March 2014
When Tracy Dodds decided to relocate back to her roots in the North East, she wanted to find the perfect home for her and partner Jak Gundry and their Red Setter Shamus. The Woodlands in Shotley Bridge offered the perfect life for them, and the couple couldn’t wait to snap up their dream Story Home.
Tracy and Jak moved into their new home in December 2013 after Tracy moved from the Midlands to be closer to Jak. A quick Google search for new developments in the Consett area pointed Tracy in the direction of Story Homes. After meeting with sales adviser Vicky Robinson to have a look around the show homes at The Woodlands, Environmental Health Officer Tracy was impressed. She said: “I was immediately impressed by the sales team who were very prompt, helpful and friendly from the very start. When I visited the development I loved everything about it, from the mature look as you drive in, to the quality of the build.”
Planning to relocate across the country after 11 years can generate certain obstacles as Tracy found when trying to sell her old property in Warwickshire. She said: “My house had been on the market since December 2012 but despite a number of viewings I had not received any suitable offers. Vicky was amazing all the way through my sale and purchase and gave me constant reassurance when everything seemed to be going wrong with the sale of my old house, for which I cannot thank her enough.”
However, Tracy’s experience of being part of a property chain was not all doom and gloom. To balance the stressful nature of selling her old house was the ease and satisfaction of purchasing a new home. Tracy selected a three bedroom ‘Wallington’ house type as it fitted her requirements in terms of number of bedrooms, size of garden and having that all important kitchen dining room. Tracy said: “We love the simplicity of the white kitchen and spend hours in there listening to music.”
The perks of life as a new-home owner don’t end in the kitchen as Tracy added: “The best thing about owning a new build home is the confidence you get with the knowledge that everything is shiny and new and if there are any problems they will be resolved with the minimum of fuss, time and effort.” The peace of mind Tracy has is in part due to the two year after care period that is provided as standard when buying a Story Home, plus the ten year guarantee which comes with every new home at The Woodlands.
Tracy, Jak, a car salesman, and Shamus, have now been enjoying their new home for the past two months, including the close proximity to local walks, parks and open space for their seven year old dog to enjoy. Speaking of her experience of buying a Story Home Tracy stated: “I would thoroughly recommend buying a Story Home; it’s as simple as that!”
