Barratt Southern counties Celebrates 1000th completion

Barratt Southern Counties achieved its 1,000th completion in 2007/8 this summer when Chris and Caroline Davies, together with their young son, moved into Badger Close at Clayton Mills, Hassocks, Sussex.

Badger Close is part of the first phase at Clayton Mills, where 130 two, three, four and five-bedroom homes are in the course of construction. Interest has been very good, with over 70 per cent of the development already sold.

Chris and Caroline bought off-plan; in their case moving from a nearby older semi-detached property into their stunning new four-bedroom detached home, thanks to helpful Barratt buyer packages. The Davies took advantage of Barratt's exceptional 100 per cent home exchange offer, which meant that Barratt assumed the responsibility of selling their existing home.

They were also given a £5,000 options voucher which enabled them to select their own floorings and other fixtures and fittings for their new home from Barratt's Choices Centre in Guildford. Buying so early off-plan even meant that Caroline and Chris were able to have a say in the final layout of their new home - they chose to have an open plan living, kitchen and dining area which they are thrilled with.

As Barratt Southern Counties' 1000th customer of the financial year, the Davies' now have even more to spend on their new family home, as Barratt has handed the delighted couple a £1,000 Marks & Spencer voucher to spend on additional furnishings.

"This is the icing on the cake," said Caroline Davies. "I've a passion for home furnishings, so I've got a long list of things to buy. Our new home is fantastic and so practical. It feels enormous compared to our old place, and the garden is just right for our son."

"We were a bit apprehensive about the move," said Chris. "It was a big step up, moneywise, but the deal with Barratt made it very affordable. They have been great."

"It is great to present the voucher to such a lovely family," said Trevor Sawyer, managing director of Barratt Southern Counties. "We wanted to mark the 1,000th completion in a way that was also useful to the purchasers that enabled us to achieve this milestone."

The Davies' were the third family to move in and the community at Clayton Mills is now taking shape, with around 20 families now settled in their new homes. There is only one house remaining in their particular close; further evidence of the development's appeal.

Chris and Caroline have lived in Hassocks for nine years and love the location, with its engaging village feel and attractive rural setting, which is some of the most beautiful countryside in Sussex. The South Downs Way passes within a mile of the village and the network of paths and bridleways are used by ramblers, walkers and riders. The village itself has plenty to offer including three pubs, two restaurants, a small supermarket and a variety of shops and banking facilities as well as a park and tennis courts. Their six year-old son goes to the nearby Hassocks Infant School, which has an excellent Ofsted report.

Chris, an insurance broker, has a daily commute to London and finds the 60-minute frequent rail service very convenient. The bright lights of Brighton are only ten minutes by rail, with the A23 a mile away if travelling by car. The A23 also leads directly to Gatwick, a handy 23 miles distant

Prices at Clayton Mills start from £249,995 for a two-bedroom home. Three-bedroom homes start from £285,495, four-bedroom homes from £390,995 and five-bedroom homes from £579,495. For further information, log on to Barratthomes.co.uk.