Online Search Ends In Unexpected Move For Rachel
A wish inspired by TV’s Grand Design programme has led to a house-hunter purchasing a brand new home in a place she had never seen before – elevating her online shopping to a new level!
Rachel, a former director of dance at a performing arts school who has been living in Hertfordshire for 21 years, said: “For as long as I can remember, I have watched Grand Designs on TV and always dreamed of having my own place like that one day. I wanted something ultra-contemporary inside but with flair, design and frankly, not box-like on the outside.”
While lockdown was hindering her first-hand look at candidates for a new home, she went online to continue her in-depth research.
“After 30 years of holidaying in Devon and Cornwall, that is where I searched for the right property for the past year,” she continued. “There have been one or two candidates but nothing was quite perfect and having sold my old home a week before lockdown, I decided to widen the net. I went online and searched for ‘new build barns’ and up popped West Chevington.”
One of the results was Platinum Assets’ West Chevington Farm, taking shape a few miles north of Morpeth and just a short walk from the beautiful Druridge Bay in Northumberland. This development is bringing 21 rustic-style sustainably and environmentally friendly luxury homes to a National Heritage listed, Georgian-era farm site. There are nine barns – one converted from an original Georgian structure and the remainder constructed to replicate this style, using the best of locally sourced materials. There are also 12 contemporary new houses, designed to sit neatly alongside the barns.
Considering moving nearly 300 miles away from her current home in Tring, Hertfordshire was quite a “leap of faith”, she said.
“I had never been to Northumberland but people who have raved about it. So I Google-toured the area to see amazing scenery and coastlines in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty. It just seemed perfect for long dog walks, relaxation and getting away from it all. it felt so right I could not sleep until I had paid the reservation fee and secured the property.”
Last week, as travel restrictions were eased, Rachel drove the 276 miles to visit her new Northumberland home and find out whether it – and the surrounding countryside – live up to their digital promise. Fortunately, she loved it and cannot wait to move in when the contemporary, barn-style property at West Chevington Farm is completed in late summer this year.
“Now that I have seen it and explored the area a little, I know I was right. The quality of the design, the very high-specification interiors and the proximity to a stunning coastline was everything I wanted. Another thing I like about the development is that there will be a small community of people all starting together in a new place. I cannot wait to see my very own grand design again when it is completed – and Kevin McCloud is welcome to visit!”
Sonali Craddock, marketing director at developer Platinum Assets, added: “It’s fantastic that Rachel had so much faith in our development just from looking at the plans online. Of course, those of us from the region know what a magnificent county Northumberland is so I am sure she will be very happy here – although she and her dogs may need better coats for the winter beach walks.”
Find out more at www.platinumassetsanddevelopments.com
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