Veteran Olympic medal-winning swimmer Margaret Wilding knows when to move fast and she did exactly that when she happened to pass by Folders Meadow in Burgess Hill – and put down a deposit that very day.
Margaret, who is now 73, was just 17 when she took bronze at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics in an experience she has never forgotten. It meant she was invited to the opening ceremony at this year’s Games in London, where she also watched some of the action in the pool.
Remembering her own time in the spotlight, she said: “The Olympic experience was fantastic – it’s all very different now because it’s not an amateur event any more. We went to the other side of the world, but coaches and parents were unable to accompany us, we just had a team manager and chaperone. There was no TV coverage either.
“I was only 17 years old so it was quite daunting but it was an incredible moment, it was fantastic.”
Margaret carried on her swimming as she got older by competing in masters’ tournaments and still swims now, but only for fitness. She likes the Burgess Hill area so when she started property hunting her priority was to stay local.
She said: “I just happened to drive by Folders Meadow and stopped to see a two-bedroom apartment – I was impressed and I put my deposit down straight away because there was a good deal that only lasted until the end of the month. I moved quickly!”
She said her new home is only 20 minutes’ walk from the town centre, and added: “Both my sons have been to look at it and they are very happy for me to be here. It’s quite nice to have families and children around the neighbourhood and it’s a very convenient place.”
Folders Meadow is an exclusive collection of properties built by Housebuilder of the Year Linden Homes and comprises stunning one and two-bedroom apartments and superb two, three and four-bedroom homes with parking and garages.
Residents enjoy rolling countryside on the doorstep, plus in Burgess Hill a market, theatre and trendy restaurants and cafes.
Built in partnership with Wates Developments, it 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.
Burgess Hill itself 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.
To make moving even easier, Linden Homes’ 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. The only thing left to do then is set a move-in date and get packing.
To find out more call 0844 488 1604 for the sales centre, which is open daily 10am-5pm.
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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.
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.
