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1LARKFLEET LIFESTYLE

Buy with a little help using Help to Buy.

Advice on: Getting it right first timeRenting or buying - The pros and consKeeping your home secure

LarkfleetLIFESTYLESUMMER 2019

New showhome at Bostonlarkfleet.com


LARKFLEET LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

The quarterly magazine produced by The Larkfleet Group of Companies.

Larkfleet Group, Falcon Way, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 0FF Telephone: 01778 391550

The Larkfleet Group of Companies includes Larkfleet Homes, Larkfleet Homes South West, Larkfleet Homes Norfolk and Suffolk and Allison Homes.

To be added to our mailing list please send your details to [email protected]

This magazine can also be downloaded from www.larkfleet.com

Issue 3 June 2019

4 Help to Buy – don’t miss the boat

5 Advice – getting it right first time

6 Family life in the heart of Nottinghamshire

7 Collingham Brook - family homes in Nottinghamshire

8 Create interest in your garden – plant a tree

9 Renting or buying – the pros and cons

10 Building for the quiet life in Lincolnshire

12 The Consumer Code

14 Summer wildlife

15 Buying a new house can be a moving experience for children

16 New homes in South West England

18 The importance of insurance

19 New contemporary family homes in Rutland

20 Seven top tips to keep your new home secure

22 Summer wildlife walks

24 Follow the straw bear to new homes in Whittlesey

25 Live life outdoors this summer

26 Gardening in the summer

27 New homes in Corby

25 Downsizing for a fresh start

06

19

C O N T E N T S


our showhome at Nettleham Chase

C O N T E N T S

Perhaps because 81 per cent of the 201,964 homes purchased under the Help to Buy Scheme* since its start in April 2013 have been bought by first-time buyers, it’s still a common misconception that it is only available to first-time buyers and ‘young people’.

At present the Help to Buy scheme is open to a wide range of home-buyers, not just first-time buyers.

Now is the time to take advantage of Help to Buy before it’s replaced by Help to Buy for first-time buyers only. Here’s what you need to know.

Help to Buy is a government scheme that means you could move home with a deposit as low as 5 per cent of the purchase price.

The Help to Buy scheme allows you to own 100 per cent of a new build home with just a 75 per cent mortgage and a 5 per cent deposit. The remaining 20 per cent of the purchase price is paid for with a loan from the government (subject to approval).

The loan is interest-free for five years and can be repaid at any time or on the sale of the home.

The scheme is available only in England. The Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments have similar schemes, however – check their websites for details.

Help to Buy Shared Ownership

If you can’t afford the mortgage to buy 100 per cent of a home – even with a Help to Buy loan – Help to Buy Shared Ownership offers you the chance to buy a share of your home (between 25 and 75 per cent of the home’s value) and pay rent on the remaining share. If you wish, you can buy a bigger share later when you can afford to.

Details of Help to Buy Shared Ownership can be found at www.helptobuy.gov.uk/shared-ownership.

More information

There is more information about all aspects of Help to Buy on the government’s official website for the scheme at www.helptobuy.gov.uk* Latest data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

H E L P T O B U Y


Don’t miss the boat

C O L L I N G H A M


With the rolling fields, parks and woods of Robin Hood country in the west, and the traditional seaside experience of the east coast just a day trip

away, it’s no wonder that Collingham is one of the most sought-after locations in Nottinghamshire. It’s an ideal centre for active families.

Collingham is the location for Collingham Brook, one of our newest developments. We’re offering a mix of good-sized three, four and five-bedroom family homes with ten different house types, all designed and built with a contemporary modern style. They are all covered by a ten-year insurance-backed guarantee.

Collingham offers an array of amenities including three churches, three pubs, a post office, medical centre, pharmacy, dentist, take-aways, butchers and convenience stores, library and a primary school. Local special-interest and activities groups include high-quality cricket, football, tennis and bowls clubs.

Buy a home here and you will be joining an active, vibrant community.

Unusually, there is also a railway station with regular services to Lincoln and Newark, from where there are mainline services to London, making Collingham convenient for commuting. Or just for a leisure day out in the capital.

The university cities of Nottingham and Lincoln are within easy reach by car or on the frequent local bus services.

Family life in the heart of Nottinghamshire

Currently available at Collingham Brook 3 bedroom homes from £219,9954 bedroom homes from £272,500 5 bedroom homes from £351,995 Interested in a new home at

Collingham Brook?

Call us now on 0845 450 7872 visit www.larkfleet.com

or email [email protected]

All prices and availability correct at time of going to press. Check www.larkfleet.com for current details.

It you’re a first-time buyer there is a good chance that you are feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of buying your first home. Getting a mortgage and taking that first step on to the property ladder will probably be the single biggest financial commitment that you make.

So, it’s important you make the right choices from the start. There are a lot of mortgages on the market. Finding the right one for you can be a difficult and time-consuming process.

Here is some advice and a few tips to make the process of getting a mortgage easier and help you to make the right

decision.

RESEARCHSeveral banks and building societies offer mortgages tailored to first-time buyers. It can be possible to borrow the money you need with a small deposit. The trade-off is usually a high interest rate.

Or you could also look at ‘guarantor’ mortgages where someone else (often mum and dad!) guarantees that the mortgage bills will be paid if you find yourself struggling to pay. These too give the option of buying with a small deposit and a relatively low interest rate.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD?The first step is to find out how much you can borrow and then work out what is affordable for you. Our mortgage calculator on www.larkfleet.com will help you.

SAVEWhen you have made the decision to buy your first home you will need to find a deposit. Save as much as you can. The larger the deposit you have the better your choice. A small deposit will restrict the mortgages available to you. There are schemes like Help to Buy which may help.

There are other costs to consider when you are buying your first home. These include legal fees, surveyors’ fees and removal costs. Put enough cash aside to cover these.

CREDIT HISTORYYou will need to get ‘mortgage ready’. There are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting a mortgage. Lenders will check if you can afford the repayments. Checks will include a look at your income versus your expenditure. You need to show that you can keep your finances in order. If you have any outstanding loans, pay these off before you apply for a mortgage. Avoid taking out any new loans. Speak to a mortgage advisor about your options.

Make sure you are on the Electoral Roll. It’s easy to do and will boost your credit rating. Make sure your bills are registered to your current address to make it easy to trace.

