‘They’re even doing up the pub... what more could we want?’
YORKSHIRE COUPLE WHO DITCHED URBAN LEEDS FOR THE GOOD LIFE IN DERBYSHIRE
A COUPLE has swapped the chaos of urban life in Leeds for rural comforts by becoming the first residents to move into a new housing development close to the River Amber in Derbyshire.
Debra, 65, and Mervyn Grant, 64, along with their Sprocker Spaniel, Beau, have escaped to start a new life near the picturesque village of Bullbridge, near Crich, home to the celebrated Tramway Museum.
Debra, a retired receptionist for Land Rover, said: “Like many people, we wanted a more rural way of living, and my husband just loved the area and the feel of the site.
“The greenery around the site and the River Amber at the bottom of the development is a huge draw for us, as well as the woodland nearby.
“They are even doing up the local pub here, too! What more could we want?”
Debra and semi-retired Mervyn began looking for their perfect home in January this year, and started renting nearby before moving in with their daughter and grandchildren, shortly before completing on the house.
“That brought us all even closer together, which has been really lovely,” Debra added.
“We even made the stamp duty deadline and for that we are delighted. It has been a terrific experience.”
The move will bring the pair closer to their daughter and grandchildren, as well as Debra’s mum, brothers and sisters.
Debra and Mervyn aren’t alone in their desire for a rural lifestyle.
A report by insurance company Royal London earlier this year found 40 per cent of potential buyers in Leeds were looking to move away from the Yorkshire city to rural locations. It also showed that a further 28 per cent of home hunters want to move to a village.
The survey of 1,000 people exposed the shortcomings in people’s living arrangements, with many wanting more space as they work from home.
Cassie Barnes, Senior Site Sales Executive for Woodland Heights, in Bullbridge, near Crich, said: “We are delighted to welcome Deborah and Mervyn as our first occupants at Woodland Heights - our grandest development yet.
“We are sure they will enjoy not only the luxury finish of their home, but also the beautiful countryside that’s outside their front door.” Woodland Heights has been developed by East Midlands-based Peter James Homes.
Debra and Mervyn have bought The Poppy, a detached home with a kitchen-diner, three double bedrooms and one en suite. It forms part of Phase One of the 148 luxury home development, nestled in the verdant Derbyshire countryside overlooking the picturesque River Amber. Once construction is completed on all phases of the development, it will boast 12 different home styles, including the two-bedroom Amber and Bluebell and four-bedroom Birchfield.
Like many people, we wanted a more rural way of living, and my husband just loved the area and the feel of the site.
Debra Grant