Two Leyland entrepreneurs have taken their first step on to the property ladder thanks to a post-pandemic boost to their businesses.
Self-employed photographer Charlotte and her husband Daniel, who owns a delivery company, and their two children moved into a four-bedroom home at Worden Gardens development in Leyland.
The couple began to house hunt in 2020, after Daniel’s delivery company Shepherd’s Logistics Ltd thrived during the pandemic, which gave them a “much needed financial boost”.
“We lived in our rented home in Buckshaw Village, Chorley for six years, when it was only supposed to be a stop gap,” said Charlotte, 37.
“Eventually we felt we had outgrown the house, particularly during lockdown, and were keen to get on the property ladder.”
But the search proved to be a frustrating one, with no suitable properties for their growing family, including 13-year-old Charlie, Lyla, 10 and two dogs Cali and Daisy, until they discovered Worden Gardens.
“I have always loved Redrow builds, I love the character of their designs, I like a traditional appearance and I also believe they are a superior developer,” said Charlotte, who owns her own photography business and documents her new home journey through her Instagram account - @shepherds.delight_our.redrow.
During their first visit to Worden Gardens the family ‘fell in love’ with The Cambridge, a four-bedroom detached property, and reserved their plot the same day.
“With both of us being self-employed it was a very long and sometimes rocky journey to finally secure a mortgage, but Redrow helped us through the process.” said Dan, 38.
The family moved into their new home during the pandemic, and although a worrying time for her business Charlotte Shepherd Photography, Charlotte admits it made the move ‘a lot easier’.
“It was a very worrying time, but by the end of 2021, business boomed, I had lots of rescheduled weddings, in addition to those already booked,” said Charlotte.
“Lots of people were keen to make up on lost time, so I had lots of family photo shoots, which really boosted by business.”
Worden Gardens will eventually feature more than 200 homes from the housebuilder’s award-winning Heritage Collection.
Set amid open countryside, residents will really be able to enjoy the best of both worlds with easy access to nearby towns and cities, including Leyland, Preston and event Manchester, plus popular Worden Park right on the doorstep.
There is a good choice of primary and secondary schools within close reach as well as a supermarket, smaller shops, health centres and pubs.
“We were very familiar with Worden Park as we visit regularly with our girls and friends so the idea of the development being so close really appealed to us,” said Charlotte.
“Being semi-rural was also a bonus as we love the countryside, there are lots of nice places to walk without needing to hop in the car.”
For Charlotte having a blank canvas to make her own and being able to choose her own fixtures and fittings was a huge pull to buying new, whilst Daniel admits that the security of a warranty on their home is a ‘massive comfort’.
The couple are now starting to their stamp on their home, which is being documented on Instagram.
“I initially setup the Instagram account so that we could document our homeowner journey and draw design inspiration from other home accounts along the way,” said Charlotte.
“It kept me occupied during the buying process whilst waiting for the house to be built, and now I love sharing pictures of our lovely new home as we bring each room to life.
“I'd say our style is modern traditional, which I think suits the Cambridge to a ‘T’.
“I personally absolutely love old English architecture, lots of character and detailing, panelled walls and coving but the house is still quite minimalistic so not cluttered or too fussy.
“Light neutral tones throughout and trying to keep the theme flowing through each room, which is not easy with a teenage gamer girl who loves LEDs!” she added.
Due to the Cambridge’s open plan kitchen and dining area, this is where the family spend most of their time.
“It’s so spacious with lovely views leading right out into the garden, there is enough space to accommodate our growing family and to entertain family and friends without being cramped,” said Dan.
“It's the room that totally blew us away when we visited the show homes,” added Charlotte.
“I still think back to that visit when I barely dared to imagine we would be sitting in that kitchen one day saying this is ours!”
Home at Worden Gardens start from £145,995 for a two-bedroom Alton apartment, available to purchase with a Help to Buy Equity Loan, which could mean only a 5% deposit is required.
To find out more contact the team at Worden Gardens on
