When Garry Ballantyne left the armed forces, he and wife Lynnette were keen to settle in a home in Northamptonshire that would be perfect for themselves and their two young children for years to come.
Thinking there was no way they could afford to buy their own family-size home outright, the couple started their search by looking at renting a council house – but then they came across a scheme at George Wimpey’s Appleton Gate development in Corby, that meant they could afford a fabulous four-bedroom ‘Mallow’ house with all the space they needed.
“We had a look at some of the new homes developments in Corby, where Lynnette is from, and one of those was Appleton Gate,” explains Garry (28), a former Royal Navy medic who has served in Afghanistan and on board ships around the world.
“Speaking to the Sales Executive, we found out about a special scheme for first-time buyers which reduced the mortgage we needed significantly, and meant that we could afford an amazing home!”
The four-bedroom ‘Mallow’ which Garry and Lynnette chose is characterised by a spacious combined kitchen and family/dining area which opens through French doors to the private rear garden, and is ideal for relaxed family mealtimes with their children, William (5) and Aimee (4).
The entrance hallway also leads to a guest cloakroom and has a handy door to the integral garage, while upstairs the landing leads to a light and airy lounge with attractive Juliet balcony, a well-proportioned bedroom and a washroom.
A magnificent master bedroom with en-suite shower room, a main bathroom and two further bedrooms can be found on the top floor.
“We feel we bought a first home at the right time and feel extremely lucky to have got onto the property ladder in such style. There is no way we would have been able to afford a home as large as this without the help of the first-time buyer scheme that George Wimpey was offering,” adds Garry.
“In fact, with 1,200 square feet of living space, the ‘Mallow’ is massive! I can’t foresee us needing to move again.”
Because they purchased their home before it was built, the Ballantynes were able to add their choice of finishing touches from George Wimpey’s Options range, including kitchen units and integrated appliances, carpets and flooring, tiles to the kitchen and bathrooms, fitted wardrobes, lighting and a fireplace.
Those tempted by the ‘Mallow’ can purchase this spacious housetype at Appleton Gate from only £154,995, while first-time buyers seeking something less expansive can choose a delightful two-bedroom ‘Quartz’ apartment from just £99,995.
While George Wimpey offers a range of special incentives to help first-time buyers to step on the property ladder, the easymover scheme lets customers with a house to sell reserve their new home and then sit back and relax while the housebuilder finds a buyer for their current property – guaranteeing 100% of the market value – and pays the estate agents’ fees.
In addition, the leading housebuilder’s House 2 Home bespoke moving package comprises free UK removal regardless of distance or size of property, full packing and unpacking service and insurance cover.
Appleton Gate is a select development of 100 homes conveniently located less than four miles from Corby town centre, home to a vast array of independent and high street stores, leisure facilities, pubs and restaurants, as well as good schools for children of all ages.
The town is also home to a new shopping centre and Olympic-sized swimming pool, while closer still, a new pub/restaurant has just opened a short stroll from the homes, and a large supermarket is a short drive away.
Commuters will appreciate the convenient access to the A6003 and the A14 - providing easy links to the M6 and M1 - and direct services from Corby railway station to London.
See Also: Property News (6680), George Wimpey (77), Appleton Gate (5), Northamptonshire (43), Garry Ballantyne (1), Lynnette Ballantyne (1), Corby (16), The Mallow (2), Corby Railway Station (1), London (33), Greater London (21)
Date Published: 18 November 2009
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