The Willsons are pinching themselves now they are the proud first-time owners of a new three storey townhouse at Ash Lodge Park, near Guildford.
The family of five had been renting in nearby Farnborough but with Help to Buy and the stamp duty holiday they decided it was the right time to buy.
Ash Lodge Park is a thoughtfully designed stylish development created for modern-day living by award-winning Bewley Homes, with a newly created 24-hectare country park on adjoining farmland.
Lindsay and Terry, both 36, and their three children Jack aged 11, Scarlett 9 and the newest addition baby Ellis, who celebrated his first birthday in residence at Ash Lodge Park, moved into their four-bedroom semi-detached property in December, just four days before Christmas.
HR business partner Lindsay explained: “We were renting in Farnborough and initially looked there but we couldn’t find a new build that felt spacious enough. So, knowing the local area, and with my husband working in Guildford as a research scientist, we decided to look at Ash Lodge Park which is so convenient for our jobs.”
When they first viewed the development in August 2020, all the townhouses had been reserved, so they thought they would have to wait until Bewley Homes released the next phase in 2021.
But as Terry recalls, fate played its part. He said: “The home next to the one we viewed was partially constructed and had been reserved by another family. But not long after the buyers had to pull out. We couldn’t believe our luck! We knew it was exactly what we had been searching for and we reserved it there and then!”
The practical and stylish layout of their Bewley home far exceeds anything else they’d seen on the market. Lindsay said: “The accommodation arrangement is brilliant and flexible. We have four bedrooms, but one of those would work well as a study. Also, I really prefer having a separate kitchen and then a big open plan dining/living room.”
We have our master bedroom on the top floor which boasts a huge with a double shower and a full-sized bath. Being on our own floor away from the children allows Terry and I to feel we have our own private sanctuary. We can escape up here and watch television when the children are in bed and not have to worry about waking them up. The bedroom has room for a desk, which means we have a flexible space to work at home upstairs if we choose.”
As a busy working Mum, storage and space is so vital. Lindsay added: “The attention to detail and storage space makes life so much easier. Having generous cupboards on each floor means everything can have a place and be tidied away. The downstairs cupboard is where we can hang all our coats, keep shoes and boots. The first floor cupboard gives us enough space to store not just linen, but lots of the children’s big toys and the top floor cupboard gives us more space for airing clothes and we can keep the ironing board in there!”
When the Willsons reserved their £435,000 home they inherited the previous buyers’ choice of kitchen cupboards and worktops, which they love and say they would have chosen themselves. They opted for quality hard flooring throughout the downstairs to create a nice flow which is also very practical for family life.
Outside, Terry is delighted with their choice. He said: “We have a generous garage plus driveway and the garden is a perfect size. It’s ideal for the children to play and for us to enjoy barbecues in the summer.”
Lindsay added: “With Farnham and Guildford on the doorstep it’s in a lovely location, with good schools nearby. The area has a real community village feel to it and Ash Lodge Park is very family orientated. We love exploring the bridleways and walks just minutes from our front door. The children have seen deer and other wildlife; and we have so much space around us.”
Sales and Marketing Director at Bewley Homes, Elaine Stratford said: “We are absolutely delighted that families like the Willsons are loving their homes at Ash Lodge Park. We set out to build homes that would connect with people instantly. We’ve created a setting and a landscape that feels like country living and yet is in a great location for easy access onto motorways and offers a wonderful outside space for leisure pursuits including the Trim Trail.”