Using Help to Buy to step up the ladder, Dionne Lowe (47) and partner Steve (50) have found the perfect three-bedroom ‘forever’ home for them and their son Alfie (11) who suffers from autism, at Millwood Designer Homes’ Hastings development, Woodlands View.
Dionne, who manages in a care-home in Bexhill, East Sussex, explains: “We previously rented in Eltham, London for a year before moving to a shared ownership property in Gillingham, Kent for three years, which was lovely but didn’t have an en-suite or a garage. We started looking at new homes all over the South East and Hastings seemed like a sensible choice, as having had a holiday caravan here, we already loved the area and were aware that there are lots of care homes, so I could find a job. Our new three bedroom home at Woodlands View is perfect and a great investment opportunity, especially as it will be Alfie’s home for life. Help to Buy has really helped us move up the ladder.”
Woodlands View comprises a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, to suit a wide range of buyers. Nestled in picturesque semi-rural surroundings and backing onto pretty woodland, this exciting new community of homes is situated on The Ridge in Hastings, just minutes from the delightful Old Town. The contemporary homes feature flexible family living space, good sized gardens, generous bedrooms and modern bathrooms with white suites and chrome fixtures and fittings.
Dionne continues: “Originally we were interested in a four bedroom townhouse at Woodlands View, but ideally I wanted a large open plan kitchen. The sales team took the time to get to know us well, and showed us the three bedroom end of terrace property that we now own, and I instantly knew it was the one I wanted. Even though it was just bare walls at the time, I thought the large kitchen space and separate utility room was perfect for us. Two of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, therefore we can have our own space and so can Alfie. When he is older, Alfie will have the large master bedroom on the second floor, providing all the necessary space and privacy he needs.”
Dionne concludes: “Alfie has grown up here and always loved Hastings. He really enjoys going to his new school and it’s great being by the beach, as we can all go down to the sea-front and have fish and chips for dinner. Alfie loves playing on the 2p slot machines and in the arcades. It’s a lot quieter here and completely different to living in London. Not only does Hastings offer a better life for Alfie, but it does for us as well.”
Hastings is conveniently situated on the south coast with major cities and towns such as Brighton & Hove and Royal Tunbridge Wells only an hour away. Both offer a range of amenities including a selection of independent shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and theatres. Only three miles away, Hastings Old Town is home to Priory Meadow Shopping centre.
From Hastings station trains into central London currently takes 90 minutes with direct services into Charing Cross, Cannon Street, Waterloo East and Victoria. The introduction of High Speed rail links to Hastings will reduce the journey time from Hastings to Kings Cross to 68 minutes.
Prices at Woodlands View start from £195,000 for a two bedroom coach house, £240,000 for a two bedroom house, £285,000 for a four bedroom terraced house and £390,000 for a four bedroom detached house. Selected properties are available with Help to Buy. For more information please visit www.millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk or call 01424390150.