Lancashire Village Homes Offer Lifestyle Boosts
Award-winning housebuilder Redrow is advising house-hunters in the North West of England to seriously consider a new home at its Oak Leigh Gardens development near Clitheroe for the multiple lifestyle benefits it offers.
“For some homeowners having their children off school and working from home themselves has made them realise that they have outgrown their current property,” explained Lesley Myers, sales manager for Redrow Homes (Lancashire).
“There are also 20- and 30-somethings who are craving the freedom and privacy of their own home after being in lockdown with their parents, no matter how strong their relationships are. One advantage for them is that with restaurants and bars closed and foreign holiday plans on hold they’ve been able to save money towards a deposit and could find they’re able to buy sooner than they expected.”
Here are some of the reasons why she believes those looking for a new home near Clitheroe should choose a new Redrow home at Oak Leigh Gardens in Barrow.
1. Happy valley
The sought-after Ribble Valley is officially the happiest place in the UK, according to the Office of National Statistics. Personal wellbeing for the borough ranked at 8.3 out of 10 in an ONS survey, compared with a national average of 7.56. Nestled between Pendle Hill and the Forest of Bowland, Oak Leigh Gardens’ rural location has proved to be an attractive selling point for commuters and young families, especially as it’s also so well connected.
2. Go outdoors
Access to outdoor space became increasingly important during lockdown, with many discovering a new passion for walking, running or cycling. Residents of Oak Leigh Gardens can look forward to exploring the myths and magic of historic Pendle Hill or miles of trails at the Forest of Bowland, perfect for hiking, biking or simply picnicking.
3. Shop local
The importance of access to local shops has become increasingly apparent in the wake of COVID-19. There’s a Co-Op convenience store on the outskirts of Barrow for residents’ needs, with several major supermarkets in nearby Clitheroe, including Booths, Aldi and Tesco. Around a mile away, Whalley has a small selection of independent shops, with a larger range available in Clitheroe, including family businesses that have served the area for generations. Clitheroe also has a popular market three times a week and a monthly farmers’ market.
4. Connectivity
Balancing rural living with access to amenities and commuting to work is simple with a move to Oak Leigh Gardens. Situated just off the main A59 Preston Road, the homes are within easy reach of the M6 and M65; Clitheroe is less than three miles away and places like Blackburn, Burnley, Preston and even Manchester are all easily reached. Trains from nearby Whalley station connect to Blackburn in 15 minutes and direct to Manchester in just over an hour.
The 'Holly' house type from Harwood Homes
5. Schools
For parents with young children, living near a well-respected school is important. Barrow Primary was rated as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted and is just a short walk from Oak Leigh Gardens. For older pupils there’s a choice of two “outstanding” senior schools St Augustine’s RC High and Clitheroe Royal Grammar within a couple of miles.
6. Exquisite eateries
When it comes to dining out the Ribble Valley has plenty to offer including the Michelin starred Northcote at Langho, just 10 minutes from Oak Leigh Gardens by car. Other award-winning options include the Assheton Arms and The Inn at Whitewell. Closer to home, Barrow is home to The Eagle, The Great Land Chinese, The Dao Siam and the No1 Restaurant and Bar.
7. Choice of homes
Oak Leigh Gardens features a good selection of three- and four-bedroom homes. Buyers can choose from the Harwood Homes collection priced from £254,995 to £279,995 or the Arts & Crafts inspired Heritage Collection, available from £319,995 to £424,995.
8. Help to Buy or Sell
All of the homes at Oak Leigh Gardens fall within the threshold for Help to Buy. It means customers can apply for a government-backed equity loan for up to 20% of the property price, leaving them to find only a 5% deposit and a 75% mortgage from a lender of choice. The equity loan is interest free for the first five years. Or for those with an existing property to sell, Redrow’s own Help to Sell incentive uses local estate agents to find a buyer and makes a contribution to the selling fees
The sales centre and show homes at Oak Leigh Gardens are now open by appointment only, with new social distancing measures in place to ensure the safety of customers and staff. Find out more here.
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