Check your credit score on Experian, Equifax, Noddle or a similar site. If you know you have a bad credit rating stop applying for more credit. Searches carried out in a short space of time can count against you.

Use a credit card responsibly. Pay the balance off in full each month and demonstrate that you can handle credit.

GETTING IT RIGHT FIRST TIME

A D V I C E


C R E AT E I N T E R E S T I N Y O U R G A R D E N – P L A N T A T R E E


You can plant in summer but make sure your tree is potted or that the roots are soil covered and well wrapped, not bare. The best time to plant trees is between October and April.It’s a pretty easy job to do. The hard part is choosing the kind of tree you want.Figure out what you are trying to achieve. Do you want fruit? Are you limited for space? Are you looking for a colourful autumnal display or perhaps some winter colour? Maybe you’re after some spring blossom?If you’re after the evergreen effect, think about Cypress, Holly or Pyracantha. If you like a bit of autumn colour consider Acers, Beech or Hornbeam.If you fancy something with a bit of winter interest, look at Birch, Ornamental Cherry, Austrian Pine or Persian Ironwood. And what about Apple, Medlar, Damson or Plum for those fruit fanatics among you?If it’s the floral features or ornamental look you prefer, then you can’t get much better than Magnolia or Dogwood.How to plant your tree? Here is some advice on tree planting courtesy of the Royal Horticultural Society.

• Prepare the site by loosening the soil to a depth equivalent to the height of the root ball and over a wide area to eliminate compaction and improve drainage and incorporate organic matter. If your soil is waterlogged over winter, consider trees better suited to wet soil, install drainage, or plant on a slight mound.

• Remove plants from containers or fabric wrapping. With the exception of magnolia and eucalyptus which resent root disturbance, trim pot-bound roots and spread the roots out of bare-root plants to get an idea of their spread. There is no need to trim or tease out roots from root balls that are not pot-bound.

• Dig a planting hole that is no deeper than the roots, but at least three times the diameter of the root system. If the sides of the planting hole are compacted, break the soil up with a fork before planting.

• Soak bare-rooted trees or shrubs for about 30 minutes prior to planting, then place the tree or shrub in the planting hole and position it so that the first flare of roots are level with the soil surface when planting is complete. With container grown plants, the top layers of compost may need to be scraped away to reveal the flare of roots.

• Insert a stake if required, then refill the planting hole carefully, placing soil between and around all the roots to eliminate air pockets. Firm the soil gently, avoiding compacting the soil into a hard mass and water in.

If you’ve ever wanted to have a tree in your garden, whether you want a couple of fruit trees or something purely ornamental, we’ve got some hints and tips on choosing a tree and planting it.


Rural living has a number of benefits for the whole family. Statistically, crime rates are lower in rural areas than they are in urban areas. And the strong sense of community and healthy social lives keeps crime at a low level.There are more opportunities for an active outdoor lifestyle right on your doorstep, there is less traffic, the air is cleaner and stress levels are much reduced. And with nature on the doorstep there are endless ways to keep the kids entertained and educated about the countryside. Lincolnshire’s landscape varies from the rolling hills of the Wolds in the North to the Fens in the South, coastal and marshland areas in the East and limestone escarpments on the western edge of the county.Wherever you go, communities have been shaped by Lincolnshire’s agricultural heritage – which is not something relegated to the past but an essential part of the county today. Lincolnshire supplies 40 per cent of the country’s fresh vegetables and its towns boast thriving markets selling the freshest of produce.

Lincolnshire should be at the top of the list for anyone looking for a new home in a traditional English market town. The county has more than a dozen of them, as well as many attractive villages and the cathedral city of Lincoln itself.

Lincolnshire’s vast acres mean that land prices are relatively low. This in turn means that homes built on good-sized plots are very affordable. A new home in Lincolnshire means you can enjoy rural life while never being too far away from cities such as Lincoln, Nottingham and Peterborough. And if you still want to visit London, all these places have excellent rail and road links to the capital as well as being close to international airports.

Lincolnshire is a great county for anyone looking for a quiet rural life but with access to lively town life. At Allison Homes we are making a name for ourselves as a developer of high-quality homes in these locations which offer a combination of rural and urban living unique to small towns.

Interested in a new home in Lincolnshire?




B U I L D I N G F O R T H E Q U I E T L I F E I N L I N C O L N S H I R E


P I N C H B E C K F I E L D SPinchbeck Fields offers two, three, four and five-bedroom homes – including two-bedroom bungalows and four-bedroom chalet bungalows – on the edge of the village of Pinchbeck, near Spalding. The development is close to some of the best schools in Lincolnshire. There are rural trails, traditional pubs and restaurants and tranquil waterways right on the doorstep. It combines the charm of rural living with the amenities of the bustling market town of Spalding.Pinchbeck Fields is ideal whether you want a starter home or a family house. Centred around an attractive open space, with a pond and outside leisure and recreational areas, it offers nineteen different property types.

Current prices at Pinchbeck Fields range from £225,995 for a semi-detached two-bedroom home to £372,995 for a detached five-bedroom property.

N E T T L E H A M C H A S EIn keeping with their village setting, the homes at Nettleham Chase are thoughtfully designed and built to a high standard with a variety of two, three, four and five-bedroom properties to choose from. The range includes two and three-bedroom bungalows and four-bedroom chalet bungalows.Located in the attractive village of Nettleham – winner of many ‘best kept village awards’ – it offers a traditional English lifestyle, just four miles from the city of Lincoln, but on the edge of the surrounding countryside.The village itself has shops and pubs plus good infant and junior schools as well as pre-school provision for younger children. There is a vibrant social life with hobby and sporting clubs for all ages.Commuting into Lincoln for work, shopping or leisure is easy by car and bicycle or on the frequent local buses.

Current prices at Nettleham Chase range from £199,995 for a semi-detached two-bedroom home with a single garage to £494,995 for a detached five-bedroom property with a double garage.

