After owning four houses in fairly quick succession since his early twenties, 34-year-old Neale Smith knew that his next property purchase was going to be ‘the one’.

Now, it seems, Neale and partner Katie, 31, have found their forever home in Persimmon Homes’ Woodland valley, Rothwell, near Kettering in Northamptonshire.

The couple, who have two girls aged one and seven, chose the property as it offered a great location close to good schools and open countryside, yet stands within a ten-minute walk of Rothwell town centre – home to a variety of independent shops, quality amenities and bars – not to mention several renowned restaurants.

“There are four us at home now, with the possibility of additions in future, so we wanted somewhere that suited us today and for years to come,” said Neale. “We really appreciate the extra space – it means we can all live and work in peace and comfort. No-one has to study up the corner trying to ignore the TV!

“There’s a spacious kitchen diner in addition to big living areas. Our girls’ rooms occupy the top floor so that’s their special area, and there’s even a roomy landing between them where they can play. It’s ideal for a growing family – ticking all the boxes”

The ‘Blakesley Corner’ style home chosen by Neale and Katie is a three-storey, four-bedroom property with an open plan kitchen/diner with French doors leading to the garden. On the first floor there are two good-sized bedrooms, one with en-suite, plus a family bathroom. The top floor houses two further bedrooms plus a WC.

Neale and Katie specified some special upgrades to suit their own tastes. These included built-in wardrobes, granite kitchen worktops and bespoke flooring.

Aside from the superior specification of this delightful property, Neale is quick to praise the outstanding level of customer service experienced throughout the buying process and beyond.

The personal touch

“We’ve been particularly impressed by the personal touch you get from Persimmon,” he said. “Everyone has been great. If we had any questions or experienced any minor snags, it was all sorted. Even now, the site manager might pop round to check everything is just right. It’s the personal touch you don’t always get with new build.”

Having occupied their new home for a few months now, Neale, Katie and the girls are feeling right at home: “It’s a nice little community already,” said Neale. “I already know most of the neighbours and, despite lockdown, Katie keeps in contact with local friends through a WhatsApp group.

“I’m enjoying the garden already – I love having a blank canvas to work with. I’ve done some decking and we’re working on raised beds and other features. Beyond our own property there’s plenty of green open space nearby, which is perfect for walking with the family and our little dog, Nelly.”

According to Claire Dearsley, sales director for Persimmon Midlands, the satisfaction expressed by buyers at this development is very gratifying but not wholly unexpected: “There’s so much to love about these houses, so it’s no surprise that buyers feel ‘at home’ from day one. In terms of location and quality you really couldn’t wish for more.”

Blakesley Corner is one of several home designs at the Woodland Valley development, in Rothwell, Northamptonshire. There are two, three and four-bedroom properties to choose from, all situated within a mile of the town centre.

Just out of town, Wicksteed Park in Kettering is one of the county’s major leisure attractions. Similarly, for sport and fitness enthusiasts, the Leisure Village in Kettering offers a variety of activities, hosting an impressive array of music concerts, exhibitions and conferences.