Couple Find More Space In Time For Lockdown

The UK-wide lockdown proved to be a major challenge for many people as a large proportion of the UK population were unexpectedly forced to switch to remote working and for many, the lack of space was among the biggest challenges encountered, especially when there was more than one needing a ‘home office’.

Rebecca Bates, 25 and James Philo, 27, were fortunate to have moved into their new apartment at Rochester Riverside right before lockdown. Before buying their first property, the couple lived separately – Rebecca was staying with her parents in Essex, while James was sharing a house in Rochester with a flatmate. The timing couldn’t have been better for the couple.

“We moved in just before lockdown, and despite it being a very unusual time, instantly felt at home,” said Rebecca.

James, whose office is based on the Medway Industrial Estate, switched to homeworking at the end of March. He added: “I’ve been working from the living room, but thanks to its flexible layout, it wasn’t difficult to separate work and home – I’ve been using a part of the room as my designated workspace, while the rest of the space was a work-free zone,” said James.

The couple found out about Rochester Riverside from an advert at the train station and decided to visit it as soon as possible.

“The location was perfect for us with James’s office being just a short walk away. The school that I work in is on the Hoo Peninsula, just a 10-minute drive from home. Settling down in Rochester also meant visiting my parents in Essex would be easy,” said Rebecca. The couple felt a sense of community when they visited for the first time.“We came across a few friendly people during our first visit, and it just felt like a nice environment to be in.”

Like many young first-time buyers getting on the property ladder, Rebecca and James used their own savings and the Bank of Mum and Dad to fund their deposit.

The couple reserved a two-bedroom apartment at the end of the block with a big balcony to fit their numerous plants. Before buying their own home, they dreamed of having a separate room for hobbies – James is a keen guitar player and Rebecca sews in her free time. Having bought a two-bedroom apartment at Rochester Riverside, they’ve made this dream come true.

Rochester Riverside’s residents benefit from 2.5km of waterfront walks and the 10 acres reserved for open space, including parks, play area and landscaping. The setting couldn’t have been better for dog owners like Rebecca and James, whose canine friend now has plenty of space to roam around.

The couple look forward to travelling to London, once its numerous entertainment venues and shops resume normal operation. “We’re very lucky to have a train station so close to home. I really enjoy going to the theatre and tend to do my shopping in London, so once everything goes back to normal, it’s good to know London’s less than a 40-minute journey away.”

Rochester Riverside recently opened an on-site Co-op supermarket, Travelodge and Costa Coffee. Over the next 12 years, Countryside and Hyde will be providing new homes and facilities for local residents and the wider Rochester community by unlocking what used to be an industrial site along the River Medway.

Prices for a two-bedroom apartment at Rochester Riverside start from £317,000.

Fiind out more at www.countrysideproperties.com or [email protected].

Find retirement homes in Kent
Find Help to Buy homes in Kent
Find new homes in Kent