Childhood Sweethearts Reunited For New Life At Folders Meadow
01 Feb 2013

The story of Michael and Andrea Heavens’ move into married life in their new home at Folders Meadow is similar to that of many childhood sweethearts – except this couple overcame nearly five decades of separation to tie the knot.

They first met at a youth club in East Grinstead when they were in their teens and courted for several years, with Michael devotedly cycling the nine miles from Horley to East Grinstead to see Andrea who lived with her parents.

Over time and distance they gradually lost touch, however, and went their separate ways until just over a year ago Andrea, then single, suddenly received an email out of the blue from her former first love who had never forgotten her.

The connection proved as strong as ever and after going out together again for nearly a year Michael and Andrea were married on December 22nd last year – a special day for Andrea as it was the date her mother and late father had also made their vows.

The couple have now settled into their beautiful three-bedroom house at Linden Homes’ sought-after Folders Meadow development in Burgess Hill, from where Andrea (66) paints and Michael (68) volunteers at the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum in Chichester.

Andrea, a retired medical researcher who used to work at East Grinstead’s Queen Victoria Hospital, said: “The first night we sat down together in front of the TV it felt like home – like we had always been there. We just knew it was the right thing.”

Their revived relationship and new house all fell into place for them so smoothly, said Andrea: “He tracked me down via the internet and soon afterwards we got married”.

“It’s lovely here, it’s absolutely lovely. It’s in a nice position as well. Michael has his office in one of the bedrooms and the other is where I paint. I’m a hobby artist and I paint pet portraits for my friends. I particularly like dogs."

“We saw Folders Meadow when we passed it one day. Although Michael liked my old house it only had two bedrooms, so we went to have a look at the new development and the houses were really nice – and off we went! We both like modern houses and this one is light and airy.”

Folders Meadow is an exclusive collection of stunning new one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom homes with parking and garage. Rolling countryside is on the doorstep, and in Burgess Hill are a market, theatre and trendy restaurants and cafes.

Andrea and Michael also used Linden Homes’ Enhance service to have their rooms decorated in advance to their taste, after a consultation with its dedicated design experts.

In fact, Andrea’s old house is a short walk from Folders Meadow and it was by taking advantage of Linden Homes’ Part Exchange scheme that their move worked so well.

Andrea said: “It worked very well, it was perfect. I would recommend it to anyone. Linden Homes gave me a very fair price and it just took the strain out of selling. Even though the buyer pulled out it did not affect our move.”

Buying through the Part Exchange scheme offers one quick, hassle-free agreement that takes out estate agents’ fees and the problems with chains which can scupper even the most secure-looking move.

Eligible home-hunters choose from a selected range and within seven days a valuation on their property will be made by three local estate agents and a cash offer made. Once accepted, the only thing left to do then is set a move-in date.

Built in partnership with Wates Developments, Folders Meadow is on the edge of the South Downs National Park and offers an idyllic lifestyle: set back from the road and surrounded by green open spaces and extensive parkland, it provides a peaceful escape from the bustling town centre.

Burgess Hill is pleasantly small, retaining a lovely character and friendly, welcoming, community air. It is also a key business area and perfect commuter town, with its excellent transport links to London and Brighton.

For more information visit the sales centre, which is open daily 10am-5pm, call 0844 488 1604.

-ENDS-

For further information, contact Lyndsay Scanlan or Sam Nickerson at Remarkable Public Relations on 01962 893 893.

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.

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