First time buyers head for the hills

The delightful rolling hills of Derbyshire are no longer the exclusive domain of the landed gentry. First time buyers are getting in on the act, snapping up stunning one and two bedroom apartments and enjoying their own slice of ‘country living’.

With last years first time buyers having to dig deep and find around £150,000 to get a foot on the property ladder its no surprise that the average age of a first time buyer shot up to 34 years. Add to this increasing property prices and increasing interest rates and it paints a bleak picture for those without a roof over their heads.

However, house hunters ‘in the know’, are widening their property search outside of suburban limits to include more green and pleasant pastures.

Proving a popular contender is the charming village of Chapel-en-le-Frith, and in particular Miry Meadow, a development of 30 one and two bedroom apartments and two and three storey townhouses in the heart of the village’s Old Town.

With prices starting from just £137,500 for a two bedroom apartment, Miry Meadow is within the budget of many first time purchasers (its one bedroom apartments priced at £127,500 were snapped up within days of the development launching). Miry Meadow is constructed by Westshield Homes who has included a number of essential integrated appliances, such as a washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, oven, hob and dishwasher, within its generous specification giving you even more for your money. Bathrooms are also state of the art, from established international manufacturer Lecico.

And don’t think for one second that for all this luxury you’d be compromising on your space; Westshield has designed its apartments to liberal proportions and over opening weekend, 90% of all those through the door commented on the development’s spacious proportions.

The buildings themselves are constructed of traditional stone and slate roofs, in keeping with the local architecture and stunning countryside views. The village is just a short stroll away providing a weekly market, superstore and numerous independent shops.

There is plenty to entertain too; websites list in excess of 181 pubs within a ten mile radius of Chapel including a plentiful supply of stylish bars and restaurants in nearby Buxton – just a ten minute train journey away. For those on a daily commute, Sheffield is 55 minutes of traffic free travelling from nearby New Mills Central train station, which provides free parking, whilst Manchester is 45 minutes away by train and Stockport just 30 minutes away, both from local Chapel-en-le-Frith station.

Of course we mustn’t forget the famous Derbyshire hills or your neighbours the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire whose stately pile Chatsworth is a heavenly destination for cream teas, sunny afternoon picnics or brisk morning walks.

Two bedroom apartments are priced from £137,500 and three bedroom townhouses are priced from £189,950.

A Show Apartment is now open for viewing. For more information, visit westshieldhomes.co.uk.