Posted 15 December 2020 by
Keith OsborneDespite the pandemic and furlough, it’s been a very busy year in the housing market for all kinds of buyers, from those seeking a first home to those climbing the ladder to some luxury living.
Award-winning housebuilder Dandara builds homes across the country, from the Channel Islands to Scotland, and every type from starter homes to high-end mansions. Its diverse range of happy customers include some recent ones from highly regarded developments in Kent and Hertfordshire.
Michael (52) and Elizabeth Webb (50) have purchased a penthouse at 1887 The Pantiles development in Royal Tunbridge Wells while also planning to buy a home in Mallorca, where they normally spend two or three weeks of the school holidays. They have three kids, Anna (20), Jacob (16) and Zach (14).
Michael, a former businessman from the city who now has his own cricket coaching business, said: “We knew when we started looking for a bolthole home that we wanted to stay in Tunbridge Wells as we have lived here for 30 years. We have always planned to buy a property abroad for a change in lifestyle, but since the pandemic struck we are glad to have our UK safe haven property for the time being.”
“We were looking for a property with a prestigious build and 1887 The Pantiles ticked all the boxes. The penthouse caught our eye straightaway as it was the perfect size for us and there is enough space for when the children come to stay. We love that it has outdoor space which is low maintenance for when we go away. The property is right for us post-Covid because it is so light and spacious with enough room for us to not feel on top of each other.”
Situated in the heart of Tunbridge Wells’ beloved Georgian Colonnade, 1887 The Pantiles is built on the site of the ‘The Pump Room’, a 19th-century live music hall and jazz club, which was once the centre of the spa town’s cultural scene. The development offers a collection of 127 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom mews homes and eight penthouses, together with features such as a purpose-designed outdoor cultural space, indoor communal space, resident’s reception, concierge service, landscaped courtyard gardens and underground parking.
Michael added: “The location was important to us as my cricket coaching business is in Tunbridge Wells along with Elizabeth’s job as a Pilates instructor. Her studio is just down the road from The Pantiles making it extremely convenient. After years of commuting into the city for work I wanted a better lifestyle. Tunbridge Wells gives just that as everything is within easy reach.”
Louise Norman, associate sales and marketing director at Dandara South East, commented: “Homes at 1887 The Pantiles combine classical elegance with contemporary convenience, creating stylish yet practical homes. With the location of The Pantiles within easy reach to Gatwick Airport, it is no wonder it attracts people like the Webb’s looking to keep a luxurious bolthole escape in the heart of their hometown, whilst also giving them the flexibility to travel abroad when they purchase a second home.”
There is just one penthouse remaining, priced at £1.06million, with one- and two-bedroom apartments starting at £299,950 and £535,000 respectively.
Ian Greenwood (34) and his fiancée Charlotte (29) were first-time buyers now living in their new three-bedroom detached home at Dandara’s Keepers Chase development in Buntingford, Hertfordshire.
Ian, a senior data migration consultant, commented: “Before buying in Buntingford we lived in a rented flat in Hoddesdon, which is around a 20-minute drive away. We had been saving for a deposit for 18 months, but it was challenging because of paying a high rent. The lockdown period made us appreciate that we really wanted to buy our own home and when we realised we could make the move sooner by using Help to Buy we jumped at the chance.
Ian and Charlotte at home at Keepers Chase
“After living in Hoddesdon we knew that we wanted to buy a property that was a little further out and quieter. As soon as we saw the Dandara development in Buntingford we knew it would be perfect for us. With Help to Buy available we were able to afford our dream home. We put a deposit of £30,000 down and the process was stress free.”
Keepers Chase offers an attractive range of two-, three- and four-bedroom home types, each with its own garden and private parking. It set on the River Rib, on the outskirts of the picturesque market town, well connected by road and nearby stations at Ware and Stevenage.
Ian continued: “The area was a big factor for both Charlotte and I when choosing our new home. We wanted something that was quiet but still had local amenities nearby. The Co-op supermarket is just 10 minutes down the road and the high street has some lovely pubs. For larger high street shops, Stevenage and Bishop’s Stortford are within driving distance. We love going on long walks together and there are some perfect places nearby for this.”
“Charlotte works as a sales support manager in Turnford so it was important that we bought within driving distance of her job. It takes approximately 20 minutes for her to drive to work in the mornings which is ideal. We also wanted to be located within commutable distances to London for my work.
“The three-bedroom house we chose is a fantastic size and has a spacious cobble-grey kitchen and living area. The space was important to us due to working at home more and the garden is perfect for the summer months.”
Simon Pendlebury, sales and marketing director for Dandara, said: “Keepers Chase ticks many boxes for anyone looking for a new home in a sought-after East Hertfordshire location. Buntingford is a pretty market town and is an ideal place for anyone looking for access to open space whilst remaining connected to London, Cambridge, and the South East. It is clear why it attracted Ian and Charlotte who were looking to enjoy more outdoor space and be part of a thriving community.”
Prices at Keepers Chase start from £385,000.
Find out more at www.dandara.com.
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