Families have shared what it is like living on two Nottinghamshire housing estates. The households have shared what life is like on two "wonderful" new developments, and why they felt a new home would be better for them.
Iain McDonald, 44, and Kayleigh McDonald, 36, both worked in the armed forces and now both work for the emergency services. The pair have recently moved from Barnsley to Retford, with their two daughters and dog Captain.
The family live in a new Harron Home in The Brambles Development, and say they are settling in well. Iain said: "Our two daughters, Eliza and Bella who are aged 11 and 6, are growing up now, so we wanted to upsize our home, giving us more space for our family.
Do you think all residential roads should have a 20mph speed limit? Let us know
“Moving from our old Birkwith property to a four-bedroom Tonbridge was the perfect choice for us. The whole home is larger and more spacious, while still having that Harron Homes style we fell in love with in our previous home.
“My favourite place in the house is the open-plan kitchen, which is perfect for family occasions and entertaining large groups of people.” Iain added the area was great for his active lifestyle, as he "loves" being outdoors.
He said: "The scenery of the surrounding area is wonderful. I take our dog, Captain, on long country rambles. I enjoy mountain biking with my friends nearby, and on rainier days I can head to CrossFit sessions further in.
"There’s a wonderful mixture of rural living and city convenience here. In fact, I’ve recently purchased a canoe. On sunny days I can boat down the river, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding wildlife.”
Speaking of the community, he added: "The neighbours are really wonderful. There’s a field right out in front of our home where the girls can play, and neighbours walk their dogs and stop to chat to us.
“In fact, Kayleigh’s auntie and uncle live in a Harron home just 100m away. It’s great to have our family nearby, and makes the whole development feel that much more like home.”
Similarly, Tom and Mandy Hill have found their perfect new home on the David Wilson Homes development in Fernwood Village, after living in Newark for the past 17 years. Tom works for the police force, and explained they decided to downsize their home but didn't want to move too far.
He said: "We have family that lived on the estate in the past so we knew we could trust that the build quality was of a great standard. We needed to downsize and wanted a new build home so everything was done for us and it was brand new."
Tom described the development as having "a good feel" whilst looking "clean and smart." The pair secured their new home shortly before Christmas, and have now settled in.
He said: "With new builds, you are able to move straight in and unpack. Everything is new and covered with guarantees so are able to get a good peace of mind.
“Because we downsized, saving money to buy a new home wasn’t an issue for us, and we were able to spend the leftover money on new furniture to go in the house. The move is a pretty local so it hasn’t made much difference to our journeys to work, and I am currently using one of the bedrooms as a study for when I work from home – which is great.
“We’re also now within walking distance of some pubs which is always a bonus.”
READ NEXT:
Outpouring of love for restaurant with 'great food' due to close
Bank holiday highs of 21C as Notts set to be hotter than Prague
Nottingham mum who gave birth on Greek holiday may now be stuck there for months
Future of Nottinghamshire pub that is area's oldest building decided
Nottingham Forest punishment confirmed as Arsenal transfer claim made
