One first time buyer had the biggest surprise the day she moved home…
Lauren Simmonds was expecting to move to her dream home at Linden Homes’ Cleeve View development in Bishop’s Cleeve with her partner, Gareth and their son, William but little did she realise Gareth was about to propose too!
Lauren, 32, works in admin and payroll for a scaffolding company and Gareth, 38, is a display manager for a media company. They had been renting in Cheltenham and were looking to buy their first new home together with William, who’s 11 years old. Speaking about their eventful day, Gareth said: “Lauren had no idea that I was planning to propose, we’d been so excited about buying our first home together and I thought not only will it be a grand gesture but she wouldn’t expect it and she’d certainly never forget it!
“I’d confided in Gemma, the sales executive, so when the key was in the lock and we were just about to go into our new home, the area cleared and I got down on one knee and asked Lauren to marry me. It was a fantastic moment as she said yes and all the builders stopped working on site and started cheering and applauding! We’re so happy and love that we got engaged and moved into our first new home on the same day!”
The couple, who met on a dating website, are busy with their wedding preparations and plan to get married in 2020, either in Tuscany or in the Cotswolds.
Sue Scholfield, sales and marketing director for Linden Homes, said: “We’re delighted for Gareth and Lauren, what a marvellous way to ask such a special question – we think it may be a Linden first! Buying your first home is momentous enough but to add an engagement too is just wonderful.”
Gareth and Lauren bought a three bedroom detached house at Cleeve View. Speaking about their experience, Gareth continued: “We rented for a while so we knew we wanted a new home, with that quality finish, a separate living room and enough space for our growing family. We’d looked around the new home developments in the area and fell in love with our house the moment we saw the plans.
“At first we assumed it would be out of our budget but we used Help to Buy and it’s worked brilliantly for us. We were renting a similar sized property for £1,050 a month and our monthly mortgage payments are now down to £845. We’re still not sure how we’ve managed to buy our own home and save over £200 per month – it’s just been a dream come true!
“The location works well as William will be close to Cleeve School, which has a great sixth form. It’s also near to Cheltenham and Gloucester with lots of beautiful surrounding countryside so we’re over the moon.
“Gemma and the site team have been fantastic. As first time buyers, we weren’t sure about everything but Gemma held our hand throughout the whole process and couldn’t have been more helpful.”
Linden Homes is creating a range of stunning three and four bedroom houses in Bishop’s Cleeve, just a few miles from Cheltenham.
For more details visit the show home and marketing suite, open daily from 11am to 6pm, Bishop’s Cleeve, GL52 8ER. Call 01242 850292 or visit the website.
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Media can contact Emma Mackay on 077383 12960 for more information, images and interviews with Linden Homes.
References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.
All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.
