundabout. “If the delivery driver has never been here, they often end up knocking on doors nearby before realizing where we are,” he said.

Exiting the roundabout can also be tricky, as Clwyd pointed out. “Sometimes, it takes a little patience to find a gap in the traffic. And it can get awkward when someone lets you go, but there’s another car approaching from the other lane.”

In the early days of the roundabout’s construction, there were some safety concerns. At one point, vehicles were permitted to drive in the wrong direction, leading to confusion and potential risks. Fortunately, the Howatsons have avoided any major accidents, a testament to their careful navigation and perhaps a bit of luck.

A Sense of Permanence

Despite the challenges, the Howatson family has no plans to leave their unique home. “For the foreseeable future, we’ll stay here,” Clwyd affirmed. The house has become more than just a residence—it’s a symbol of the family’s enduring connection to the land and their ability to adapt to extraordinary circumstances.

For the Howatsons, life on the roundabout is less of a nuisance and more of a defining feature of their family’s story. While it might seem unconventional to others, the family has found a rhythm that works for them. They’ve turned what could have been a challenging situation into a unique and cherished way of life.

A Local Landmark

Over the years, the Howatson home has become a local curiosity, drawing attention from visitors and passing drivers. The roundabout itself, well-maintained and landscaped, stands out as a rare example of thoughtful infrastructure in the UK. Its condition surpasses many other roundabouts in the country, likely due to the family’s continued presence and care for the area.

The Howatson family’s story offers a glimpse into the adaptability of human life. It’s a reminder that even in the face of significant change, people can find ways to thrive in the most unusual circumstances. For the Howatsons, their home within a roundabout is more than a place to live—it’s a testament to resilience, history, and the enduring value of family roots.