Trail Runner Enthusiast Downsizes In Hampshire
The first buyers have moved into Forest Edge, which is Metis Homes’ £21.5m development, located in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. 58-year-old Janet Malt has downsized into a two-bedroom home at the expansive development, which features open green spaces, two play areas, and a purpose-designed dog agility course.
Mrs Malt, a mother of two grown-up sons, has made the 10-mile move from Landford in Wiltshire to experience a new quality of life in the riverside town of Fordingbridge, which is at the northern gateway to The New Forest. Her 764 sq.ft house has its own garage and the ground floor layout embraces open plan living, with double doors leading from the living area to the private garden. Upstairs, there is an en-suite off the principal bedroom, as well as a family bathroom. Janet will be utilising the second bedroom as a piano room, with a pull-out bed for guests.
Janet Malt says: “I am at a point in my life where I wish to live mortgage-free and not have to worry about the upkeep of a home, or expensive running costs. Buying a new home, with all the fixtures, fittings, carpets, and flooring included felt like the most suitable choice for me, especially with how high energy costs are these days.
“I initially reserved at a large development on the outskirts of Southampton, but pulled out because I was worried about the level of noise and traffic. I happened to see an advert for Forest Edge and the rest is history – even while my home was under construction, it felt perfect. Everyone at Metis Homes has been amazing to deal with. They’ve really invested the time into making my move a wonderful experience.
“My two-bedroom house has been designed in such a thoughtful and clever way. Every inch of space is maximised. It has been fun choosing wallpaper and new furniture, and having an electric charging point installed is a great idea. I have a new job working in Fordingbridge and I have also joined Run Fit Fordingbridge, which is a really sociable group. I am hoping to build up to 10k trail running events this year, and possibly a half marathon too. I feel very privileged to have moved to such a stunning place and am looking forward to meeting more Forest Edge neighbours as the construction work progresses.”
Over 40% of the 63 energy-efficient new homes have already been sold off-plan. There are only four homes available on phase one, consisting of two, two-bedroom apartments starting from £300,000, and two four-bedroom detached family homes, starting from £610,000. These remaining homes on phase one will be ready to move into this autumn.
Forest Edge is located off Salisbury Road and within walking distance of Fordingbridge town centre. It is close to the River Avon, and also near the Dorset and Wiltshire borders. The town has a number of independent bars, boutique shops, restaurants, convenience stores, schools, community, and leisure facilities, which are a short distance from the site entrance.
On completion, the development will have an abundance of green open spaces, all surrounded by mature woodland trees. Footpaths leading to inspiring Forest walks can be joined right from the development boundary. The traditional architecture and red brick elevations of the houses and apartments are inspired by the local vernacular.
The 63 homes at Forest Edge are designed to achieve an EPC rating of B, with benefits including electric vehicle charging points, high levels of insulation and thermal efficiency, and green mortgages offering more favourable rates. Moreover, the four-bedroom houses have the added benefit of solar PV panels, which will enable the future residents to generate a proportion of their own electricity use, significantly lowering their carbon footprint.
Forest Edge is located off Salisbury Road in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 1LX.
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