After travelling from across the world, it took just two weeks for Dave and Elizabeth to buy and move into their dream home,
Dave
and Elizabeth were just 34 and 31 respectively when they upped sticks and moved
to South Africa, an opportunity presented in the form of a new job offer for
Dave.
After
spending several decades living in a tranquil corner of South Africa, they
decided to return to the UK so they could watch their two youngest
grandchildren, aged 5 and 2, grow up.
Dave,
now 73 said: “It was hard leaving behind our son and thirteen-year old grandson
behind in South Africa, but it was important for us to come came back to be
closer to our other son and his two children who live in Hertfordshire.”
They
immediately moved into Elizabeth’s sister’s bungalow to house sit whilst she
was travelling, before moving in with their nephew in Middleton, Greater
Manchester whilst they searched for a new home.
Elizabeth,
now 70 said: “Living with our nephew was fine, but we really wanted to have our
own place. It was my sister who told us about The Fairways, remarking how
attractive they looked from the outside, so we went to have a look.
“We
ended up finding a home that was perfect. The fact that it was nestled in a
quiet cul de sac away from the main road was a big plus for us, but unfortunately
another buyer was close to completing the sale for it. Just a week later we received
a call from the sales team telling us it fell through, which meant we were able
to immediately declare interest.”
Then
just two weeks later, they were all moved in.
Elizabeth
continued: “We were happy with how quick it all went. All our belongings even
turned up (from South Africa) the week we moved in. It’s like it was meant to
be.”
The
idea of a living in a new home appealed to both Dave and Elizabeth, with their property,
The Shelley, exceeding their expecations.
Dave
explained: “We love new houses. This one is practical for a couple such as
ourselves; it’s cosy but liveable and very easy to navigate on a daily basis.
It comes with all the latest technologies, particularly the efficient radiators
and fast broadband, and we’re left with enough space for when my son and
grandson come visit us from South Africa.
“The
garden is also a good size and is easy to maintain. We’re in the process of
extending the existing patio so we can have more garden furniture, something we’ll
make the most of in the summer months with barbecues.”
It’s
not just the house they were impressed by, with Priors Hall Park and the
surrounding area ticking a number of boxes for the couple. Dave developed a daily
routine of long walks when living in South Africa, which he was able to
continue due to the amount of green space the development offers. Elizabeth’s
hobby of cross-stitching has continued inside their quiet parcel of the cul de
sac, reminiscent of their peaceful setting back in South Africa.
Close
proximity to local amenities was also an important factor also. Dave said: “We’re
very lucky being so close to a café and a doctor’s surgery, whilst Corby’s town
centre is just a stone’s throw away for shopping.”
Both
Dave and Elizabeth praised everyone who helped make their move such a pleasant
experience. Elizabeth said: “All those who helped make our move happen, in
particular Donna and Sandy from Kier Living as well as the development’s site
manager, are real credits to Kier. We were hopeful of a quick move and they
made that happen.”
Ranging
from two-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses, The Fairways has proven
highly popular, with a limited number of homes available. Prices begin at
£141,995 for two-bedroom apartments, £229,995 for three-bedroom houses and £235,995
for four-bedroom houses.