When Home And Work Collide
29 Jan 2014

Buying a home is probably one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Choosing that home is one of the most important. When Naomi and Oliver Burrell decided to buy their first home, this year, they chose a Linden Home at Cholsey Meadows.

Naomi works for Linden Homes:

“I had obviously known all about Cholsey Meadows for some time. But before I worked for Linden Homes I was involved in PR, within the building industry, and even then Cholsey Meadows was one of my favourite developments.”

“At the beginning of the year we were living in Romsey in Hampshire and I was commuting to Harefield while Oliver had to commute to Heathrow. That meant we both had a four hour or so round trip each day.

“We looked at rental properties nearer to our offices but didn’t think we could afford a home that was so close to London and we worked out that if used all our cash on renting, then we wouldn’t be able to save up for a deposit to buy our first home.”

“Coincidentally, at around that time, there were some three bedroom homes at Cholsey Meadows that were about to be launched. I showed Oliver the plans and details on the Linden Homes’ website and he really liked the look of them too.”

Naomi had always admired the Linden Homes’ product but admits that she always imagined she would end up buying an old home:

“I had loved the idea of an old house with high ceilings and sash windows, but on the other hand I knew friends who had bought older properties and were spending all their spare time renovating every room. We knew we didn’t want to spend our precious weekends painting and decorating. A brand new home seemed to be the ideal choice.”

In March of this year the couple travelled to Cholsey Meadows so Oliver could see the development for himself. They reserved a three bedroom home that day:

“Because it was early on in the build, we were able to pick our plot. We chose an end of terrace house and as soon as we’d reserved, we started to arrange a mortgage. We used the new homes mortgage helpline and we were impressed with the information we got. The mortgage was agreed in April; we exchanged in June and we moved in at the end of October.”

Between June and October, the couple were able to visit the site and see the house in various stages of the build:

“When you buy off plan – whether you work for the company or not – Linden Homes involve you in the process: We were able to speak to the builder as we were shown round: He explained things like how the ventilation system works. Even though I work in the industry and know about the finished product, I really learned a lot. It was very valuable.

“Just before you move in, the company follows up with a tour of the new house and there is someone on hand to explain the details of how the boiler works; how to programme the heating system and how to switch on the dishwasher – things like that. You also get a kit with all the information. These customer care details are something that we talk about a lot at work but it was fascinating to see them in action.”

Naomi and Oliver are now settling in well at Cholsey Meadows:

“It is so peaceful: it is so close to the Thames that you can walk the dog down the lane and along the river and watch the rowers training. And although it is quiet and tranquil, we have been surprised by how convenient it is: It is in the middle of the countryside and when you look out the window there are fields and trees - but actually we are around just twenty minutes drive from Reading town centre. Oxford is about half an hour away and the other day I got the train to London from Cholsey station and it took me to Paddington in an hour and six minutes.”

If you want to find out more about life at Cholsey Meadows, please call 01491 659012 or visit the sales and marketing suite, which is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

You can contact the New Homes Mortgage Helpline on: 01206 715415.

-ENDS-

For further information, contact Emma Cox or Claire McCowan at Remarkable Group on 01962 893893.

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.