Newlyweds invest in bricks and mortar

With the uncertainty of the credit crunch, John and Joan Clements have decided the best way to invest for their retirement is to put their money into bricks and mortar. The couple, who tied the knot in January after 25 years together, have purchased a brand new five-bedroom showhome at Blenheim Court, George Wimpey’s luxury development on the edge of Hawkinge village in Kent.

“We had a home in Glasgow and have an apartment in Gibraltar,” says John (62) a former ships master who used to guide submarines and aircraft carriers, including the HMS Ark Royal, to dock in the Firth of Forth. “But now that we’re both retired and concerned about having our retirement savings in the banks, it made sense for us to sell up in Scotland and invest in a property closer to the Eurotunnel terminal.”

At home in Gibraltar, the couple went online to look at new developments in Kent, and on returning to the mainland, Blenheim Court was the first they visited. Although they were actually looking for a smaller home, both fell in love with the magnificent five-bedroom, four-bathroom ‘Pevensey’ showhome.

“I’ve never felt emotional about a property before,” says Joan (56) who worked for the National Savings Bank in Glasgow, “but when I saw this house I had tears in my eyes! And because all the furniture and fittings were included, when we came back over from Gibraltar to pick up the keys we had a beautiful ready-made home to stay in – even the beds were made!”

As well as enjoying life in their new home, which features a stylish kitchen/breakfast room with utility area, a separate dining room, and a stunning living room running the full depth of the property, John and Joan also love the location of their new home, close to the beautiful Kent countryside, yet only three miles from Folkestone, the Eurotunnel terminal and the beaches of Sandgate, and 14 miles from Canterbury.

For those who are also seeking their dream property in Kent, prices at Blenheim Court start at £149,995 for a two-bedroom house, from £179,995 for a three-bedroom design and range from £199,995 to £289,995 for a spacious four-bedroom design.

All new homes at the development are finished to a high standard specification including central heating, double glazing and a fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob and hood.

Customers reserving their home can take advantage of George Wimpey’s ‘easymover’ programme, offering customers with a house to sell a chance to reserve their new home and then sit back and relax while the housebuilder helps to find a buyer for their current property.

Incentives can be tailored to homebuyers’ circumstances and are subject to availability. Further details are available from the Sales Executive.

Hawkinge nestles on top of the North Downs overlooking Folkestone and the English Channel. The village centre boasts a selection of shops, including a doctor’s, a chemist and two supermarkets, two pubs, a purpose-built community centre with Post Office, and a bank.

For children, the village has two primary schools, while the area boasts a good range of secondary schools and sixth forms. Commuters will appreciate that the M20 is just a few minutes’ drive from Blenheim Court, while a direct train service runs between Folkestone and London. The ferry ports of Folkestone and Dover, together with the Eurotunnel, put Continental Europe within easy reach.

To find out more about Blenheim Court, the Sales Centre is located off Canterbury Road (A260), Hawkinge and open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.

Further details are also available online at Georgewimpey.co.uk.