B O S T O N G AT ERemember your history lessons? Boston is the place from which the ‘pilgrim fathers’ set sail to find new homes in the New World, leading eventually to the creation of the USA.If you’re looking for a new home yourself without crossing the Atlantic, Boston could be the place you’re searching for.Boston provides a blend of urban and rural living which is unique to small towns. That’s probably why it has become such a popular place for families to live. Boston Gate is just on the edge of this thriving town, within easy walking distance of all the facilities. But if you’re going further afield – although not quite as far as the New World – the A16 (practically on your doorstep at Boston Gate), the A17 and A52 link Boston with surrounding towns, cities and coastal routes. Boston station offers rail services to Nottingham (via Sleaford) to the west, the seaside resort of Skegness to the north-west and to London, the north of England and Scotland via Grantham on the East Coast main line.

Homes at Boston Gate range from a three-bedroom detached house at £194,995 to a five-bedroom detached house with double garage at £389,995.

H O R N C A S T L E R I S EHistoric Horncastle is famous for its antique shops. A selection of cafes, tea rooms, pubs and several restaurants cater for most culinary tastes. There are plenty of quirky independent shops and second-hand bookstores in which to search out a bargain.The A158 runs west-east, joining the city of Lincoln and the popular seaside town of Skegness. The A153 joins Horncastle to Louth in the north and Sleaford and Grantham in the south, from where commuters can join the A1 providing easy access to the north and south of England.The nearby village of Metheringham has a direct rail service to Peterborough on the East Coast main line which has direct trains to London and to Edinburgh.Horncastle Rise is an exciting development of traditionally built two and three-bedroom bungalows priced between £189,995 and £304,995.

Homes at Horncastle Rise start from £189,995 for a two bedroom bunaglow with a garage.

Did you know bungalows acount for only 2% of all new properties built in 2018?


Currently, buying is consistently more financially attractive than renting across the UK. In the East Midlands for example, the average monthly saving is £94. The gap between the cost of buying and renting is narrowing. But despite the saving falling from £900 per year in 2017 to £366 per year according to the latest data a from the Halifax, it is still cheaper to buy than to rent.

The gap between buying and renting is being driven by a reduction in mortgage rates and a more competitive market pushing down monthly payments. Meanwhile, the cost of rent, household maintenance and average deposits have remained broadly flat.

Despite having to put down a sizeable deposit up front, homeowners are overall better off than renters in all parts of the UK. But those who are unable to get onto the property ladder because they can’t raise enough cash are paying more by renting.

Whatever the reason, people are still renting. Here we take a look at the pros and cons of renting and buying.

Renting or buying THE PROS

AND THE CONS

A D V I C E


Renting – the pros • Long-term tenancies start from as little as six months and you can move

after this time if it doesn’t work for you.• Being able to give notice to vacate lets you test relationships, whether

that’s a new flatmate or a new partner.• Renting gives you flexibility to adapt to a modern working life where

people change job, or location, more frequently than they used to.• Professionally managed properties take the burden of maintenance away

from you, giving you time to enjoy other things. You will have one point of contact and you don’t have the problem of finding contractors and overseeing works.

• The ongoing costs of maintenance and buildings insurance are covered by the landlord.

• As you don’t have the additional costs that are covered by the owner it is much easier to predict your monthly costs.

• Whilst the costs of renting are high, the cost of getting on the rental ladder is substantially lower than the cost of buying a property.

• Rental properties must conform to safety standards.• Short-term lets are generally all inclusive of costs and so you’ll have one

regular payment.

Buying – the pros • You pay off a mortgage – so after the period of the mortgage you live

cost-free.• Your property is an asset that accrues in value, so owning your own home

can be considered a long-term investment.• People are living longer so the benefit of paying off a mortgage and not

having to pay rent is increasing.• Although you are responsible for repairs and maintenance to your home,

refurbishing and updating your home can increase its value.• Sometimes, it can be cheaper to buy than to rent. According to the Halifax

Building Society, buying a home is £366 a year cheaper than renting at the moment. Research also found that first-time buyers can save £27,000 over the term of their mortgage. That’s almost as much as the average deposit (currently £31,751).

Renting – the cons • All your rent goes to your landlord, not towards owning a home.• If you never buy a house you must pay rent for your whole life, even after

you retire.• If your landlord decides to sell or get new tenants, you must move out.• Your landlord can set rules and restrict changes that you can make to the

property.• You must pay a deposit, and the landlord may keep some or all of it.• Your landlord could decide to increase your rent.• Improving the property could increase its value, but this only benefits the

landlord.

Renting – the cons • It’s a big commitment – you need to be sure you can afford what you’re

taking on.• When interest rates rise, your repayments will go up. It’s important you’re

prepared for a rise.• It might not always be easy to sell your home, depending on what’s

happening in the market.• You need to be sure you can afford maintenance costs like fixing a broken

boiler or leaky roof.• If you stretch your budget when you buy you might not have money for

meals out, holidays and entertainment.• You have less flexibility than when renting. For example, selling up and

moving is more expensive as you have estate agency and legal fees to pay.

Visit www.larkfleet.com and check out our payment calculators to work out what you can afford. You might be surprised.


M O V I N G H O M E

The Consumer Code

Just like any other ‘big ticket’ purchase, buying a new build house can be fraught with worries, particularly if it’s your first time around.

To give homebuyers added peace of mind the home-building industry has developed the Consumer Code for Home Builders to make the home-buying process fair and transparent for purchasers.

The code requires that all home buyers are treated fairly, know what levels of service to expect, are fully informed about their purchase and their consumer rights before and after they move in, and are provided with a speedy, low-cost dispute resolution scheme to deal with complaints about breaches of the code.

The code contains requirements that all home builders who register homes with the UK’s main new home warranty bodies (NHBC, Premier Guarantee and LABC Warranty) must comply with.


ComplaintsThe home builder must have a system and procedures for receiving, handling, and resolving home buyers’ service calls and complaints.

The home builder must let the home buyer know of this, and of the dispute resolution arrangements operated as part of this code, in writing.

The home builder must co-operate with appropriately qualified professional advisers appointed by the home buyer to resolve disputes.

The code applies to complaints made up to two years from the date on the home warranty body’s insurance certificate (which defines the start of the period of cover) about defects or damage caused by a breach of its technical requirements. An independent dispute resolution scheme is available for home buyers who believe their builder has failed to meet the requirements of the code.

What does the code cover?The code covers every stage of the home-buying purchase – pre-contract, exchange of contract and during occupation.

The home builder must provide a contract which is clear and fair, complies with all relevant legislation and clearly explains the home buyer’s contract termination rights.

