Brand new home ends couple’s frustration in Hampshire

When Duncan and Lindsay Gough were searching for a commuter home that doubled as an investment property in Hampshire, the couple knew exactly what they wanted.

But despite looking at hundreds of second-hand properties in the area, there was nothing available that quite fitted the bill. Meanwhile, the uncertainties of the second-hand market merely added to their house-hunting frustration.

Then Duncan stumbled upon George Wimpey’s Marnel Park development in Basingstoke – and the pair’s problems quickly came to an end.

They found a two-bedroom home that was ideally suited to their needs for a great-value price, which enabled them to snap it up without hassle or fuss.

“We should have been dream buyers because we knew exactly what we wanted and had no property to sell, but trying to buy a second-hand home was far from straightforward,” said Duncan.

“We had one or two bad experiences and ended up getting gazumped on one place we were interested in.

“Compared with all the ins and outs of the second-hand market, buying a house with George Wimpey was dead simple. It was as easy as going to a shop to buy a paper.

“I came across Marnel Park by chance one day when I had an hour to kill before meeting up with an estate agent in Basingstoke.

“The house we bought was just what we were looking for – and it was the only place we found that was perfect for what we wanted. I didn’t find anything even similar in literally hundreds of second-hand places.”

The couple’s main home is in Bristol, but Lindsay needed a base closer to her workplace in Hampshire, where she could live during the week.

Comfort and security were top of their list of requirements and the two-bedroom home they chose at Marnel Park fitted in perfectly with both their short-term requirements of a base for Lindsay, and also with their long term plan to eventually rent out the property.

Duncan admitted he has not always been a fan of buying houses from new – but after his positive experience with George Wimpey, he is now a new-home devotee.

He said: “I used to loathe the idea of new properties, but after I met my wife, who has lived in a few new homes before, I began to wake up to the benefits – particularly the improvement in thermal efficiency compared with older houses.

“We’re really pleased with our new house and I have to admit I’m now a convert!

“I am an engineer by profession so I’m incredibly picky when it comes to the quality of the build and finish, but I’m really impressed with our new home. It’s fantastic.

“George Wimpey’s people made everything very easy for us. Right from the start they were really helpful and very keen to make sure we were looked after.”

Property-seekers like Duncan and Lindsay can enjoy all the benefits of moving into a brand new home at Marnel Park, where a range of stunning properties are available to suit all tastes, requirements and budgets.

Studio apartments are priced from just £104,995 and one-bedroom designs from only £113,995, while a selection of three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes are also on sale now from between £239,995 and £324,995 – fantastic value in such a sought-after location.

Marnel Park is located on the northern edge of Basingstoke, providing easy access to both town and countryside. The town centre and the impressive Festival Place shopping centre are just 10 minutes from the development by road and blend historical influences with bustling modern shops, cafes, bars and exciting leisure pursuits.

Basingstoke is also home to popular music venues, a choice of multi-screen cinemas, tennis courts, a leisure park, sports clubs, an ice rink, a swimming pool and bowling alleys. The open countryside is just a stone’s throw away, with great opportunities for woodland walks, running and cycling.

Marnel infant and junior schools are within easy walking distance of the new homes, while commuters will appreciate the M3 is just three miles away, and London Waterloo just 45 minutes by rail.

To find out more about the great-value homes available at the development, visit the Sales Information Centre, located off Carpenters Down, Popley, Basingstoke, and open seven days a week from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Information on all George Wimpey developments across the region is available online Georgewimpey.co.uk.