The course of David Marshall-Duffield’s later career has been shaped by water so it was a natural turn for him and his wife to decide to settle by the banks of the River Wey where it winds through the new Gresham Mill development in Woking.
David (75) is former publican turned weir keeper who for 13 years has been responsible for overseeing the flow of several miles of watercourse for the National Trust; being ready 365 days a year to adjust the levels to avoid floods and keep things running smoothly.
He and his wife, Mary (66), a nurse, have bought off plan a one-bedroom apartment at Gresham Mill and are looking forward to moving in after David admitted he “fell in love” with it at their first viewing.
Created by Housebuilder of the Year Linden Homes, Gresham Mill’s range of townhouses and apartments sits within 7.4 acres of parkland beautifully landscaped to resemble a nature reserve, echoing to the bubbling River Wey and bordered by meadows.
David’s unique link to the site goes back to its time as St Martha’s printworks, which shut in 2007 due to a merger, when he used to pass through to check the weirs. Now as well as living there he will be monitoring the on-site water turbine installed to generate green electricity.
He said: “The reason I’m buying it is that I looked at the plans and I fell in love with it. I said to Mary – we can afford it so let’s do it, our lives will be better afterwards. I liked the quality, it’s perfect.
“I just think it’s wonderful – you have got all the fields to see from where we’ll look out from the bedroom and lounge. We’re looking forward to moving to a brand spanking new home which is fully insulated.
“I have always been interested in water because I lived in Camden Town and Kentish Town when I was younger where the canal went through. I used to go down there a lot so I have always been interested.”
The development has respected the character of the former printworks to create a stunning mix of apartments and townhouses whose driveway approach never fails to impress visitors, including local MP Jonathan Lord who earlier this year hailed it as “magnificent”.
Each new home offers contemporary layouts, generous living spaces and elegant proportions. Fully glazed doors open onto balconies and terraces, and every apartment comes with dedicated parking.
The name Gresham Mill harks back to 1086 when it was listed in the Domesday survey as the first record of river-powered flour-making on the site, which is just three miles from the busy town centre of Woking and six miles from Guildford.
Woking railway station is around 2.5 miles away, offering direct mainline services to London including Waterloo, for example, in just 28 minutes at peak times. It is also approximately mid-way between Heathrow and Gatwick airports and nearby are Junction 11 of the M25, the M3 and the A3.
To find out more, visit the marketing suite, open 10am-5pm, or call 01483 726 269.
PART EXCHANGE
For home owners, a move to Gresham Mill can be made even simpler through Linden Homes’ Part Exchange scheme. Eligible buyers choose from a selected range, and within seven days a valuation on their property will be made by three local estate agents.
Next a cash offer is made, as long as your current property is not more than 70 per cent of the value of what you want to buy. The only thing left to do then is set a move-in date and get packing.
-ENDS-
For further information, contact Lyndsay Scanlan or Sam Nickerson at Remarkable Public Relations on 01962 893 893 or email either lyndsay.scanlan@remarkablegroup.co.uk or sam.nickerson@remarkablegroup.co.uk.
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.