Delay and cancellationIf an unreasonable delay occurs in completing the home, the home buyer has the right not to go ahead with the purchase and have their reservation fee returned without deductions.

InformationSales and advertising material and activity must be clear and truthful.

Home buyers must be given enough pre-purchase information to help them make suitably informed purchasing decisions.

In all cases this information must include:

• A written reservation agreement.• An explanation of the home warranty cover.• A description of any management services and

organisations to which the home buyer will be committed and an estimate of their cost.

• The nature and method of assessment of any event fees such as transfer fees or similar liabilities.

If a home is not yet completed, the information must include:• A brochure or plan illustrating the general layout,

appearance and plot position of the home.• A list of the home’s contents - the standards to

which the home is being built.There should also be clear contact information, details of warranty cover and health and safety precautions when visiting developments under construction.

After-sales serviceThe home builder must provide the home buyer with an accessible after-sale service and explain what the service includes, who to contact and what guarantees and warranties apply to the home.

Who is covered by the code?The consumer code applies to home buyers who reserve to buy a new or newly converted home built by a home builder under the insurance protection of one of the supporting home warranty bodies:

• NHBC• Premier Guarantee• LABC WarrantyThe code’s pre-sale and handover requirements apply to home buyers who are the first purchasers of a home. Second or subsequent home buyers benefit from the code requirements but only on after-sales matters they report within two years from the date of the home warranty body’s insurance certificate.

Who is not covered by the code?The code and the independent dispute resolution scheme do not apply to:

• Second-hand properties (for example, properties taken by home builders in part exchange and re-sold).

• Properties acquired by registered social landlords for rent.

• Properties acquired by corporate bodies, partnerships and individuals buying more than one property on the same development for investment purposes.

• Properties built by self-builders for their own occupation.

• Properties assigned or sub-sold by an investor to a third person before legal completion.

• Personal injury claims.• Loss of property value or blight.• Claims about the land conveyed and its registered

title.• Claims that exceed the independent dispute

resolution scheme’s limits.

How is the code governed?A management board is responsible for operating the Consumer Code scheme.

How is the Consumer Code enforced?The home warranty bodies have agreed to require all their registered builders to adopt and comply with the code as a condition of registration.

You can read the code and find more details about how it operates at www.consumercode.co.uk/

What does the Consumer Code require?Home builders must comply with the requirements of the consumer code and have regard to good practice guidance.

Larkfleet Homes, of course, is covered by the Consumer Code and we are pleased to provide our customers with all the protection that this ensures. We have systems and procedures to ensure we can reliably and accurately meet the commitments on service, procedures and information in the code.

B U Y I N G A N E W H O U S E – A M O V I N G E X P E R I E N C E F O R K I D S ?


Engage your kidsInvolve your kids in the process of choosing your new home. Once you have a shortlist get your children to tell you their favourite things about the houses and take their feedback into consideration when making your final choice.

DeclutterGet your children to help with decluttering before the move. Get them to help decide what goes and what stays.

If you have a lot of extra ‘stuff’ to get rid of, get a pitch at a car boot sale. Ask the children to help you prepare the things you are selling. Tell them any money raised will go towards a family treat.

LearningGet your children to learn as much as they can about the area you’re moving into. Encourage them to do their own research. Help them to go online and learn about all the amenities and societies that are available in the area.

Planning and decoratingIf possible, let your children choose their own rooms. Get them involved in planning and let them choose their décor for their rooms. Involve them in picking furniture and rugs.

Saying goodbyeIf you are moving some distance one of the hardest things for your children to come to terms with is saying goodbye to friends. You could hold a goodbye party where everyone can swap details, or you could chat with their friends’ parents to arrange weekend sleepovers.

Plan a day outOnce you have moved, get a local guide and an event listing and plan some days out with the kids in your new local area.

RoutinesMake sure you stick to your routines as much as possible around bedtimes and mealtimes – especially for younger children – to help them settle in.

You can help your children to cope with the stress of moving. Be open and encourage your children to express their feelings about the move. Put your cards on the table. Make sure they know the reasons for the move – bigger home, change of job, being closer to a good school or family support.

Moving can be a stressful experience for everyone but especially for the kids. Pop culture is littered with stories about the angst children feel when families move home. Films and books confirm that children are not normally thrilled at the prospect of moving home. Moving can be very traumatic for children of all ages – as well as adults.


Moving can be a stressful experience for everyone but especially for the kids. Pop culture is littered with stories about the angst children feel when families move home. Films and books confirm that children are not normally thrilled at the prospect of moving home. Moving can be very traumatic for children of all ages – as well as adults.

We’re sure that many of you would like to encourage wildlife into your own gardens. There are plenty of things that you can do in your new garden to encourage birds, small mammals and insects.You can provide a home for a variety of birds and animals all year around. Pick from our menu of ideas below and have fun watching what creatures come to your home. You don’t have to do everything.Here are a few things you can do::

• Plant borders with plants rich in berries. They will benefit wildlife and bring rich autumn colour to your garden.

• Don’t mow your lawns and let dandelions and daisies flourish. They’re great for bees and other insects.

• Introduce a water feature if you have room. This will encourage newts, frogs, dragonflies and pond skaters. It will also provide water for birds. Plant the edges with marsh marigold and purple loose strife to give colour and nectar for insects.

• Consider planting a hedge which can provide food and shelter for wildlife. Incorporating flowering ivy to provide food and shelter for over-wintering insects.

• Keep on feeding the birds. Put out a variety of foods on the ground, in feeders and on bird tables. Avoid rats by removing old and rotting food daily. You can put out cheese, porridge oats, raisins, stale cake, meal worms and sunflower seeds. When choosing a seed mix use one with a variety of seeds including black sunflower seeds. Nuts should be unsalted. Make sure they have the British Trust for Ornithology’s ‘safe’ kite mark. In winter, birds will also benefit from fat balls.

• Create your own compost heap. The decaying vegetable matter will provide a home for a myriad of invertebrates which will in turn encourage hedgehogs, slow worms, toads and centipedes which all feed on them.

• Plant insect-friendly flowers and wildflowers to encourage bees, butterflies, moths and other insects into your garden.

