Lynda Wragge
25 August 2021Since its launch in 2019, Devonshire Homes’ first site in Cornwall, Gwallon Keas, has enjoyed a string of reservations. Now in the midst of a property boom, this has only intensified. Research from RightMove revealed the number of people looking to buy property in Cornwall rose by more than 140% at the beginning of 2021 thanks to the Stamp Duty holiday and the desire to move out of big cities such as London. This trend has certainly been reflected at Gwallon Keas, St. Austell, with properties being reserved within a day of being released for sale.
Planning Officer Lynda Wragge was one of the lucky house hunters who managed to reserve a new build home at Gwallon Keas before it got snapped up by somebody else. Now happily living in her three bedroom house at Devonshire Homes’ St. Austell site with her daughter, Lynda reflects on her house buying journey.
“I’m originally from the North West but I have lived in Cornwall now for 16 years and had no desire to move out of the area. I absolutely love it here. I’ve always been a fan of new build homes and before I moved to Gwallon Keas, I was private renting a property which was a new build house. I was keen to find a home of my own as I don’t like renting so when I got wind that Devonshire Homes were building in Cornwall, I kept my eye out for a property.
“I started doing my research and discovered that Devonshire Homes had plenty of good reviews and a great reputation. When Gwallon Keas opened to the public, I visited the show homes with my sister and we were both really impressed. The contrast in quality compared to my new build I was living in was so different. It was obvious just by looking at the build quality that my last home had been quickly constructed but there were no signs of this with Devonshire Homes.”
Lynda had been keen to reserve a new home at Gwallon Keas for a while before she finally secured her three bedroom Duporth house style in February 2021.
“I really struggled to find a property on this site at first as they were in such high demand” said Lynda. “This home suddenly became available because the sale fell through. I saw it back up on the Devonshire Homes website one morning and realised I had to act fast. So, I contacted the Marketing Suite and had reserved my new home by 9am! I was the first house hunter to enquire about the property as soon as it went back on the website. I already had a mortgage secured so I was in a good position to just go for it.”
The Duporth house style has been popular with both existing homeowners and first time buyers at Gwallon Keas. This well-designed home features ‘half staircases’ leading to different areas of the house, creating a really unique property. Lynda loves the layout, commenting that it all adds to the charm of her home.
“The different levels of the house make it really quirky” said Lynda. “My kitchen is on the ground floor and then you climb a couple of stairs up to the living room / dining area. This is my favourite part of the house. With many new build properties, they tend to have the kitchen overlooking the rear garden, but I really wanted my living room to have that outlook, so I love that about the Duporth style. I like how the double doors open up onto the garden, letting in plenty of natural light. Then we have another short staircase up to my daughter’s bedroom and the family bathroom and then one more staircase leading to my bedroom and the study. The floor plan really works for us.”
With Cornwall being such a desirable location to live in, Lynda feels pleased to own a high-quality new build home in such a beautiful area of the county.
“The location is amazing” said Lynda. “Gwallon Keas is right next door to Pinetum Gardens which is a beautiful place to visit and it’s also at the back of Carlyon Bay which is quite a sought-after location for house hunters. As for the site itself, the homes have been considerately placed. It’s quite a big development, but Devonshire Homes has created individual cul-de-sacs, so it doesn’t feel like you are surrounded by loads of homes. Gwallon Keas has a great community feel as well with no problems whatsoever.”
Throughout Lynda’s house buying journey, Devonshire Homes ensured they were there every step of the way to make the move as stress-free as possible. It was their excellent communication that really stood out for Lynda.
“The different experiences between Devonshire Homes and my previous housebuilder are unbelievable” said Lynda. “Sales Executive Sarah emailed me every week to keep me up-to-date with the construction of my new home and invited me to come and see it at any time. She even sent me photographs of the different build stages which was really fun to see. I was really impressed with the customer service I received.”
Having enjoyed the first couple of months in her new home at Gwallon Keas, Lynda wouldn’t hesitate in recommending the West Country independent house builder to others.
“I really would recommend Devonshire Homes to other house hunters who are looking for a new build property” said Lynda. “They are gorgeous houses and I’m really happy here. I just can’t believe my luck that I managed to reserve one!”
Gwallon Keas is a collection of 200 homes and is located in a rural position on the edge of St. Austell, one of Cornwall’s largest market towns. To find out more about the new homes for sale at Gwallon Keas, call 01726 217001 or email gwallonkeas@devonshirehomes.co.uk.