Working on the NHS frontline during the Covid pandemic brought it home to Debbie Hewitt just how precious life is.
Which is why, after 32 years in the same three-bedroom house in Basildon, Essex, she and her husband Gary finally made their dream move to the seaside.
Debbie, 53, and Gary, 55, have purchased a three-bedroom terraced house at Linden Homes’ Finches Park location in Frinton-on-Sea, a coastal resort they had thought about relocating to for years.
And the couple have been joined by Gary’s parents, Rita, 76, and Mick, 80, who sold their old house in Basildon, to buy a one-bedroom bungalow just round the corner.
Debbie, who cares for elderly patients and some receiving end-of-life support, said: “Working in the line of work that I do, especially during Covid, really impacted me. Having to support all these people who were suffering, going through the unthinkable, really does open your eyes and makes you realise how important life is.
“It has taught me not to put off doing what makes you happy, which is the main reason we moved. We are now close to the beach in the area of Frinton-on-Sea where I have always wanted to live.
“I decided to put me and my family first so I gave up my permanent job and now work on a temporary basis for the NHS. Moving has enabled me to have a slower pace of life which I needed.
“Finches Park is in a very relaxing and rural area. Sometimes we sit at the bedroom window upstairs and just watch the wildlife and river in the background.”
Debbie and Gary, a warehouse operative, had been visiting Frinton-on-Sea for many years and decided last year to finally make it their home. They drove through all the nearby villages with a tick list of everything they wanted near their new house, from shops to parks.
They were not specifically looking for a new-build property but drove past Finches Park one day and decided to take a look around. They instantly fell in love with the Eveleigh house type.
“Gary and I first found the site in October last year and were instantly drawn to the house we are now in. It was not completed when we saw the house, as it just had its walls in, but we could see past that and imagine ourselves in the house.
“We asked what other houses were available in the area, and the sales advisors told us there was a bungalow available. We thought this was perfect for Rita and Mick and asked them to go and have a look at the bungalow.
“Rita and Mick have a few mobility issues, so moving into a bungalow that is well designed for their needs and being on the same street to us meant we could easily support and care for them.”
Both couples used the Smooth Move scheme which is offered by Linden Homes. Under the scheme, the housebuilder instructs a local estate agent and liaises with them to progress the sale of the buyer’s existing property. Linden Homes arranges valuations and pays the estate agent’s fees when the customer moves into their new home.
Rita and Mick, along with their Teacup Yorkie Pixie, moved into their bungalow in March with Debbie and Gary joining them at Finches Park three months later.
Debbie said: “By the time we moved in Rita and Mick had settled in and already explored the area with Pixie, telling us the best places to go nearby.”
Debbie and Gary purchased a three-bedroom Eveleigh house type, which features an open-plan kitchen/dining area and separate living room with French doors leading out to the rear garden.
“Living here now, the house is everything we always wanted - we are very content”, said Debbie. “The rooms are just so clean and bright. My favourite room is the living room. It is very bright and spacious and is great for hosting in.
“We are also bringing in someone to draw up our garden for us, as we have big plans for it. We want to add in a raised floor, hot tub and a summer house.
“It’s a walled garden, which really creates a beautiful outdoor area. We are wanting to make the space a pollinated garden with plants that will specifically attract the wildlife.”
Linden Homes is part of the Vistry Group, which also includes Bovis Homes and Countryside Homes.
A selection of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes are currently available to reserve at Finches Park, with prices starting from £282,995.
References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith 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.
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