First-time buyers Ben Oliver and Louise Mayhew are enjoying having their own space after stepping on the property ladder for the first time.
The couple bought a two-bedroom Linden Homes property at Vistry Group’s Finches Park location in Frinton-on-Sea, having previously lived with their parents – Louise in Harwich and Ben in Chappel, near Colchester.
Louise, 24, a deputy manager in a children’s day-care centre, and Ben, 25, a joiner, moved into their new Hardwick style home in October with their rabbit Flopsy, and new puppy Nala.
“It feels so surreal to be in a home that we actually own – we feel like we’re on a long holiday,” Louise said.
“We wanted somewhere which we could call our own rather than stepping on our family’s toes. When I lived with my parents, our home was always loud and there was always something happening. It is lovely to have a place which always feels peaceful and calm.”
The couple decided in December 2021 that they would like to begin living together and buy somewhere rather than rent.
They began looking straight away and viewed several new-build sites as well as other homes before coming across Finches Park, reserving the two-bedroom semi-detached Hardwick in February 2022.
Ben said: “We booked the soonest viewing of the Hardwick and fell in love, so we made an offer straight away.
“With it being just the two of us, we decided we only wanted a two-bedroom to begin with. When we looked around the Hardwick we thought the layout was very spacious and liked the size of the kitchen and that it linked to the dining area.
“A lot of other homes we looked at had the dining table in the living room which we didn’t like, but the layout of every room in the Hardwick was exactly how we wanted it.”
The couple were also impressed by the customer service they received from the sales advisors at Finches Park, Ben and Jaye.
Louise said: “They were very helpful, communicative and kept us informed on the build updates. When we had viewed previous properties, some of the sales advisors were very pushy and made us feel uncomfortable, which steered us away from wanting to buy with them even more.
“We were very thankful to the sales and site team at Finches Park for their support. When we got our keys, Jaye let us have a look around first, and then he showed us how to use certain appliances. It was so exciting, and he was super helpful.”
The couple are beginning to get to know the area around Frinton-on-Sea and already love the development’s convenient location, with easy access to supermarkets and good links to surrounding towns from Kirby Cross railway station, which is within walking distance.
Louise said: “We are in the early stages of getting to know the area. My Grandad, Dad and I went to The Ship at Kirby le Soken and the food was great.
“We have recently bought a puppy too, which we enjoy taking for walks along the beach. There are so many lovely walking routes nearby which we are yet to explore.”
Ben and Louise also love the development’s community feel and have already recommended Finches Park to other friends who are looking to buy.
Louise said: “The community at the site is very friendly – we even received a card from one of the neighbours.”
There’s currently a choice of two, three and four-bedroom houses and two and three-bedroom bungalows available to reserve at Finches Park, with prices starting from £272,995.
To find out more, visit 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.
