Owning a new home can seem like a far off distant dream for many and often an unachievable one at first glance. The ideal of owning a brand new home on the commuter belt, coupled with smaller town living, more often than not comes with a premium price tag. Or so John Coe thought until he stumbled across Linden Homes’ Northfields development in Colchester.
John Coe, an Actuary and his partner James, an IT Company Director both aged 32, were previously renting in Morden near Wimbledon and with them both working in central London, they enjoyed the benefits of suburban living with a relatively easy commute into town. The prospect of buying in the locale however, was not going to be possible, with property prices in SW19 far too expensive. Location was the other main factor in the decision to move.
John explained: “We had been saving for a while and were looking to buy somewhere of our own, but the prices in Wimbledon were out of our budget. We also wanted to be nearer to our family in Norwich, so we were keen to find somewhere north of the M25, but still be close enough to get into the city for work.
Having scoped out locations that would work for the Coes, they visited the locale which spanned the Chelmsford – Braintree area and took one Saturday to go and visit some new developments in the vicinity. Having done the rounds for a day not seeing anything they liked, and feeling a little disheartened, John and James decided to make use of their trip and visit the Northfields development in Colchester. James had heard about the development previously but was initially put off by the ‘quirky’ look of the houses.
They arrived at 4.00pm at the brand new development from Housebuilder of the Year 2012, Linden Homes, and were instantly impressed by the look and feel of the finished houses and apartments. John said: “We were left to look around the showhome and immediately fell in love with the house and development. We literally walked in and said we have to live here!”
By 7.00pm that same day, John and James had signed on the dotted line and were on their way to owning their very own four bedroom townhouse.
John commented: “We really liked the idea of living in a townhouse – it gives us far more space and better value for money too. There are other developments locally that are more expensive, yet further away from the station and far smaller than Northfields!”
As well as two, three and four bedroom townhouses at Northfields, the development also has a selection of one and two bedroom apartments, all within walking distance of Colchester railway station. All come with fixtures and fittings included as standard – another benefit to buying new rather than second hand. The Coes have already joined the local gym and have peace of mind that the doctors and hospital are close, should they ever need them.
John also finds his commute into town a much easier one than when he lived in South West London: “We are really close to the station – my journey door-to-door, is 1 to 1.5 hours – not much longer than my previous trip on the underground. I was also particularly impressed that the trains run every five to ten minutes into London, so even if you miss one, then you have time to get a cup of coffee and get on the next one, not too far behind. The trains also run late into the evening too. My commute is far more pleasant than my old journey into town, and I am now guaranteed a seat every morning!”
John and his partner James were really impressed with the customer service received by Linden Homes and Doreen, the sales executive on the site: “The service we have received throughout the sales process at every single stage has been absolutely fantastic. Doreen let us come and visit the house ahead of moving in, to measure up. In fact over time she has become a friend to us and has even introduced us to new people in the area to make us feel right at home.”
John and James are so impressed with the development and value for money that they are even considering buying a second property to let. John commented: “Northfields is such good value for the size and quality of house and location that you get compared to other houses in the area, we are seriously looking into buying another house here. It is a lovely community and has something to offer for everyone.”
For more information on life at Northfields in Colchester, please visit the sales and marketing suite on site, which is open every day from 10am to 5pm. You can also call on 01206 844 755.
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For further information, contact Claire McCowan or Emma Cox at Remarkable Public Relations on 01962 893 893.
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.