• Create a refuge for declining species like hedgehogs, bats, sparrows and song thrushes. Plant borders with plants rich in berries that will provide food for the Autumn and early Winter. They will benefit wildlife and bring rich autumn colour to your garden.

• Leave out water and chicken-based dog food for hedgehogs to help them fatten up as they emerge from hibernation.

• Brush leaves under bushes to encourage insects and leave out halved fruit (apples and pears) for foraging birds like thrushes and blackbirds.

L I F E S T Y L E

SUMMER WILDLIFE – TURN YOUR GARDEN INTO A HABITAT HAVENYou might think that the Summer is boom time for our garden wildlife. However,

food for some is not as abundant as it will be in Autumn and some common critters can still use our help.


There is a superb choice of new homes on offer in our newest developments in the picturesque villages of Cotford St Luke and Witheridge in addition to more established sites in Ivybridge and Ilton.

Our developments have proved extremely popular with all bar one home sold in Hawthorne Gardens, Ilton and in Churchinford.

It’s never been a better time to buy your dream home in the South West of England. Larkfleet Homes South West has some high-quality new developments in North Devon and Somerset.

N E W H O M E S I N S O U T H W E S T E N G L A N D

New homes in Cotford St Luke.

Quantock View is our latest development of new homes in the South West of England, located in the village of Cotford St Luke between Bishops Lydeard and Taunton. It is situated close to open countryside at the foot of the Quantock Hills.

It consists of a number of stylish three, four and five-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses, all finished to a high standard and specification.

Each new house is fitted with solar panels which allow you to generate electricity from sunlight even on cloudy days – cutting your energy bills as well as helping to tackle global warning.

The village offers a good range of facilities including a community hospital, Co-operative store with a post office, pub/restaurant, pre-school, primary school, village hall and playing fields.

Bishop’s Lydeard is just a short distance away and offers additional amenities including two village pubs, a library, a butcher’s, doctors’ surgery and railway station.

The whole of this area is surrounded by outstanding areas of natural beauty, from the Quantocks to the Blackdown Hills, the north and south coasts, and the moors of Exmoor and Dartmoor.

The county town of Taunton is only five miles away, offering a full range of facilities including independent and high street stores, cafes and a large selection of restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Taunton has several excellent schools in both the private and state sectors.

The motorway (M5) is just nine miles away, making this the ideal location for access to both Exeter, Bristol, the Midlands and London (via the M4). Taunton also benefits from a main line rail station with direct access to London Paddington in less than 2 hours.

Every home at Quantock View is covered by a ten-year insurance-backed guarantee. The government-backed Help to Buy scheme is available on many properties.

New Homes in Quantock View, Cotford St Luke are priced between £220,000 and £245,000.


There are also some great opportunities for birdwatchers and photography enthusiasts.

Interested in a new home in South West England?




New homes in North Devon.

At Willow Heights in Witheridge we have created a superb development of 65 stylish three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses and two and three-bedroom bungalows, all finished to a high standard and specification.

Willow Heights is located within the small picturesque Devon village of Witheridge, amidst un-spoilt undulating countryside. The village is set on rolling hills with Exmoor National Park to the north and Dartmoor National Park a short distance away to the south.

A short drive will take you to the beautiful Tarka Trail at Eggesford. It is an enchanting, often forgotten region of the county, with many wooded valleys associated with the path of the Little Dart River, and a variety of beautiful countryside scenes, rolling hills, hidden woodlands and spectacular scenery.

The village has its own primary school (rated ‘good’ by OFSTED), a post office, a shop and doctors’ surgery/medical centre. There is also a village pub, a church and a variety of social clubs.

Witheridge is approximately 11 miles from the thriving market towns of South Molton and Tiverton which both provide excellent amenities including schools, banking and shopping.

Approximately six miles from Tiverton is junction 27 of the M5 and Tiverton Parkway Station provides direct access to the national rail network.

Call now for more information on 01823 774009.

Contemporary new homes in Ivybridge.

Cornwood Chase, in the picturesque Devon town of Ivybridge, comprises 35 contemporary-styled eco-friendly new homes, each fitted with solar panels on the roof which generate electricity even on cloudy days.

Every house also has an integrated mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) system which provides fresh filtered air whilst retaining most of the energy that has already been used in heating the building.

Taken together, the solar panels and MVHR make these houses extremely energy-efficient – and therefore cheap to run.

On offer in this exciting development is a range of two and three-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes to suit first-time buyers, growing families and families that would rather not grow any more. All our homes come with a ten-year insurance-backed guarantee provided by LABC (LocaI Authority Building Control).

Ivybridge itself is commonly known as the ‘Gateway to South Dartmoor’ because of its location at the southern edge of the Dartmoor National Park, alongside the A38 ‘Devon Expressway’.

Cornwood Chase is situated to the west of the town in the Woodlands area of Ivybridge. It provides convenient access to the nearby bustling cities of Plymouth (11 miles) and Exeter (35 miles) where you will find all the shopping and entertainment you could want.

But why travel that far? At Cornwood Chase you have local facilities that include a leisure centre, cinema, the Glanvilles Mill shopping centre, independent shops and boutiques, pubs and restaurants.

There are two primary schools within a mile of the development and Ivybridge Community College secondary school is less than two miles away. So, too, is Ivybridge railway station where you can catch a train to Plymouth, Exeter or direct to London Paddington.

For those who love the outdoors, Ivybridge is the perfect base to undertake all kinds of activities including walking, cycling and horse riding. The nearby Dartmoor National Park offers wild, open moorlands and deep river valleys, rich in history and rare wildlife. From granite tors to ancient woodland and picturesque views, Dartmoor offers spectacular scenery and days out for all.

Ivybridge is also close to the Devon coast, with destinations such as Bigbury-on-Sea, Challaborough and the historic Burgh Island just over nine miles away. Slightly further afield the stylish South Hams towns of Kingsbridge and Salcombe are waiting to be explored.

With stunningly tranquil surroundings and excellent local amenities on the doorstep, Cornwood Chase at Ivybridge is the perfect place to put down roots..

Meanwhile, there is just one property remaining in the award-winning development of Churchinford Hills, Churchinford, a superb four-bedroom detached home priced at £399,995.


‘A little happy house is the strongest castle in this whole universe’, wrote poet Mehmet Murat Ildan. In order to keep it that way you will need to insure it.That’s why getting insurance for your new build home is an important step in the buying process.

