Busy couple’s Essex property is perfect solution
Couple find they can combine family life with their creative pursuits with their new Taylor Wimpey home at Cook’s Shipyard.
Richard Hayward and Alison Stockmarr didn’t think it would be easy to find a new property in Essex in which to combine family life with their creative interests – until Taylor Wimpey’s Cook’s Shipyard development of new homes for sale in Wivenhoe came up with the live/work solution they were looking for.
With their daughters studying at university, Richard (49), a bank manager and photographer, and Alison (47), a textile and salvage materials artist, took the opportunity to search the Essex property market for a new home to suit their changing lifestyles.
During their search, they had looked at houses for sale in Wivenhoe in the old port area, but at first didn’t find the extra space they were looking for.
“At the port redevelopment, we would have been swapping our old family home for a new property of similar proportions,” explains Richard. “But with the Taylor Wimpey home we chose at the former shipyard, there is so much space – in fact, we can hardly believe the amount. We have the same number of bedrooms as our old home, but it must be two or even three times bigger!”
A bank manager for Barclays during the working week, Richard’s passion is photography, and since taking his first pictures 30 years ago, he has developed into a successful portrait and wedding photographer with his own business, Richard Hayward Photography.
“I use the ‘work’ area of our home as a studio, where I’m keen to run photographic workshops in the future,” explains Richard. “We both used our old home for ‘Open Studios’, an event where artists show their work and practice. The separate studio space is ideal for us and the waterfront location perfect for inspirational photos and photo shoots.
“The area has a real feel good factor to it, with people coming here all the time to enjoy the scenery and visit the businesses that occupy the live/work units. It’s becoming a lively place which people migrate to naturally during their leisure time.”
According to Alison, they had felt they would be the last people to choose a new build home, having always been fans of older, character properties. But since moving, she says she has not missed their old house at all.
“The preconception of new build homes having small, boxy rooms is simply not the case at Cook’s Shipyard and we’re thrilled with the extra space we have,” adds Alison. “Here, the character is in the place. It has an energy about it and the light, the open skies and reflections off the water are amazing.”
“The location lends itself to our creative interests; it’s truly inspirational and we have even seen seals rolling around and playing in the water just outside our home!”
Since moving in this autumn, Alison and Richard are settling in to their new property ready for Christmas, when younger daughter Ella will be home from the University of Southampton to join her sister Sophie, who commutes to the University of Essex.
Their stylish new home boasts a beautiful balcony to the first-floor living room, which looks out across the former docks to the River Colne.
Those seeking a similar ‘live/work’ home in which to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and run a small business or creative industry can register their interest now in the new Fishermen’s Cottages, a brand new collection of houses and live/work units at Cook’s Shipyard.
Fishermen’s Cottages will include a stylish one-bedroom apartment, a pair of spacious four-bedroom houses, and three beautiful three and four-bedroom live/work units, each combining a wealth of living accommodation with a separate business space.
Properties already available to reserve at The Pier, Cook’s Shipyard, include a choice of one-bedroom apartments priced from just £149,995 and a two-bedroom apartment for only £179,995.
The apartments, live/work units and houses under construction are part of the visionary regeneration of the former docklands at Wivenhoe, which will also offer places of work and leisure opportunities set around the water’s edge.
Taylor Wimpey’s new homes are designed in harmony with the traditional, maritime architecture, and feature a pleasing blend of pastel weatherboard, soft red brickwork and Trespa panelling, while inside, each home demonstrates exceptional use of space and light.
The scenic waterfront setting offers the opportunity to relax and watch passing fishing boats and yachts, while picturesque, narrow lanes lead to a host of smart restaurants, bars and cafés, plus an captivating range of independent shops, bakeries and boutiques selling fine foods, clothing, gifts and exquisite homeware.
Just five miles away lies the vibrant and cultural town of Colchester, where an almost limitless array of shops and entertainment for all ages can be found, day and night. For commuters, Wivenhoe railway station provides quick links to Colchester and London.
To register an interest in the Fishermen’s Cottages, or find out more about new homes at The Pier, Cook’s Shipyard, property-seekers are invited to call the Sales Executive on 0845 026 5605.
Cook’s Shipyard Sales Centre and showhome are open to visitors Thursday to Monday from 10am until 5.30pm and can be found off Anglesea Road, Wivenhoe.
