This month FTB goes on the hunt with Rebecka and Ollie Woodhall who are relocating to the South West and seeking a home with two or more bedrooms with good links to Exeter
Profile
- Names: Rebecka Woodall, 37, Ollie Woodhall,
42 - Occupations: IT Support Manager, Customer Services Manager
- Maximum budget: £250,000
- Requirements A home with two or more bedrooms in the South West of England, with good links to Exeter and a range of local amenities and entertainment within easy reach.
What they wanted…
We are seeking a new home in the South West, but we’re undecided as to exactly whereabouts. We definitely need some help with that decision! We’re currently located just outside Reading, where we have been for a few years. After lots of holidays in the South West – and after both gaining work-from-home contracts – we’ve decided we’re ready to escape to the country! I have family in Exeter, so it would be ideal to be within a 30-minute drive. We’re both adventurous types who love outdoor sports and exploring, so we want to be somewhere that offers that in abundance. We also love driving to the coast and trying things like sur_ ng, so we’d love to be closer to some good beaches. We’re used to being close to shops, so we’d like to keep that convenience. Good cafes and options for eating out close by would be great; and we’d like at least two bedrooms to make home working easier.”
What we found
THE QUAINT TOWN
Lavender Rise Axbridge, Somerset from £95,000*
*Based on a 50% share of the full market value of £190,000
Somerset’s smallest town, Axbridge, is home to this new collection of maisonettes and family houses, perfect for first time buyers. The Bellway development includes a range of house types, with one bedroom maisonettes and three bedroom houses available through shared ownership. All have been created with energy efficiency in mind. Historic Axbridge has plenty of amenities and opportunities for outdoor activities, while the stunning city of Bath, for fantastic shopping and world-famous architecture, is a 20-minute drive.
What they thought…
Axbridge looks really lovely, and would be such a huge change to what we’re used to. The development is an attractive one and it’s so exciting that we’d be able to afford a house here. We just love the style of the semi-detached homes, and know we’d make the most of all that space – such a big change from our one bedroom apartment. This is a great location in terms of enjoying all aspects of life. Bath is close by, as well as good beaches – Weston Super Mare is only a 25-minute drive away too.”
THE COUNTRY RETREAT
Blackmore Meadows Stalbridge, Dorset from £225,000
*Based on a 50% share of the full market value of £450,000
A range of spacious four bedroom homes is available through shared ownership at this development on the edge of Stalbridge. The Bovis Homes properties sit on the edge of the small but bustling town and within easy reach of Sherborne and Sturminster Newton. The interiors of the homes have been finished beautifully and feature plenty of natural light, via the French doors in the kitchen/dining space. There’s a separate lounge, while upstairs you’ll find the main bedroom with en suite, bathroom and three more well-proportion bedrooms, one with an en suite.
What they thought…
This is such a pretty part of the country, with so much green space and beautiful little villages. Stalbridge is lovely, and nearby Sturminster Newton has some stunning sights. So we know there would always be new and interesting places to explore. The properties at Blackmore Meadows are also really nicely designed. We love the period-inspired styling, which is definitely our cup of tea. And there’s so much space, too; perhaps a good place to start a family in the future – who knows.”
THE CITY BUSTLE
St. Leonards Quarter Exeter, Devon from £260,000
The beautiful city of Exeter is an ideal base for buyers seeking a slice of bustling life, with the beauty of the Devon coast and country on the doorstep. This new collection of one to five bedroom apartments and houses is situated in sought-after St Leonards, close to the heart of Exeter. The high spec properties enjoy landscaped green space and have been created with energy efficiency in mind. The River Exe lies just a few minutes away, along with an impressive range of historic venues, the cathedral, shops, pubs and quirky eateries.‑
What they thought…
We have always loved Exeter. It’s a wonderful city, with a real buzz about it. We have enjoyed visiting my family here, and always end up staying longer than we’d planned. There’s so much to see and do, and the development is brilliantly located, so this would be an exciting option. We particularly like the contemporary design of the buildings, and the focus on energy efficiency means that bills would be lower. The amazing moors and picturesque beaches are within a 30-minute drive, so it’s win-win.”
THE SEASIDE DREAM
Seascape Ilfracombe, Devon from £259,995
These impressive two bedroom homes sit on the edge of pretty Ilfracombe, the Devon seaside town known for its striking coastline and Tunnels Beaches, and just moments from Exmoor National Park. The properties feature an open-plan area that incorporates kitchen and dining and a contemporary lounge that opens to the back garden via French doors, plus a cloakroom. The new homes also include an integral garage space. This is a popular town, with a great range of amenities within a short drive and an interesting history.
What they thought…
Ollie’s family used to holiday in Ilfracombe, and he has fond memories of the area. The rugged coastline and amazing range of seafood restaurants come highly recommended! There certainly is loads to do. Exmoor is on the doorstep, and we’d be within walking distance of the beach, which is something we’d never expected on our budget. We really like the styling of the properties and the design elements, and the integrated garage is a bonus too.”
First choice! The Oaks Chudleigh, Devon
THE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
From £130,000* *Based on a 50% share of the full market value of £260,000
The Devon town of Chudleigh boasts an excellent location: shops and amenities sit within immediate reach, while the beautiful – and lively – city of Exeter is just 25 minutes away by car. World-famous Dartmoor National Park, for endless exploration and breathtaking views, can be reached in around 15 minutes, while some of Devon’s best-loved beaches, including sandy Dawlish Warren, are around a 25-minute drive. The three bedroom properties available on this Linden Homes development have been created in keeping with the local area, and feature bright, modern interiors. homereach.org.uk
What They Thought
We’re so impressed with the styling of the properties at this development – they’ve really kept the feeling of the local area, and look very ‘Devon’ indeed. We just love the bright and modern interiors, too – they’re really fresh, and there’s plenty of space. For us, this location really is ideal: Exeter is super close for bustling city life, while some amazing coastline is only 20 minutes away. Meanwhile, some of the most stunning countryside is right on the doorstep. This is a super-exciting option for us!”
The Next Step
“We have planned a weekend trip to Devon to drive around the area again and really ensure this is the right location for us – even though we’re pretty sure this is the one! We have a mortgage agreed in principle, and we’re ready to get this homebuying ball rolling!”
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.
