Warwick downsizers save money and enjoy more space
A Warwickshire couple downsizing from a traditional three bedroom detached home to a designer two bedroom apartment say they now have more space!
Karen Parkes and Dave Taylor swapped the village of Whitnash for The Arena by Taylor Wimpey West Midlands off Warwick’s Lower Cape Road – because they were ready for an easier, more low maintenance and contemporary lifestyle and wanted to be right on the doorstep of the city’s burgeoning amenities.
What’s more, some of the money saved and equity released has enabled them to fulfil a lifelong ambition of opening a small business in the town centre. And Kayes Cards on Smith Street has quickly established a niche for itself with its quality but affordable card range and unusual gifts that are like nothing else on sale in Warwick.
Karen explains: “Old properties have a lot of character but are very impractical. This apartment, just for starters, has no wasted space like a hall, stairs and landing and we’ve been able to fit more furniture in it than we ever could in the old house. It’s very well planned and designed and was also the most competitively priced in the area, so we got the best of both worlds. Apartments like this are also easier to keep clean and warm, so saving time and even more money has also freed us up to do more at home and with the new business.
“We’ve settled in really quickly as well because there’s a proper little community here and I think it’s because most of the people who’ve bought are owner occupier rather than investor. There are lots of young and mature professionals and also those downsizing like us because of the picturesque Grand Union canal side location and the convenience of new build - even the postman has asked my advice as he’s thinking of buying here. The old Cape of Good Hope pub just down the towpath is particularly good too and Dave loves the fact that when I’m not home they keep him a roast dinner until after the shop shuts.
“Taylor Wimpey has been fantastic throughout as well, with sales executives Gill and Agnes and site manager Bob all consummate professionals and very nice people to deal with. Indeed, we were on holiday in the Caribbean at completion time and had to leave it in the hands of family and friends, but it all ran very smoothly and even they commented how stress-free and painless the process was. Before Whitnash, we’ve bought new build before, but I have to say the service provided by Taylor Wimpey this time round is the best we’ve ever experienced.”
The Arena is bucking the current property trend with consistent sales that have put it way ahead of budget and target levels. The current phase of waterside apartments was originally scheduled for February 2010, but released last summer due to popular demand and most of the sales have been off plan purchases for a Spring move in. Last availability on this phase is now made up of a one bedroom Cosgrove apartment with parking, its own front door and overlooking the canal for only £126,995, plus a two bedroom, two bathroom Portland apartment with garage for just £142,995.
Further information is available by visiting the Sales Centre and showhomes located off Lower Cape Road and open Thursday-Monday from 10am to 5pm, and online at taylorwimpey.co.uk/westmids.
