At 63-years-old, Maureen Hopton is celebrating flying the nest and buying her first home.
Maureen, from Bridgehill, Consett, was living with her parents when she decided to make the move into her own home. Now she has purchased a new bungalow - and her new neighbour is no other than her best friend of more than 50-years.
Maureen now lives at Amethyst Homes' Regents Park development in Consett - just a few doors away from her childhood friend, Rose Moir, 64. And it was this 'Golden friendship' that set the wheels in motion.
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Maureen said: "I guess it is a little unusual to be a first time buyer at my age but the chance to live so close to Rose and when I saw how lovely these new bungalows are, made it an easy decision".
She added: "I'm now nicely settled in and enjoying finally owning my own home."
Rose said: "Maureen and I first met on the playground at Blackhill close to the Highgate football field. We used to walk home from our respective schools together, laughing all the way - and we still enjoy a good giggle today, going on plenty of holidays and trips away.
"The development is fabulous and our neighbours are great. It is quiet and close to all of the things we need. Just as I was, Maureen was really impressed by the bungalows and how nicely presented and spacious they are. She didn't need much persuading to make the move!"
Established in 2013, Amethyst Homes has built its business around its customers, with a strong emphasis on providing quality, sustainable homes in communities in which people choose to live and work. To date it has delivered over 350 properties in the North East.
Clare Pearson Sales Advisor at Amethyst Homes added: "They say home is where the heart is and we are delighted to have been able to help Maureen take the first step on the property ladder!"
The development at Regents Park is currently in its fifth phase and has already seen over 250 new homes completed. Amethyst is also building on two other developments – delivering 55 homes at The Meadows in Stillington, close to Stockton-on-Tees and 59 homes at Sleekburn View, in South-East Northumberland.
Both Regents Park and The Meadows won Premier Guarantee, Quality Recognition Awards in 2021, for the high standard of properties being delivered.
