Housing in Riyadh
There are many types of housing in Riyadh including, villas, apartments, large Western compounds and these smaller versions of a compound concept. These little “compounds” usually have around 20 villas all together with a large wall around them. This type of housing has a common area outside as in this picture below. Children play and ride their bikes and there is a tiny pool as well as a grassy area at the end of the compound. We lived in this little housing area after we moved from the large,Western compound. We lived here for three years and this picture was taken after a major renovation. Basically it is just like living outside but you have the benefit of neighbors.
The windows you see are the family room that face into the walking area.
Above you can see the end of the compound and the kitchen door of the villa.
![IMG_6028[1]](https://lynzrealcooking.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_60281-e1516810286593.jpg?w=295&h=395 "IMG_6028[1]")
![IMG_6029[1]](https://lynzrealcooking.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_60291-e1516810444653.jpg?w=317&h=395 "IMG_6029[1]")
Nice improvements for your family Lynz!
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we moved from the large compound to this one so strangely it was a shock back to more of the outside type of life but still nice
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Sometimes smaller is not always the best situation with young children and feeling somewhat isolated?!
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yes well we went from villa, apartment to 6 years of western living and then back outside, so way better than where we started. we kept hmm getting asked to leave because he caused trouble!!!
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Of course I understand extremely difficult individual. As you said better than the very first place-my word!
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oh yes!! way better
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They look beautiful!
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this one was pretty nice
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You lived in many different kinds ouf houses. It’s very interesting for us to see since many of us have no idea about the different living situations over there. Thank you, Lynz!
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glad it is interesting, we moved about 8 times
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Wow, with so many kids. Glad you are finally home, Lynz.
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yes me too! a relief!
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🙂
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Agree with Erika – it’s very interesting to see.
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I am so glad I wasn’t sure!
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Oh yes… so different to my life/my homes that I’ve lived in and that’s the wonderful thing; being able to see and ‘experience’ what others’ lives are like including homes. You have such an interesting blog Lynz xxx
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thank you so much! I love yours as well!
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Then mutual blushes ha ha xxx
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xxx
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Thank you 🙂
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It looks really nice and protected. It’s so good that your living conditions improved so dramatically.
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yes!
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I love these posts – I can imagine you and your beautiful children staying here! Did you miss the larger compound when you moved here?
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well we went from here to there and all over! lol and got used to one thing so yes to be honest, most of our friends moved to other compounds but we moved here, which was rusty and not nice, they did this renovation after we left! So I left guilty not liking it but it was hard after having a bus and a way to get out and meet people etc.
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I can definitely see that! Understandable, I think I would feel the same way, too. And I just saw your comment about moving 8 times – wow! I have moved 5 times in the last 8 years and that was exhausting, but that was only me so I can’t imagine how hard it was with your family.
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It was a bit stressful! haha
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I like the looks of this setup, especially the walking area. The architecture has a sort of southwestern look. Thanks for this post – it made me feel like I was visiting.
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yes most of them do in Saudi I think! I am glad you liked it Nancy! thanks for stopping by
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This is so fascinating.. I love how it is so private! Thank you for sharing ❤️
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Glad you like it
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It looks a bit desolate if you ask me… Plants don’t thrive in that climate…
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yea they don’t! Well this was the nice updated version new stuff
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Most here in US take our nice homes for granted. I appreciate you sharing this with us. 🙂
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So true thanks for commenting!
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This is informative and I learned more about your journey’s path. I think it looks sparse compared to what I am used to but the space and renovations may have made you feel good in this setting. Thanks for sharing, Lyn. ♡
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We moved and then they renovated but still it was fine
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I understand it was difficult to leave the big place. It is so much better to go to improved house than the other way. I have moved around here like that.
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I love this place, looks beautiful Lynn!
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thanks dear!
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I find the window into your life in Saudi very interesting, Lyn!
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Thanks!
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You got more pictures of where you used to live?!! Oh! I gots to go roaming arounfd your site! Love this kind of posting! Thank you!
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Looks like tight quarters, but some nice touches.
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yes it was after the new look it looked way nicer
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You certainly had a lot of house moves, Lynn. This place looks nice, but I imagine it took some getting used to after the large compound. Your story is fascinating, as always..
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it sure did ! thanks millie
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Nice and clean house. Got to know about different types of houses in Riyadh. I always like your writing and these one is also very interesting
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thanks
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Thank you for sharing this. I always think it is good to learn about the world and how others live. It is so easy to start thinking everyone’s situation is just like ours. I went from a house with a yard to a tiny apartment when our children were young due to financial issues. It is difficult to do, but it made us appreciate everything after that.
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oh yes for sure!
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Looks nice.. We have moved only twice and it takes a lot of time to settle down.. I wonder how u managed 8 times
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ha ha well it was hard but it got better
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What did you mean when you said it’s like living outside? Did you sleep in one of the buildings pictured here? Were there no doors?
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sorry hard to explain. ok outside of the compound which is like a little reality of it’s own. this is no shopping bus, no store etc. a tiny place so i call it outside!
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so basically not within the confines of a little western world but outside in the real world of saudi
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Oh ok!! I get it. Thanks for explaining!
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sorry hard to remember people do not know what the heck I am talking about! lol
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lol that’s ok.You are always so kind to explain so I don’t mind asking. I never feel like I’m “bothering” you with my questions 🙂
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oh I am so glad Tasha!!
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Love traveling through your eyes….I love the beiges and nuteral colors of the homes….thanks for sharing with us….kat
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sure Kat!
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That looks challenging.
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haha
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I love the tiny potted plant that adorns each unit. How do these guys survive the heat!
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I know hot!
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It looks well kept, and safe.
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thanks for commenting!
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Welcome.
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I notice how light colored all the buildings are. Does that help with climate control or work against it?
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I think it helps but made of cement so stays super hot and cold
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I was thinking that too. It is so interesting! 😊
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You moved here (pre-renovation) after the large Western compound with furniture and good schools?
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Yes after the big compound we moved there. It was pretty dumpy before renovation but ok
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I’m sorry, I was happy for you! (Still invested in the story… I mean I know you’re here now…) Did you have to give up the Western school too?
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Yes we lived in alkhobar where i am writing story now. He got sent back after 4 months. We stayed alone, then after a few more months moved to nice compound in Riyadh. 6 years there then to the compound in pics. Lol
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What was his profession that he got sent around so much?
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he is a civil engineer but in saudi getting hired local hire you are not guaranteed a job. allot of expats come with their company and then there are tons of benefits and high pay, tickets home, school paid for, etc.
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So interesting!
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a whole different world!
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Hey, I have nominated your blog for the lovely blog award
https://babyskinforadults.wordpress.com/nomination-for-the-one-lovely-blog-award/
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Thank!
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Another great insight Lynz, it looks very clean and orderly, but a little ‘austere’ (compared to western housing) Nice safe are for children to play though which is great.
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:}
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Nice and simple housing! Thanks for sharing a part of your world and experience living in Saudi.
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thanks for reading!
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Looks nice and tidy, Lynn. 🙂
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yes
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