Mark and Sarah, who had lived in the same road for more than two decades (albeit in two separate properties), started to house hunt in the North West when they first came across Redrow.
The couple visited several of our developments over a wide area across Cheshire and Greater Manchester, including in Lowton, Chester and Daresbury.
“As soon as we visited the first show homes we fell in love with Redrow’s properties,” said Sarah, a patient safety lead for the NHS. “We set our hearts on a Redrow property so that was more important to us than the location itself. After that it was just about finding a development that best suited out needs.”
“Our trip home to Lincolnshire took us on the M6 so we passed close to Round Hill Gardens in Congleton and decided to pop in for a visit. We looked at other developments but there was something about Congleton, we were always drawn back.”
Round Hill Gardens, located on Manchester Road is a 64-acre development which will eventually feature 454 new homes, offering a wide selection of two, three, four and five-bedroom designs split across two phases: Woodlands and Blossoms.
“We have always bought a new build property, until our last home which was 15 years old,” said Mark, a general manager in the power growth industry.
“There are a number of reasons why we like new build, mainly because they are more energy efficient, retain the heat, are modern with the latest technology and you are the first one to put your own stamp on it.”
Once the couple set their sights on Congleton, they soon found the ‘perfect’ plot on the development, a four-bedroom property situated in a secluded spot with views out into neighbouring woodland.
“The plot was just at footing level when we first saw it, our house was on the market, so we began to pay and choose extras for our new home including a kitchen island, fitted wardrobes, extra sockets, we did choose a lot!” said Sarah, 59.
“But we were soon in limbo, we were involved in a housing chain, one where we had six sales fall through over the space of 10 months. It was very disheartening. After all we had found the property and plot we wanted and had paid for a whole host of extras, lucky for us Redrow gave us the time we needed.”
Mark, 61, added: “The team were so supportive, especially the sales consultants Ellie and Abbie who knew we were in a very tricky situation. But they were so helpful and patient, they knew how much we wanted the house and how disappointed we would’ve been to lose it.
“We were fortunate that it was still early in the build, so they were able to keep a hold of the property for us until eventually we sold our house.”
Thirteen months after putting their house on the market, Sarah and Mark moved into their new home - The Brookhouse.
While the Brookhouse is a bespoke house type for Round Hill Gardens, it’s based on a Heritage Collection design (known as The Shaftesbury in other locations) features a kitchen, dining and living area extending along one side of the property, with a separate lounge on the other. A separate cloakroom and utility complete the accommodation downstairs.
Upstairs there are four double bedrooms, the main with en-suite, and a family bathroom. Prices currently start from £460,000.
“The best part of the house for us is the open plan living, we are always in the kitchen/dining/snug area at the back of the house,” said Sarah.
“The lounge is more formal and it’s where we have brilliant views across to the woods. It’s very secluded here. We love the area, everything is within walking distance, which is a big change for us and something we’ve never had before, it’s absolutely fantastic!”
Mark added: “We only moved in eight weeks ago so we haven’t been able to judge our bills as yet, but we are anticipating that the cost will be less. But more importantly what I can tell you is that our old house was cold, this house is constantly toasty. The difference is incredible.
“The main thing for us that has stood out about our move with Redrow, apart from the brilliant properties, is the customer service.
“Our move wasn’t straightforward, but the team at Redrow really supported us when we needed them. We were more than just a number; everything was so personable. They stuck by us and got us in our new home; I can’t commend them enough.”
To find out more about the homes at Round Hill Gardens call 01260 460058.
