May 2016
Hugo the cocker spaniel is one lucky pup – he’s currently having a new home built on North Tyneside that will give him plenty of space to run about.
Finding the perfect spot for Hugo, just five months old, was a major factor when owner Rich Lawson chose Story Homes’ Brierdene development for his new home.
Hugo’s been even more of an influence than Rich’s brother Alex, in fact – although Alex has recently joined Story Homes as a quantity surveyor.
“Rich has been looking for a new home in North Tyneside because he loves the area – we’re from Newcastle,” said Alex, 22. “He compared several developments, and decided on Story Homes because of the quality of the homes they are building.”
But with Hugo’s recent arrival, Rich was also extremely interested in finding the ideal place for scenic walks with his spaniel after living in a small Quayside flat. Using the Government’s Help to Buy scheme he reserved a plot where Story Homes will build him a four bedroom detached house, The Boston.
Rich, 27, said: “It’s great for a dog-owner. It’s going to have a nice back garden where Hugo can run around, and also a utility area inside which will be ideal for getting him dry.
“I went to Carlisle to see the company’s showhomes at Eden Gate, and I like how substantial and individual Story Homes houses look, and the fact that you can spec out your own house.”
Pharmaceutical sales manager Rich also liked Brierdene’s setting. The development will have the attractive street scenes Story Homes is renowned for, with landscaped space for the whole community and a new footpath created down to a beck. The location is also handy for countryside and the nearby North Tyneside coast.
“I really like the coastal lifestyle,” said Rich. “I also play ice hockey for Whitley Bay, so I’m handy for the ice rink, and because in my job I cover an area between Sheffield and the Scottish borders, the good road network is important.”
Rich and Hugo will be moving into their Story Home in August, while Alex made his own move – to the company’s North East office – in April.
Alex said: “Many housing contractors are purely cost-driven, but Story Homes is focused on quality, which I saw when I visited some of the developments. I also like the family feeling of the company.
“It’s great that my brother will be moving into a Story Home – but I think Hugo definitely has more to do with it than me!”
