'I've Got The Best House In Town' - Says New-build Convert Ruth
11 Feb 2014

From setting her heart on buying an old doer-upper, Ruth Meacham is now enjoying a brand new house at The Artisan Quarter in the Cotswolds and says: “I love it.”

Ruth, a Finance Manager, actually stumbled by accident across the property which she bought from award-winning housebuilder Linden Homes – but delightedly describes it as “the best house in Moreton-in-Marsh!”

Her property change of mind couldn’t have been sharper. One minute she was looking at old homes yet six weeks after putting down a deposit she had the keys to a brand new, never-lived-in property which she could truly make her own.

It means there are only two homes left at the cosy development just half a mile from the popular market town’s high street. Ruth’s three-bedroom semi-detached house features an en-suite to the master bedroom and a patio and turfed lawn, plus a garage and driveway.

It’s a far cry from the 100-year-old two-bed terraced house with no parking where Ruth lived in Witney, Oxfordshire, which she left to start a new life in new surroundings.

“I went on Rightmove and looked at Moreton, which I knew a little,” she explained. “I came looking for a house that I had seen and actually by mistake I found Linden Homes’ Artisan Quarter.

“Before I even went into the sales office I could see this was a really upmarket development. I parked (on what turned out to become my own drive) had a walk around and I could see the benefits of well-designed, small development with lovely block paving driveways. I really could see myself there. It felt a really select development, not a great big housing estate.

“I still wasn’t sure though, but as I was driving to work the next day I thought, this is ridiculous – that house is absolutely gorgeous! So I put in an offer and Linden Homes accepted. My mum came on my second viewing and thought it was the best house she’d ever seen.”

The last two homes available to be snapped up are the Buscot, a four-bedroom detached house and the three-bedroom semi-detached Broughton.

They complete The Artisan Quarter’s collection of nine three and four-bedroom private homes, perfectly designed and conveniently located for families or older couples who still want space for their children and grandchildren to stay.

For Ruth, who has a grown-up daughter at university, it’s the kitchen which delights her the most: “I absolutely adore the kitchen – it’s fabulous and so well designed. It’s a joy to cook in and it’s got so much space. It has rekindled my love of cooking already.

“And the whole design of the house just flows. I had eight people in here after Christmas and there was enough room for everyone, it just never felt like there were too many people in one space.

“The day I moved out of my old house I was packing up the boxes and I thought, thank goodness I am moving to a new house and not a doer upper. I can’t believe how pleased I was to be moving into my new home.

“I can’t fault Linden Homes’ service – I’m Linden’s number one fan. The things that needed doing have all been sorted out and nothing has been too much trouble. I have been really really pleased with it – as far as I’m concerned I’ve got the best house in Moreton-in-Marsh!”

She added: “Moreton is such a lovely place. It’s a small place so you can get to know people – it’s very friendly and it’s by the countryside. It is proper Cotswolds, so has retained an old charm as well as great shops for every day shopping.”

The location is well connected for commuters with direct services from Moreton-in-Marsh railway station taking 36 minutes to reach Oxford, and under and hour and 40 for London Paddington. Birmingham Airport is about 40 miles away.

The town lists several friendly public houses, hotels, tea rooms, a choice of restaurants and three nearby supermarkets, plus a busy Tuesday market with over 200 stalls. For shopping and cultural outings, there is also Worcester, Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon.

To find out more call 0844 488 3020.

-ENDS-

 For further information, contact Claire Bradley or Claire McCowan at Remarkable Group on 01962 893893.

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.

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.