Having previously lived in Esher, Anne-Marie and Simon Bevan were keen to move closer to St Catherine’s School, in Bramley, to reduce the daily commute for their 12-year-old daughter.
Driving home from watching their daughter compete in a cross country race at Reigate Priory, the couple decided to take the scenic route home via Ewhurst and Cranleigh and stumbled across Swallowhurst, the new development by Linden Homes and Wates Developments, in Cranleigh.
Anne-Marie, a BA cabin crew member and Simon, an ex Royal Navy captain who recently resigned to run his own company from home, were so impressed by the development’s picturesque setting – it is surrounded by 33 acres of historic woodland - and the chic and luxurious style of the showhome, that they decided to put an offer on a four-bedroom house, despite their own home not even being on the market.
The Bevans purchased their dream home in January, and within two months having successfully sold their own home, they had moved in and were making the most of Swallowhurst’s fabulous location, just six miles away from St Catherine’s School.
Anne-Marie, 45, says: “I feel so proud of our new home and I actually miss it when I’m away working. The thing I look forward to the most is driving up to our new home.”
The individually-designed homes at Swallowhurst reflect the Arts & Crafts architectural style that is so prominent in West Surrey; featuring warm red and orange brickwork, clay or slate coloured roof and hanging tiles, contrasting black painted timbers, bay windows and imposing chimneys.
Inside, the flexible and contemporary layouts feature all the qualities you would expect from a quintessentially English country house and are combined with luxury and comfort and a high specification.
Roundel Kitchens in a choice of colours come with granite or quartz worktops and single or double ceramic Butler sinks. Falcon Dual Fuel cookers come as standard while AGA Total Control ovens are available in selected plots. AEG integrated appliances are standard, including a wine cooler.
Anne-Marie says: “We have always wanted an open-plan living and dining area, and while I was rather reluctant at first to use an AGA, I wouldn’t want it any other way now. Linden has been fantastic throughout the whole process and while fully aware of my hesitance in using an AGA, they even arranged for me to go on several AGA courses.”
The Bevan’s new home is perfectly situated for work and school runs; Anne-Marie commutes to Heathrow Airport, which is around 45 minutes’ drive away and St Catherine’s school, which is just over 10 minutes’ away.
Simon, 50, says: “We wanted to be close to our daughter’s school as she is very involved with many after school activities which required a late pick up meaning us sitting in heavy traffic on the A3 to pick her up. The move to Cranleigh also allows her to have her school friends over more easily for play dates and sleepovers.”
While enjoying its rural setting on the edge of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cranleigh is also a vibrant village, boasting a fabulous array of bespoke shops and boutiques as well as having a weekly market offering local produce.
Indeed the Bevans are enjoying being part of a close-knit community; the local butcher even sent them a hamper to welcome them to the village.
Anne-Marie says: “Living here has changed our lifestyle drastically. Our stress levels have plummeted almost overnight and we are just enjoying spending family time at home as opposed to in a car.”
The first phase of homes at Swallowhurst has now completely sold. The second phase, comprising four, five, and six-bedroom houses has just been launched. For more information or to make an appointment to view, contact Linden Homes on 0844 417 5985. Alternatively visit the website.
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Further media information: Rebecca Younger/Nikki Ackerley, Property House Marketing, call: 01483 561119 or email: rebecca@housegroup.co.uk
