With energy prices soaring, Steve Barter received a pleasant surprise after moving to his new home in January.
Steve, 61, bought a new property at Linden Homes’ Mill Brook Green development in Axminster and quickly noticed a change in his energy use.
Speaking about his move, Steve said: “I’d been caring for my father in Hampshire and after he passed away I wanted to settle somewhere picturesque. I was looking for a new home, as I didn’t want the headache of DIY, having to replace a boiler or replastering rooms in my retirement. I fancied somewhere modern that I could relax in. Having set my sights on Devon or Somerset, I started looking and happened to see the development on rightmove.
“I bought a three bedroom Emmett end terraced property at Mill Brook Green after falling in love with the show home. The house has a fantastic layout and offers plenty of space; not only are the lounge and kitchen a good size but there are lovely views out across the meadows too.
“However, what’s impressed me the most are the energy savings! I’d previously been renting a 1960s three bedroom semi-detached home in Farnborough, which had double glazing ?" but I hadn’t realised the difference a new home could make to your carbon footprint. After I moved to Mill Brook Green, I woke up one morning and noticed the heating hadn’t come on. I thought there was an error, only to discover it was because the thermostat wasn’t low enough for it to start up, as the house had retained the heat overnight in really cold conditions.
“I like my home to be 21 degrees centigrade and over the winter I found my boiler only needed to be on for a short period to get the house to my ideal temperature; I’ve been surprised how well insulated it is.
“Moving home has felt like a new start and it was wonderful to have the space for my brother to stay recently ?" I hadn’t seen him for two years, as he lives in Australia and couldn’t travel because of the pandemic.”
Steve, who once ran a cat sanctuary in Spain with his ex-wife and also worked for BT said: “I am so happy in my new home, it feels like a really good move and I’m hoping to get a dog once I’ve got myself settled and explored the area fully.
“In my spare time I like gardening, watching sport and discovering long walks. There are some beautiful routes by the river Axe and the surrounding meadows, so it will be perfect for dog walks.”
Steve added: “I’d heard about energy savings with new homes but I didn’t think it would be as obvious! I love my new thermally efficient house and I use significantly less energy now ?" I just want to let others know, as it’s amazed me!”
Area sales manager, Michelle Rayner, said: “We’re delighted that Steve is enjoying his new home and has noticed the energy saving benefits. The New Homes Marketing Board reports that new homes are six times more energy efficient than older properties and those savings, especially in the current climate, certainly add up.
“Buying a new home has lots of advantages. It also enables you to move to a blank canvas, where there’s no dodgy DIY or worn out fixtures and fittings to correct, there’s a 10 year warranty for added peace of mind and there are also initiatives like the part-buy-part-rent Home Reach scheme and Home Exchange to help you move, which are not available with second hand properties.”
Mill Brook Green features 139 well-designed homes comprising a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses. There will also be allotments and attractive areas of public open space, planted with trees and wildflower grassland.
The development offers easy access to the A30 and A35 and benefits from great rail links to the main line leading to London Waterloo. It is close to the glorious beaches of Lyme Regis and Seaton, just a short drive away, and near good schools, an array of shops and restaurants.
There are currently three bedroom homes available with the Home Reach scheme at a 50 per cent share. For more information and to book an appointment, call 01297 255 048.
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Contact: Emma Mackay, Linden Homes, 077383 12960; emma.mackay@lindenhomes.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.
