Take a new home for a test drive

Fri, Oct 6th 2006, 11:00

The vast majority of people prefer to try before they buy whether it is a brand new car or new clothes so why should the same not apply when you are buying a new home?

This is exactly what one couple did as they consider moving closer to their daughter in Yorkshire.

Gretta and Terry Batts, who live in Hillingdon in Middlesex, test drove the Roadford show home at Redrow’s Oak Glen development in Gilstead, near Bingley.

The couple has always thought about moving nearer to their daughter Carly and when Redrow invited them to stay in the show home for one night they jumped at the chance to test the water.

Gretta says: "Carly has an eight-month old baby William and he is the main reason we are considering moving. We would love to spend more time with our grandson and Carly.

"We had a fantastic time at Oak Glen. We had a look around the house which was great and tested out the kitchen by cooking a meal for some relatives who were visiting us in our ‘new home’. In the morning we went for a walk around the development which was brilliant – really peaceful and friendly."

 Oak Glen is a development of two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom family homes off Warren Lane in Gilstead.

"We liked that the development had a lot of homes to offer all types of people whether they are first-time buyers or families.

"Although we absolutely loved the Roadford show home, it would be too big for us to live in permanently. The lounge was a great size though and it easily accommodated us and the in-laws cero dancing in it!

"We do, however, really like the Severn though, because of its open layout and integral garage" adds Gretta.

The Severn’s layout briefly comprises a large lounge with adjoining dining room. The spacious kitchen has the added benefits of a utility room and easy access to the cloakroom. The ground floor also features a study – perfect for those who like to work from home.

Four good-sized bedrooms and the family bathroom can be found on the first floor. The master bedroom has fitted wardrobes and en-suite. The Severn is currently priced at £329,995.

"Our night in the show home has definitely made up our mind to move nearer to our daughter, Carly. We really liked Oak Glen and thought that it would make a lovely community to live in, so I guess it’s a case of ‘watch this space’!" adds Gretta.

Julie Rayner, sales director for Redrow Homes (Yorkshire) says: "This is a great idea for people who can’t quite decide whether to move or not. We understand that it is a big decision and would welcome any other buyers who wish to do the same to help them make their mind up."

 Also available at Oak Glen is the four-bedroom Walkham priced at £346,995 which is ready to move into now. Redrow is currently offering great autumn deals such as carpets, stamp duty and legal fees paid and even some cash discounts on this brilliant family home.

For first time buyers, there are some two-bedroom properties which currently have a £99 and move in package which includes stamp duty paid, 5% deposit paid, carpets and legal fees.

Oak Glen is close to the A650 and just a 15-minute drive from Bradford city centre. Junction 27 of the M62 links with the M621 for Leeds, with all its attractions and vibrant commercial and professional centre. Leeds Bradford Airport is approximately 30 minutes drive away.

For more information about the great deals at Oak Glen visit the marketing suite just off Warren Lane, open Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5.30pm & Monday 1pm – 4.30pm or call 01274 567473 to speak to a sales consultant.