Downsizing but not compromising on space at Clarion Gate

When looking for a large, spacious property, many buyers expect to have to buy an older, ‘second hand’ property. Sally Looney was one such buyer who, although she was downsizing from a five-bedroom detached family house and only wanted to buy a brand new home, was determined not to compromise on size. Thanks to Crest Nicholson’s Clarion Gate development in Chelmsford, she didn’t have to.

Sally said: “I really loved my old home but I was always adamant that the next house I purchased would be brand new. I live with my four children and I just didn’t want the hassle of having to fix anything that went wrong or even redecorate; I just wanted to move straight into my new home with the peace of mind that everything was clean, new and all in perfect working order. The thought of having to have old or faulty boilers fixed, replace windows or have electrics or plumbing updated really didn’t appeal.

“I thought I might struggle to find somewhere as my criteria was quite strict. As well as being new, I wanted somewhere that was spacious and light – having been used to a five-bedroom house I didn’t want to be somewhere that felt small or cramped – and it also had to be close to my former home so my children could visit their dad often and easily.

“My previous house was just down the road from Clarion Gate so I popped down to have a look at the four-bedroom show house. It was such a pleasant surprise to see it as, being a new build, I had expected it to be far smaller. I was absolutely bowled over by it and decided there and then to buy it. It was the first and only house I looked at. The house had everything I wanted and is in a superb location – I didn’t need to see anything else.”

Sally continues: “Downsizing from a large home I was concerned that smaller houses would feel claustrophobic but this really wasn’t the case at all at Clarion Gate. The reason I first fell for the house was because it was so spacious, airy and very sunny. All the rooms are a good size and there is plenty of storage. I actually don’t feel as though I’ve downsized at all.

“As well as the house being fantastic, we are all really enjoying living on the development and being part of the community here. Our neighbours are extremely nice and everyone is very friendly here. It has a great family atmosphere.”

Sally concludes: “The location is perfect for us. As well as being close to the countryside and Chelmsford with the train station which offers regular and fast services into London, it is also just down the road from our old house so the children share their time between here and their dad’s house which is ideal.

“We were very lucky to buy at Clarion Gate. The house, development and location have all meant it was a very easy move to make in not the easiest of circumstances. We are all very happy living here.”

The Village Green is the current phase at Clarion Gate which comprises an attractive selection of traditional style village homes, from pretty two and three-bedroom cottages to four-bedroom detached family homes. Many homes overlook The Green, a large open area in the centre of the development where there are plans to build a children’s playground which will be completed by the end of this year.

In total, Clarion Gate comprises an elegant collection of 153 traditional and contemporary styled apartments and houses. All homes come with at least one parking space and, inside, fully-fitted kitchens feature a comprehensive range of integrated Bosch appliances including an integrated fridge/freezer and stainless steel oven, hob and extractor hood, easing the burden of starting from scratch.

Nearby Chelmsford Station provides fast and efficient services to London Liverpool Street taking approximately 35 minutes. Alternatively, the A12 is just a short drive from the scheme and provides direct routes south to the Capital and Colchester to the north.

Three and four-bedroom houses are currently available at Clarion Gate with prices starting from £292,500. For further information about buying a home at Clarion Gate, visit crestnicholson.com.