Out with the old, in with the new
Chance visit to Walker development led to Gary and Andy McIntyre ripping up renovation plans
We realised it was cheaper to buy new than extend our existing property.’ Andy McIntyre
Andy and Gary McIntyre have finally found their dream home after four house moves.
The couple, who married two years ago, renovated and converted the properties they lived in before putting down their paintbrushes to settle into a new build.
Andy, 31, an operations manager for a bank, said: “We started off in a 1980s mid-terraced house in Midcalder, West Lothian, before moving into a 100-year-old cottage in Winchburgh.
“After renovating that, we swapped homes with Gary’s parents, who were looking to downsize, and moved into their 1970s three-bedroom bungalow in Muiriston near Livingston.
“We were all set to extend the attic – and had even priced it up – when my sister-in-law asked us to view a new build in Monarch’s Way in West Calder with her.
“She ended up not buying it but we were interested. Not only did we realise it would be cheaper to buy this property than renovate yet again, we also fell in love with the four-bedroom Kidston house type. We were blown away by the open-plan dining kitchen in particular.”
Andy and Gary, 36, a marketing manager for a travel company, liked the development’s semi-rural location, as well as it being a short walk to a train station as they both work in Edinburgh.
Andy said: “We’ve been together for 10 years and are now planning to start a family as the next natural step. We’ve already earmarked the room next to our bedroom as a nursery.
“I love our new home – and the best thing is that we don’t have to do a thing to it after our years of renovations. I love everything being brand new.”
The couple also found the move easy as housebuilder Walker Group helped with the sale of their former home.
Andy added: “Moving is so expensive so it was wonderful to get help with the estate agent fees.
“We only moved in September and I can’t believe how quickly we settled in. It’s a quiet development and a real community with lovely neighbours. Livingston shopping centre is nearby, so it’s a great location. The only problem is that we have so much more room now that we haven’t enough furniture – a great excuse to go shopping.”
Andy and Gary bought a Kidston house type at Monarch’s Way, with prices starting at £262,000.
It has an open-plan kitchen and family room with dining area and a separate utility room – a feature that sold the house to the couple.
Double doors from the family room lead to the garden, and there’s also a garage.
Upstairs, there’s a master bedroom with en-suite and a family bathroom. There’s also a cloakroom on the ground floor.
Monarch’s Way offers two, three, four and five-bedroom homes and is four miles from Livingston.
Prices start from £190,000 for a three-bedroom semi-detached Albury home rising to £332,000 for a five-bedroom Roxburgh Corner.
The village has four primary schools and there are plans to replace West Calder High School with a new multi-million-pound building. Almondell and Calderwood Country Park is nearby for woodland walks.
Sandy Casey, director, Walker Group, said: “Monarch’s Way is a terrific commuter location as it has a local train station providing quick access to Edinburgh.
“Its greatest appeal is a charming village lifestyle that offers a balance between town and country.
“The Kidston is our best-selling property and we’re delighted to welcome Andy and Gary to the development where I’m sure they’ll be very happy.”