Family swap city living for new life at Blenheim Grange

When Simon and Stacey Fleet had the chance to make a fresh start anywhere in England, they chose the idyllic setting of Bryant Homes’ Blenheim Grange development near Watton in Norfolk.

And although the move was at first something of a culture-shock for the West Country couple, they now want to spend the rest of their lives in the place they have made their new home.

“We both grew up in Plymouth in Cornwall and were city people,” explains Stacey (29), “But when Simon came out of the Navy and was looking for a new job in the prison service, we had the chance to move to anywhere in the country – even the Isles of Scilly were mentioned.

“But I’d always fancied moving to Norfolk and making a fresh start in the country, and so when Simon was offered a job at Wayland Prison a few miles from Blenheim Grange, we thought we’d give a new lifestyle a go.”

The couple and their three children – Michael (11), Olivia (9), and three-year-old Ruby – at first rented a house at the Blenheim Grange development, but a year later decided they liked it so much they would buy a home of their own.

“I have to admit, at first I struggled with country life and the fact it meant swapping my high heels for wellies,” says Stacey, “but now, when we go to see family and friends in Plymouth, coming back here feels like we are coming home – in fact Ruby is even starting to talk with a bit of a Norfolk accent!”

Former radar technician Simon (30) and Stacey, who runs her own cleaning business from home, chose a ‘Delamere’ townhouse, just one of the three-bedroom properties available at Blenheim Grange.

Ideal for first-time buyers, couples and families, the ‘Delamere’ features a spacious reception room with French doors to the rear garden, a contemporary kitchen and a cloakroom off the entrance hallway.

Upstairs, the landing leads to two well-proportioned bedrooms and a main bathroom, while the master bedroom with en-suite facilities can be found on the top floor.

Like all new homes at the development, Simon and Stacey’s choice of home was finished to a high standard specification including gas central heating, double glazing and a fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob and hood.

“Even though Michael still has the smallest bedroom, he’s got a double bed in there and lots more space,” says Stacey. “The girls share the big second bedroom, and Simon and I have the master suite on the top floor, which gives us the chance to enjoy peace and quiet away from it all!

“One of the best aspects of switching from renting to being home-owners is that we have been able to decorate each room to our own tastes. This was important to us but even more so to the girls who had desperately wanted a pink and purple bedroom – which theirs now is – right down to their bright purple carpet!

“We all love living here because for the first time our house really feels like home.”

Because Simon is a Government key worker, the Fleets were able to purchase their home for 55% of the full price through a shared-ownership scheme, and Bryant Homes paid their 5% deposit because they were first-time buyers.

Two-bedroom apartments at Blenheim Grange start from just £99,995, three-bedroom homes from £117,995 and four-bedroom detached houses from £184,995.

A range of incentives for key workers, first-time buyers and those with a property to sell are available on selected homes at the development, with further details available from the Homes Consultant.

Blenheim Grange enjoys a peaceful woodland location on the eastern fringes of the market town of Watton in the village of Carbrooke, which between them offer shops catering for everyday needs and a choice of nursery and primary schools. For a wider choice of shopping and leisure, Thetford is an approximate 25-minute drive from the development and Norwich is approximately 30 minutes by road.

For more information, log on to Bryant.co.uk.