Sophie Allan was so thrilled about buying her first home with partner Will, she decided to share her journey in her very own blog.
The 22-year-old from York bought a three-bedroom end-terrace from Redrow’s stunning Regent Collection at Lancaster Mews in Clifton and immediately began chatting about her purchase and documenting every exciting development.
“And it’s the most popular part of my blog!” beams Sophie. “Lots of people are interested in houses and seem to really enjoy reading about them.
“I’ve talked about everything from being the first to reserve, to watching it take shape and taking photographs as each milestone was reached. I am planning to carry on now, talking about budgeting for a house, making it a home and offering hints and tips from my experience.
“I’ve had so many positive comments.”
Sophie, a reprographic operator, began her blog late 2015 and, after documenting a trip to New York in 2016, enjoyed doing it so much, she decided to continue. Now it’s a diary-come-scrapbook of all the important events of her life.
“I liked English at school and writing although I’ve become more interested since I left, and as a graphic designer I like photography and design. The blog is my space, a place for me and my thoughts.”
Sophie and partner Will Augur, 23, have been saving for a new home after beginning a relationship six years ago at college but they weren’t expecting to buy one until next year.
“We had looked at the neighbouring Granary development but the houses were too big for us and out of our price range, but the sales consultant told us there would be some smaller properties for sale in 2017. We were waiting for those but then we noticed the opportunity to buy at Lancaster Mews,” adds Sophie.
“We loved the style of the homes and we were the first to reserve. We bought the Belgrave home because we really liked the house with the open plan kitchen and dining room and the fact that it has an en-suite plus a bathroom.
“It’s in York where I work and handy for Will’s job, too. We had originally looked at a two-bedroom home but with Help to buy, the government-backed incentive scheme which allowed us to put down a 5% deposit and gave us a 20% loan, interest free for five years, we were able to buy bigger than we had ever imagined possible.”
It means the house is more than enough for now and in the future when the couple turn to thoughts of starting a family: “We want to be here for many years and the Belgrave will suit us even when, hopefully, we have children; and the plot is great, with a lovely big garden, and plenty of room even to extend. It’s perfect,” Sophie added.
Lancaster Mews is the latest addition to Redrow’s already popular development The Granary, which launched earlier this year. The new phase features a range of homes from the housebuilder’s distinctive Regent Collection, typically recognisable by their characterful, period frontages.
“Our Arts & Crafts inspired Heritage Collection homes at The Granary have already been extremely popular in York,” says Patsy Aicken, sales director for Redrow Homes (Yorkshire) “but buyers really love the townhouse architecture and period detailing to the exterior of our Regent Collection, combined with the 21st century, highly spacious and stylish interiors too.
Lancaster Mews will feature two, three and four-bedroom homes with four and five-bedroom properties currently available from £269,950.
For more on the Regent Collection homes at Lancaster Mews call 01904 275 070, or go to www.redrow.co.uk/lancastermews. Alternatively visit the showhome and sales centre in Water Lane from 10am to 5.30pm between Thursday to Monday inclusive.
For more from Sophie, see: www.sophieallan.co.uk