u/obsessing_sillygoose

My husband and I bought this house about a year ago. We knew the original owners and due to good timing and luck, we bought this house before it ever went onto the market. We got it for a steal and it is a beautiful home, but this stairwell is stressing us out. We're planning for a family and I can't stop looking at it like it is a death trap. What if the baby gate gives out? What if a child goes over the side? What do other people do with a stairwell like this? Is there another way we can make it safe that wouldn't require tens of thousands of dollars? I was thinking a giant island, but i feel like that wouldn't look good. Thoughts?