Leaving their Hong Kong home for a new life in the UK was a huge step for Milla, Ashley and their young family - and it marked a major milestone for Woodford Garden Village too.
The couple, with their daughters Freya, eight, and Gemma, seven, became the 400th people to move into our flagship development when they completed the sale on a plush Courtyard apartment.
“I feel honoured to be the 400th buyer, it’s awesome,” said Milla.
“It’s a milestone for us as we start our new life in Woodford Garden Village and so it feels appropriate that it’s one for the development too.
“We’ve only just moved in, but it already feels like home, and we love it. We’re looking forward to many happy years here.”
Yoga teacher Milla, 41, and Ashley, 38, a strength and conditioning coach, moved to the UK in August last year.
Although she grew up in Canada, Milla is from Hong Kong and moved back there more than 10 years ago, and it was there she met and started a family with Derbyshire-born Ashley.
“We never thought we would move,” said Milla.
“It was a big decision; but there’s been such political unrest in the last couple of years and, with having two young kids, we wanted a better environment for them - and for them to be nearer their grandparents.
“We are gym owners and so thought Greater Manchester would be a good place to be.
“We scouted lots of areas in the Stockport and Bramhall area, and we went to a lot of new build developments.
“But we fell in love with this one, we like the green aspect, the parks and the open spaces; how convenient it is to motorways, and the shops and places nearby.
“There are good schools near here too, and we like the fact that one is going to be built on the development which means there’ll be lots of families like us,” she added.
“We have been on walks around and visited the playground, and we love the village feel with the central green and the pub. There is already a great community spirit with neighbours organising events and we’re delighted that we can be a part of that, it’s just amazing.”
Milla and Ashley have actually also reserved a four-bedroom Henley detached ‘forever’ home in Shackleton Fields, our newest phase on the 205-hectare site which was previously home to Woodford Aerodrome, famous for production of British aviation wonders like the Lancaster Bomber, Vulcan Bomber and Nimrod.
But such was their enthusiasm to move to Woodford Garden Village, designed in keeping with the original garden cities of the early 20th century, and away from the city centre location where they were renting, they decided to buy an apartment in the exclusive gated Courtyard development first until their other home is ready next year.
“It was out of curiosity I walked into the show apartment of The Courtyard and it looked beautiful,” Milla confides.
The Courtyard, is a collection of high-quality apartments, each with two double bedrooms, fitted wardrobes, an en-suite to the main bedroom, and a family bathroom. The open-plan living area features a kitchen, dining area and lounge, with flooring provided throughout and under floor heating. This opens out to a private balcony or terrace, making this home feel even more spacious and adding a touch of luxury to everyday living. Each apartment also comes with its own single garage, plus space for parking a second car.
“We are on the ground floor, and from the kitchen we look out onto the woods and fields next to us,” said Milla.
“Like the Henley, it has such a wonderful design and flow, and everything is so well made and planned with no wasted space; it’s just really special. With the open plan kitchen, dining and living area, I can be cooking but still see the girls all the time.
“And having a garage is a definite boost because not many apartments have them.
“My parents are thinking of coming to live here and this will be perfect for them when we move to our Henley home, and it’s only five minutes’ walk away,” she added.
“Woodford Garden Village is everything we hoped for and our whole experience has been wonderful, the sales consultants have been absolutely brilliant. They are lovely to deal with and although I can see how busy they are with so many people coming in and out, they always do everything they can to help me.”
Area sales manager Amanda Hollins said: “It is wonderful to welcome our 400th residents and to know that Milla and Ashley and their daughters have settled in so well and are enjoying life here.
“These apartments really are perfect for young professionals, great for smaller families and ideal for when you want a flexible, easy to manage home in later life; which is why while their apartment is ideal for them, it will be equally so for Milla’s parents when they arrive.”
Set within our flagship Woodford Garden Village, residents of The Courtyard have access to acres of open spaces, including woodlands, linear parks and a traditional village green. The garden village will also have its own school, shops, and social facilities, along with a dedicated health centre. The larger towns and villages of Poynton, Bramhall and Wilmslow are nearby for wider amenities.
Current prices for The Courtyard apartments start from £368,995 and a fully furnished show home can be viewed. For further information or to make an appointment to view Woodford Garden Village, contact the sales team on
