The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
A new home that’s streets ahead
New-builds could be the best choice for you when it comes to moving. Daniel Harden tells us why he opted for one
Making the biggest purchase of his life – a brand new home – was a spontaneous decision for Daniel Harden. One minute he was surfing the internet on a tea break at work, with no real intention of buying anything, and the next he had stumbled upon The Castleton, Muir Homes’ development in Auchterarder, Perthshire.
Daniel liked the look of The Castleton so much that he decided to pay a visit that weekend. He immediately fell in love with the development – and with Auchterarder – and put down a deposit on a three-bedroom detached Cheviot home with integrated garage the next day.
“It was all a bit spur of the moment,” said Daniel. “There was something exciting about The Castleton. I fell for the fact it was so spacious and had a lovely homely feel about it. It really is a unique little place. One of the things that struck me is that there is much more space between the homes than there can be on many other new-build developments, and the views to the hills that surround Auchterarder are also fantastic.
“My house wasn’t even built yet, but I loved the plot as it had so much space around it so I just wanted to snap it up right away.”
Daniel, who is a divorced father of two, had been renting a home in nearby Perth but was keen to set down new roots and get back onto the property ladder in a house that had plenty of indoor and outdoor space for his children.
As he had reserved early, he was also able to choose his kitchen and bathroom. While waiting for his property to be built, Daniel used to drive past The Castleton every week on his way to work, watching it take shape brick by brick.
When his new home was unveiled, it didn’t disappoint. “It really has character, and there are so many nice little touches, thoughtful things that made it feel like home right away,” said Daniel.
“The hallway is wide, the finishes are excellent, the windows are interesting, and it has lovely light coming in. It’s the first time I have ever lived in a brand new home and there is definitely something very special and exciting about being the first person to live somewhere. I love how everything is pristine and my choice.”
“Auchterarder itself is so friendly; it’s a small town with plenty of quirky little shops and cafes, but it feels like a village.
“People walking down the high street stop and talk to one another. I like the fact it is easy to get to Glasgow or Edinburgh, but still feels peaceful and it’s great to get a bit of a change of pace.
“I couldn’t be happier in my new home and I think of the way it all happened as a blessing. The site manager Jim, and Jean in sales, have both been so engaging, approachable and honest and have made the whole process fun.
“I’ve only been here a few weeks but already I’m so settled that it feels like I’ve lived here forever.”
Muir Homes is a family-run, Scottish housebuilder with more than 40 years of experience in building happy communities of new homes with a focus on innovation and development.
The Castleton at Auchterarder features a range of three and four-bedroom homes in beautiful surroundings, with prices starting from £209,750.
www.muirhomes.co.uk