Searching for the simple life

As the Fiat 500 makes its return to our roads and Jamie Oliver champions ‘growing your own’, Brits are turning their backs on their cash-rich, time poor-lifestyles and returning to the simple pleasures in life. In today’s ever demanding, fast paced world, consumers are focusing on what is most important to them – their family and friends.

And according to national housebuilder David Wilson Homes, they are doing this in the comfort of their own home. Take for example the comeback of the traditional Sunday roast as pubs bemoan the loss of customers who prefer to have friends round for dinner.

Philip Lacey, sales director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, comments: “We are seeing an increase in consumers seeking comfort and sanctuary in people, places and products that are familiar and echo the past. As a nation we are gravitating to things reminiscent of a kinder and gentler society which is stimulating a whole new way of life.

“However, this somewhat inevitable backlash to the chaotic and confusing pace of modern life is putting brand new demands on the home in terms of space, design and flexibility.”

Come dine with me

The traditional family meal is one example of a return to the simple life. As a result, a number of David Wilson Homes’ larger properties incorporate a highly flexible space right at the heart of the home, an open area where the kitchen flows into a large family room ideal for informal meals. The space is designed for people to congregate - children playing, doing homework or watching TV within sight, partners sharing the happenings of the day at work, friends chatting over a glass of wine - all while food is prepared.

An example of this family centric approach is at the Orchards development in the village of Burton-on-the-Wolds near Loughborough, Leicestershire. The Haymoorthree storey four bedroom detached properties offers different yet flexible layouts including an open plan space as the hub of the home - a modern alternative for families preferring a more informal space to get together.

Study Space

Increasing numbers of parents with younger families are rejecting full time working as they try and juggle work and childcare; this may mean taking a less demanding job or one that provides more flexible working, be it flexible hours or home working. But, as Philip explains, having the right space is essential:

“A separate study means you don’t lose a bedroom or dining room and can therefore be totally dedicated to the home office with a separate phone line and storage solutions. It can be decorated in calming or inspirational colours and at the end of the working day the door can be closed behind you as you embrace family life.

“At our Oaklandsdevelopment in Rugby many of the homes have separate home offices as we understand that people are demanding a separate ‘work’ space at home. The three storey Moorcroft housetype is a prime example with a study tucked away on the ground floor.”

Spiritual Sanctuary

Traditionally, the home is where we leave behind the baggage of the modern world and return to our spiritual sanctuary. It is also a place of personal pride and an outlet for creativity, stimulated by the plethora of primetime home and garden design programmes. The priority is all about ‘nesting’ and making a house a home - easy to achieve with a newly built home and its low-maintenance, ‘blank canvas’ appeal.

Traditional Activities

There is also a definite trend towards staying-in, using our homes much more as entertainment and dining ‘destinations’.

Alongside this, there is also a renewed focus on home cooking and a return to the traditional activities of yesteryear. We’re rediscovering the satisfaction of everything from growing fruit and vegetables, to jam-making and baking. Even washing and ironing, with its scented water, seems less of a chore, with utility rooms being transformed into fragrant and floral laundry rooms. All this represents a new search for ‘real’ experiences and a quest for something other than material reward.

Re-locate to a Healthier Environment

And it is not just about what’s inside the home that counts - traditionally the setting and location are equally important and that’s not changed. David Wilson Homes takes longer and searches harder to find the best locations - desirable locations where new communities can be formed and new friendships forged.

Take for example, the Castleton Park development in Derbyshire where family life was at the forefront of David Wilson Homes’ mind when it created the surroundings to the properties. More than ten acres of new woodland has been planted including oak, ash, field, maple, birch and willow species to provide a link to nearby Hall Wood. And in doing so a corridor for wildlife has been created that stretches 27 acres in total through the heart of Castleton Park – the ideal environment for some outside family time.

With over 40 years’ experience in homebuilding, David Wilson Homes builds a variety of accommodation, from apartments and townhouses to four and five bedroom family homes.

David Wilson East Midlands covers South Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire. For further information visit Dwh.co.uk.