You know you’re not moving far when your friends offer to form a human chain to carry your crockery from your old property down the road to your new home.
That’s the story for retired nurse Pat Jones who is looking forward to arriving at her new house at Allingham Mews, an exclusive development being built by Linden Homes just off the high street of the beautiful Hampshire village of Odiham.
It will be a big change: the home that Pat is leaving dates back to 1620 while her brand new, high specification modern property will only come to life later this year after she bought it off plan.
Hers is a handsome three-bedroom house in the Calshot style which nestles amid Linden Homes’ Allingham Mews – with a thoughtfully designed range of architecture that perfectly complements the Conservation Area village and local historic buildings.
But while Pat is heading to a new home, what won’t change is being an active part of the thriving local community where she is president of a local W.I, enjoys an interest in painting and cookery, attends the University of the Third Age, and has lots of friends.
Pat’s decision to move follows the death of her husband, Peter, about three years ago. She said: “I am on my own now and the responsibility was a bit much. But keeping the location was important to me because I live in Odiham High Street.
“It was ease of maintenance and good insulation that was important. Also here is where my friends are and my family is just 20 minutes away in Basingstoke. I also liked the location of house because it’s not overlooked and has a garden which is south-facing.”
Allingham Mews was ideal because, in common with all Linden Homes’ developments, each property comes with a 10-year NHBC warranty for peace of mind, as well as a two-year customer care warranty.
That’s why Pat followed the development of Allingham Mews so closely: the first planning application, the builders arriving on site, exchanging contracts on the property and, soon, having the keys to her brand new home.
In fact, she was one of the very first to put down a deposit, as she explained: “I felt that if I could not get one of the Allingham Mews properties then it was the last chance for me to move. Odiham is a very difficult place to buy in, with very few properties that would have been right for me. I did not have to move, so it had to be right.
“I’m looking forward to lower energy bills and a space where I can feel in a bit more control of things.”
Buying off-plan gave Pat even more control. Through Linden Homes’ Enhance service, she was able to select designs, some upgrades and changes such as having wiring for a home office relocated downstairs and bespoke bathroom arrangements. She even met the site manager.
“He was a very nice and helpful man,” Pat said. “I have found that everyone has made the process very easy. I have not had any problems. I have felt comfortable with the advice and help.”
Linden Homes Guildford sales and marketing director Natalie Flint added: “We’re delighted Pat’s home suits her so well. With its connections, lifestyle and locations, Allingham Mews has something to offer everyone – whether families, professionals or retired people.”
As well as the convenience of Odiham’s well-appointed high street with its delightful range of charming shops, pubs and restaurants, on the other side of Allingham Mews are the rolling fields of a 12th century deer park.
An extra attraction is that despite its small size, Odiham enjoys excellent commuter links via the M3 and M4, with direct train services into London Waterloo in under an hour from nearby Hook and Winchfield railway stations. It also has access to good schools.
To the west lies Basingstoke and to the north is Reading; both with an array of shopping, dining and entertainment options. To the south rolls out the glorious South Downs National Park with its views, footpaths and attractions.
For current home-owners Linden Homes’ Part Exchange scheme offers one quick, hassle-free agreement that takes out estate agents’ fees and the problems with chains.
To find out more, call 0844 644 1729.
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For further information, contact Claire Cathersides or Claire Oakley on 01962 893 893.
