Home’s Design And Futureproofing Lead To Off-Plan Purchase

Engineer Chris Watts and his primary school teacher partner Teresa Griffiths can’t wait to move into their new home from Backhouse at Merlin Rise in Calne, Wiltshire next Spring.

The couple, both 31, were looking for a stand-out home in the area and were taken aback by Merlin Rise, a collection of 21 three-, four- and five-bedroom contemporary-looking homes designed by award-winning architects, Clifton Emery Design.

Chris said: “We were looking for our ‘forever home’ and that’s just what we’ve found at Merlin Rise. Backhouse has taken a really considered approach to everything, from design externally and internally through to futureproofing the property with sustainable eco features. The attention to detail and quality is second to none, maximising light and space in each property. It really feels like the home is being built for us.”

Chris and Teresa, who bought off-plan, enjoyed the process of putting their mark on their home by choosing some of the features inside.

Teresa explained: “Buying off-plan gave us the flexibility to select the colour and style of the kitchen units, tiles and flooring. It’s a really exciting process and by reserving off-plan you feel you are putting your personality on a new home.”

Chris added: “We’ve seen that quality at big developments can be hit and miss. However, with Backhouse we’ve been engaged throughout the build and invited to select finishing touches, which means it’s customised to our taste but without the legwork. This is really why we wanted a new build as both Teresa and I are too busy to refurbish an older property. We are able just to move in, as all white goods are included.”

The couple bought the three-bedroom home for £420,000, with a deposit of 15% which equated to £63,000. Chris and Teresa already own a property, which they currently live in.

Chris added: “We wanted to move on from our current home and find a home we could set roots down. Teresa works in Swindon which is under 30 minutes away, and I work from home and need good commuter links which this house gives us.”

In line with the company’s sustainability credentials, solar panels have been added to the roof of every home. Each roof is installed with zinc to give added quality and peace of mind for customers.

Sarah Williams, sales director at Backhouse, said: “We look forward to handing over the keys to Chris and Teresa early next year, and are excited to be part of their future with the creation of their lovely home at Merlin Rise. We pride ourselves on being a design-led developer, building sustainability and style in every home for our customer.”

Prices at Merlin Rise start at £385,000 for a three-bedroom home rising to £590,000 for a five-bedroom home. The government’s Help to Buy scheme is available. The sales and marketing suite is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

Find out more at www.backhousehousing.com.

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