You will need three kinds of insurance for your new-build home:

• Buildings insurance – protection against fire, flood and subsidence• A warranty – to cover workmanship, defects and structural problems for a

fixed period up to 10 years• Contents insurance – protection of your personal property inside your home

against fire and theftNew build houses - like any you will find on one of our developments - are usually cheaper to insure than older buildings. This is because they are more secure, with up-to-date windows and doors and modern security features. Not only that; there is less likelihood of something going wrong with the property that may need to be replaced.

You may have problems getting insurance initially because the postcode of your new build may not be registered as an address by the local authority. Once the local authority has been informed by the developer that the property is built, they need to register the new address and postcode with Royal Mail Address Development Centre. The postcode will be live once the Royal Mail is informed that mail may be delivered to that address. A problem can still arise if companies such as insurers don’t update their databases with the new address details.

Insurers use postcode information to help them calculate their premiums and, if they don’t have the postcode, they won’t be able to quote you. Make sure you get the Royal Mail to check that your postcode exists – then contact insurance providers until you find one that has updated its system.

Buildings insurance will reflect the build cost of your property, which is different to the market value. This is the amount the insurer would have to pay to rebuild your house. It is lower than the market value which also reflects such things as supply and demand, and the amenity of the area in which the house is situated. An excess usually applies – which is the cost you have to pay in the event of a claim. It will vary depending on the value of the claim.

A warranty is designed to offer you peace of mind. It covers against defects in the build that may arise as the result of the builder’s failure to meet certain standards. With a warranty there is no excess to pay, but there may be exclusions to what is covered. So, it is worth checking with your provider. When you move into your new home, you want to ensure that you are fully protected. One of the benefits of a new-build home over a second-hand one is the fact that the building is protected by a warranty. Within the industry, it is also a condition of most mortgage applications that a structural warranty is in place for newly built or converted properties.

With contents insurance, you are covered in the event that personal items are damaged in a fire. You can also get coverage for accidental damage from some insurers, but this can be a bit more expensive. Do a room-to-room inventory of your possessions to ensure that all your valuables are covered. If you have something that is particularly high value, such as jewellery or paintings, you will need to inform your insurer separately. Taking an ‘all risks’ policy will also cover items that you take with your out of the house, such as phones, laptops and cameras.

There is plenty of advice online. The National Home Builders Council (NHBC) and the Home Owners’ Alliance are good places to start.

If you are looking for a new-build home, visit our website to check our latest developments.

THE IMPORTANCE OF INSURANCE

E C O N O M Y


Larklfeet is no stranger to Rutland – we’ve been building new homes in the county town of Oakham for several years.

Farriers Reach is our latest development in the town, offering a new range of contemporary styled, energy-efficient homes. All of them are fitted with solar panels to generate electricity from sunlight, cutting carbon emissions and, importantly, also cutting your power bills.

There are two, three, four and five-bedroom properties to choose from on this edge-of-town site within the Oakham Heights ‘urban extension’. In addition to new housing, the plans include parks and open spaces, children’s play areas, allotments and a new local centre. There will also be enhancements to the ecology of Barleythorpe Brook which runs through the site and improved transport links with new cycle, footpath and bus routes.

If you’re not familiar with Oakham, let us tell you that it is a pretty, traditional English town. It is the ‘capital’ of Rutland – the nation’s smallest county. Bustling with activity, it boasts a regular market twice a week with stalls selling locally produced meat, cheese, bread and eggs. If you’re having a day in town, a trip to the market or the monthly farmers’ market could coincide with a visit to one of the numerous cafes, restaurants and pubs.

For those interested in the history of the area, there are many beautiful and notable sites to explore such as Oakham Castle.

Rutland Water, which is England’s largest man-made lake, is close by. The reservoir provides renowned water sports facilities and stunning nature and wildfowl reserves. There is also an outdoor adventure centre and cycling and walking routes to enjoy.

Rutland has been voted the best rural place to live in the UK in the Halifax Rural Areas Quality of Life Survey.

Excellent road links bring the towns of Stamford, Melton Mowbray and Corby within easy reach. Leicester and Nottingham are within 35 miles. Oakham railway station provides links to Birmingham, Leicester, Peterborough, Cambridge and Stansted Airport.

Much in Little – that’s the motto of Rutland, England’s smallest county. In a county that is packed full of amenities and things for the whole family to do, it is a motto that really rings true when it comes to new home options.

Currently available at Farriers Reach 2 bedroom homes from £175,995 3 bedroom homes from £199,995

Interested in a new home at Farriers Reach?




NEW CONTEMPORARY FAMILY HOMES IN RUTLAND


L I F E S T Y L E

SEVEN TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR NEW HOME

SECURE

L I F E S T Y L E

SEVEN TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR NEW HOME

SECURE

O N E O F T H E B E N E F I T S O F B U Y I N G A N E W B U I L D H O M E I S K N O W I N G T H AT I T I S S A F E A N D S E C U R E . O U R N E W H O M E S W I L L F E AT U R E W I N D O W L O C K S ,

A N D D O U B L E L O C K S A N D D E A D L O C K S O N T H E F R O N T D O O R . TA L K T O Y O U R S I T E M A N A G E R

A B O U T M A K I N G S U R E T H E R E I S A L S O A S E C U R I T Y C H A I N F I T T E D T O Y O U R F R O N T D O O R . I T I S A L S O P O S S I B L E T O U P G R A D E W I T H M O D E R N S E C U R I T Y

A N D A L A R M S Y S T E M S .

Apart from the material loss and inconvenience of repairs to doors and windows, the majority of victims are affected emotionally by burglary. Responses range from anger and annoyance to anxiety and depression in severe cases. For your own peace of mind, it’s important to take steps to avoid the situation where possible.

With a new-build home there are already good locks fitted to the doors and at least some of the windows – but more elaborate security systems will need to be installed by you as a new owner. We have put together some information on how and when burglaries are committed and what you can do to prevent them.

The majority of burglaries happen on weekdays in the afternoon and evening – typically between the hours of noon and midnight.


Tip 1Always make it look as though someone is home, even if you’re out. Keep some lights

on in strategic spots around the home. Invest in a timer to switch on lights (internally and externally), TVs and radios at specific times to make it look as though someone is home.

