Some people set their heart on a house from seeing a photo; others after viewing a show home. For one Oxfordshire couple, however, the moment came before the plans had even been drawn.
Martin Tame and Steven Atkey were both so keen to settle down together in the picture postcard village of Steventon that last year, when they discovered the future site of The Pitchings was ready to be redeveloped, they turned detective to put themselves at the head of the queue.
Martin (43) recalled how they found out it was award-winning Linden Homes creating the high quality new collection of two, three, four and five-bedroom properties just a mile from the village centre and a stone’s throw from Steventon’s landmark cobbled Causeway.
“It was perfection that they were developing on our doorstep,” he said. “The landowner told us the land had been sold and in our research we contacted the council to find out who the developers were.
“We contacted Linden Homes and asked them to let us know about their plans. They kept in touch and, in fact, we got one of the first sights of the designs. We were even able to select our plot. We said from the outset that we wanted that particular one, whatever it took.”
Steven (46) explained: “It was a waiting game and we’ve been in it right from the outset. The size was important and the location, as well as the position looking out over fields, and it’s south facing too.”
Martin and Steven have been together for a decade and are both local, so they know the area’s traditional charms. Martin has lived for about 20 years in Steventon – about 500 yards from their new house, in fact – and Steven had a home in Abingdon.
But when it came to sell Steven’s property the process suddenly stalled. Instead of waiting in limbo for a buyer, however, the couple seized the opportunity of Linden Homes’ Part Exchange scheme where it acts as guaranteed buyer and pays estate agent’s fees too.
“It worked out brilliantly,” said Martin. “We did not want to lose our plot so we did Part Exchange and it was absolutely stress-free. We got a realistic and, actually, a generous price which was market value, I would say – I can’t find a negative from it.
“When you have Part Exchange, why would you just sit and wait ages for someone to buy your house before you can move? And from the outset the sales staff have been fantastic. We dealt with one person all along and they went above and beyond the call of duty.”
Their new home is a four-bedroom detached house in the Marcham style with two bay windows at the front. To the rear are French windows that open out into the spacious, green garden.
Martin and Steven both work in Reading, so the Pitchings is well placed for their daily commutes. The A34, M4 and M40 are nearby and from Didcot train station excellent rail services link direct to Reading and London.
Steven said: “We have seen our house grow from the ground up. The bedrooms are all double-size, the garden is fantastic and the ground floor layout is great, with double patio doors that bring the outside in. You can just sit outside and drink coffee – it’s beautiful.”
Martin added: “I can’t see us going anywhere for a long, long time – unless we win the lottery! The Pitchings suits our needs and I think we can grow old gracefully here.”
Located between the historic market towns of Abingdon and Wantage, Steventon is a well-established community with a primary school, shops, several popular pubs and restaurants, a village hall and recreation ground, and an award-winning bakery.
Steve Garton, Linden Homes Thames Valley’s sales and marketing director, added: “I’m so glad that after spotting their dream home so early, we were able to make it come true for Martin and Steven. The Pitchings is a lovely place to live and I’m sure they’ll be very happy.”
To find out more and to register your interest, call 0844 644 8253. This call will cost you 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.
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For further information, contact Claire Oakley or Kelly Ward at Remarkable Content 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.
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.
