Sophie and Matt put down roots at Manor Farm Fields
When Sophie Hall and Matt Brady found out that their first child was on the way, their search for a new home began in earnest.
The couple were living in a two-bedroom detached house in Oakwood, on the north east edge of Derby, and were therefore keen to find somewhere bigger to accommodate their new arrival.
Matt was initially opposed to the idea of buying a new build, but that all changed after a visit to Sophie’s parents’ new house at Bloor Homes’ Alms Meadow development in Etwall.
And when they discovered that Bloor would soon be launching a new development in Mickleover, close to where they both grew up, it felt like all the pieces of the jigsaw were falling into place.
The couple purchased a three-bedroom house at Manor Farm Fields, moving in just under three months after Sophie had given birth to baby Mia.
Sophie, 27, a call handler at Derbyshire Police headquarters in Ripley, said: “Matt was quite against new builds. He didn’t think they were good value for money but when he saw my mum and dad’s house he really liked it.”
Matt, 30, who works as an accountant in Derby, said: “When we bought our first house we went to look at a few new builds and I thought they were poorly designed – the space wasn’t being utilised well at all. The layout of Sophie’s mum and dad’s house was so much better than other new builds that I had seen, and knowing the good experience they have had, we thought buying with Bloor was the right way to go.
“We are both from this side of Derby – Sophie from Mickleover and myself from Mackworth – so when we found out Bloor were building here it was just perfect for us.”
The couple opted for the Yarkhill house type, which has three bedrooms and an open plan kitchen/dining area.
Matt said: “All three bedrooms are a good size, the lounge is really big and has a bay window which makes it look more grand. The space has been used really well and we feel we have got everything we need.”
Sophie added: “There’s lots of light, the open-plan kitchen diner is ideal for when you have people round and it will be great to have the French doors open in the summer. We’ve been really impressed with the quality of the finish and attention to detail – little things like the gloss on the skirting boards really make a big difference.”
After selling their previous home more quickly than expected, Sophie and Matt spent six months living with Sophie’s parents Steven and Sharron before their house was ready for them to move into. And they said the sales advisors at both Alms Meadow and Manor Farm Fields could not have been more accommodating.
Sophie said: “The sales advisors were very friendly and helpful all the way through the process. They always kept us in the loop and went above and beyond what we expected.
Matt added: “I wouldn’t say I’m a new build convert but I’ve definitely been won over by Bloor Homes, and I would certainly recommend buying a Bloor home to others.”