Surprisingly, the majority of break-ins take place at the front of the home, rather than at the rear of the property.

Tip 2 Make sure that all your windows are shut and locked. Most burglars are opportunists

and want things as easy as possible to get in and out quickly. Don’t make it easy for them. Also consider installing an alarm box visible at the front. It won’t necessarily prevent a break-in, but it will make prospective thieves think twice – odds are that your alarm box is part of a security system.

The most used entry point during a burglary is a door – in over 70 per cent of cases.

Tip 3 Keep doors locked. If you have a glass panel in the door, make sure you don’t leave

your key in the lock. A thief will likely break the glass and use the key to get in. Install the best locks that you can afford. New homes have robust door and window locks as standard.

These days, thieves tend to target items of value that they can carry easily. Typically, they are after items that you take out of the house, such as phones, laptops and wallets, cash and cards, jewellery and watches and easily portable tech.

Tip 4 Consider fitting external lights with sensors, particularly useful during the darker months. Many

people will add new security features as part of general home improvements.

Tip 5 Don’t leave things on display. Put your items away in safe places and out of sight where possible,

particularly at the front of the house.

Tip 6 Fit window alarms - much cheaper than a full-on alarm system. They are triggered by vibrations on

the window glass and have sirens which emit 100 decibels. You could also install exterior dummy alarm boxes. You need to make them look as authentic as possible. Make sure they have LED lights.

CCTV systems fitted in a visible location make a great deterrent. There are many budget systems available. You could also consider fitting dummy cameras which can be had for as little as £10 online.

Tip 7 Plant spiny shrubs like Pyracantha, Berberis or Holly on boundaries. Don’t plant them so that they

can be used to shield an intruder trying to break in.

Gravel drives making a satisfying crunching sound as they are walked on. Things that create noise deter intruders.

Stay safe!

S U M M E R W I L D L I F E W A L K S


Summer is the best time of year to get out and about to enjoy everything that nature has to offer, both close to home and further afield.

Long days and balmy evenings provide opportunities to watch an abundant array of wildlife and listen to birdsong in the morning and evening.

It’s also a great time of year to see butterflies and dragonflies as they take to the air as well as summer-visiting birds including martins, swallows and swifts.

Why not try one of our trio of Wildlife Walks to enjoy what Summer has to offer.

D U N S TA B L E D O W N S , B E D F O R D S H I R EThe downs provide some opportunities for great summer walking in unspoiled countryside. There are several walking trails to explore which will help you get to see nature close up.You can take a long trek over the downs or enjoy a short, leisurely stroll with fantastic views through the signs of thousands of years of human occupation.See wildflowers blooming in new meadows that have only recently opened to the public. Informative, ranger-led walks will give you all you need to know about the natural history of this area of outstanding natural beauty.The land, which was previously used for arable farming, is undergoing a process of grassland creation, turning farmed land into a natural habitat for wildlife. Thanks to the success of the grassland creation project these meadows are bursting with insects, birds and other wildlife. Butterflies abound and in the Summer evenings it’s possible to see glow worms, as the females slowly climb the long grass stems, their abdomens aglow to attract males.Orchids can also be found in the meadows.Vist www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate for more details.

W I C K E N F E N , C A M B R I D G E S H I R EThere have been over 9,000 species of wildlife recorded at Wicken Fen, which makes it a great place for a summer nature walk. Kit yourself out with some binoculars and a field guide and you’re good to go.There are various trails at Wicken. There are short walks or longer trails for the more adventurous. There are two short walks to enjoy, a ramble along Monk’s Lode and return via Wicken Village. En route look out for the electric blue and orange flash of kingfishers and dragonflies in abundance.The other short walk is the Wicken Fen Boardwalk Trail which takes you around the reserve’s unique Sedge Fen, a remnant of ancient un-drained fenland.For a longer exploration of the new wetland areas created for the reserve there are three lengthier trails to enjoy; the Adventurer’s Trail (3 miles), The Three Lodes Trail (4 miles) and the Octavia Hill Trail (6 miles). Look out for wading birds, ducks, marsh harriers and free roaming herds of Konik ponies and Highland cattle.Wicken Fen is run by the National Trust. Check out the Trust’s website for more information on individual walks and amenities www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fen-nature-reserve

T H E W O L D S , L I N C O L N S H I R EThere are several trails running through the Wolds that will give you a great opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy fresh air and wonderful scenery.These include the Viking Way, the Silver Lincs Way, the Lindsey Loop, the Lincs Wold Way and the Greenwich Meridian Trail. And there are any number of other paths and trails which create shorter walks around the area for you to enjoy.Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy one of the walks and to check out the local wildlife. The area of outstanding natural beauty has several habitats offering chances to see a variety of Summer wildlife.There is a great mix of farmland, chalk stream, grasslands, woodland and marshy Alder Carr woods. As you make your way around your chosen walks look out for brown hares in the fields and otters near the chalk streams. Skylarks, yellowhammers and grey partridge are abundant in the fields and farmland. Look for herons and kingfishers close to the streams.Marble white butterflies can be seen fluttering around the pyramidal orchids and felt wort in the grasslands.Other wildlife you may catch sight of include buzzards, barn owls, dormice and water voles.Vist the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website for more information www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife

F O L L O W T H E S T R A W B E A R T O W H I T T L E S E Y


Consider the Fenland market town of Whittlesey, with its easy road and rail access to the nearby city of Peterborough and further afield to London.

Whittlesey is just six miles from the city and has good road, bus and rail links. So, you can easily reach all the urban shopping in the town centre and the Queensgate Shopping Centre. Peterborough also has a wide choice of bars and restaurants to suit most tastes and budgets, a cinema and theatre to cover your cultural and entertainment options.

Peterborough is also host to some well-regarded schools, a further education college and a university centre.

A few miles can make a big difference to the price you’ll pay for your perfect house. And those miles can make a big difference to your lifestyle, too. Although close to Peterborough, there’s a different feel and pace of life in Whittlesey. There are plenty of amenities which mean you don’t have to travel far if you prefer things closer to home.

At Whittlesey Green we are building two, three, four and five-bedroom modern contemporary homes.

All of them come with a ten-year insurance-backed guarantee and all are fitted with solar panels as standard. These generate electricity from sunlight, even on cloudy days when the sun doesn’t seem to be shining. They will help to cut your carbon emissions and, importantly, your power bills as well!

Whittlesey Green is within easy reach of all the local schools, shops, services and amenities of the town. It also has the advantage of being directly opposite the site for a planned new supermarket – so you could walk home with your groceries!

If you prefer more traditional shopping rather than a large store, Whittlesey has its own weekly market. And there is plenty going on. In the late summer you can enjoy the Whittlesey Festival, and in the Winter the famous Straw Bear takes place.

As well as a rail connection to Peterborough (from where you can easily get to London) the trains run to Ely, Cambridge and Stansted Airport.

Looking for the slower pace of life of a quintessential English market town without being too far away from the action of a bigger city?

Currently available at Whittlesey Green 3 bedroom homes from £213,995 4 bedroom homes from £255,995

Interested in a new home at Whittlesey Green?





J U N E• Hoe your borders regularly to keep

on top of the weeds

• Take care with water usage, especially during dry spells

• Pinch out side shoots on tomato plants

• Harvest salad plants like lettuce, radish and early potatoes

• Put out your hanging baskets and patio containers

• Mow lawns at least once a week

• Plant out summer bedding

• Stake all tall, floppy plants

• Prune Spring flowering shrubs

• Add shading to greenhouses to avoid scorching plants and to keep them cool during hot weather

J U LY• If you have Clematis, check it for

signs of clematis wilt

• Keep containers, tubs and new plants watered if dry, but be water-wise

• Deadhead bedding plants and repeat-flowering perennials, to ensure continuous flowering

• Pick courgettes before they become marrows

• Clear algae, blanket weeds and debris from ponds, and keep them topped up

• Order catalogues for next year’s spring-flowering bulbs

• Give the lawn a quick-acting summer feed, especially if not given a spring feed

• Harvest soft fruits like apricots, peaches and nectarines, and summer fruits like strawberries and raspberries.

A U G U S TAugust is usually one of the hottest months of the year - making watering essential. Try to use grey water wherever possible, especially as water butts may be running low if it has been a dry Summer.

• Keep deadheading flowering plants regularly

• Keep containers and new plants well-watered, preferably with grey recycled water or stored rainwater

• Collect seed from garden plants

• Harvest sweetcorn and other vegetables as they become ready

• Continue cutting out old fruited canes on raspberries

• Keep ponds and water features topped up

• Feed the soil with green manures

• Plenty of patio paving

• Take a minimal approach and use unfussy sturdy plants

• Section off a wild area of the garden where you let the grass and weeds grow to provide a wildlife habitat

• Consider adding a water feature

• Use shrubs on borders instead of seasonal bedding plants

• Spread mulch or wood chips on beds to suppress weeds and keep moisture in the soil

• Plant some hardy perennials such as Lavender. It’s good to look at, requires less work and is great for bees, butterflies and moths

• Hardy evergreen shrubs are a great choice because they require little care once established

• If the lawn is getting too much, be more relaxed about weeds and don’t worry about collecting clippings. You could even consider laying artificial turf!

L I F E S T Y L E

GARDENING IN THE SUMMER

Summer’s here and the time is right for getting out into the fresh air and really enjoying your garden. You’ve put in the work in the late Winter and early Spring and things are really starting to bloom as the growing

season develops. But you can’t completely sit back on your laurels just yet - there’s still plenty to be done to keep your pride and joy looking its best.

If gardening is not your thing but you still want to enjoy your outdoor space, there are some low maintenance options.


New homes and all the facilities and services to support them are springing up all over Corby.

To the west of Corby there is Priors Hall Park, a growing community set in 1,200 acres of parkland. As well as a wide choice of properties there are green open spaces, woodlands, play areas, cycle paths, walking routes and recreational areas.

Although it is on the edge of town you are still only a few minutes from the centre of Corby with all its shopping and leisure facilities. Priors Hall Park is also alongside the villages of Weldon and Gretton which have excellent local shops and pubs.

To the south of Corby there is Oakley Vale, a 430-acre development that has not just new homes but also new shops (including a large supermarket), a pub and community centre. All of this is set in a landscape of open green areas and woodlands.

Corby town centre and the £40 million Willow Place shopping mall together host around 150 stores with a mix of independent and national retail brands. The town also boasts a wide range of bars and restaurants and there are delightful pubs in many of the surrounding villages.

The Corby Cube in the town centre, which opened in 2010, provides facilities including a library, a 450-seat theatre and 100-capacity studio theatre. You can watch films at Corby Cube or at the new multi-screen Savoy Cinema.

The railway station – opened just over a decade ago – offers a direct service to London.

But not everything is new. If you move into Corby now you will be in good time to take part in the next Pole Fair. This event takes place every 20 years to celebrate the granting of a charter to the town by Elizabeth 1 in 1568. The next fair is scheduled for 2022!

Corby in Northamptonshire is growing so quickly that you would be forgiven for thinking that it is an entirely new town. Although it has a long history Corby has benefitted from huge investment and expansion in recent years. Developers such as Allison Homes and Larkfleet Homes are contributing to the growth with attractively-priced new houses for first-time buyers.

Interested in a new home in Corby?




Oakley RiseIn one of the most desirable locations in Corby, Allison Homes is building modern new homes with traditional styling and craftsmanship but up-to-the-minute features and fittings.

At Oakley Rise, we have created a range of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses.

Oakley Rise is situated in the growing community of Oakley Vale among green spaces, recreational areas, woodland and cycle tracks.

The development is served by some of the best schools in Northamptonshire. It is also in the perfect location to get out and about. As well as all the leisure and cultural attractions that Corby offers, it is close to a selection of tranquil lakes, rural trails and traditional pubs.

Properties at Oakley Rise that can be reserved now include semi-detached three-bedroom homes with a garage from £227,000, a four-bedroom house with garage for £325,995 and detached five-bedroom homes with a garage for £335,995.

Gretton ValleySet in 1,200 acres of Northamptonshire parkland, the Gretton Valley development by Larkfleet Homes is part of Corby’s Priors Hall Park housing development. It offers a wide choice of properties ranging from starter homes to large family houses – all set among acres of green open spaces.

Larkfleet Homes is building one, two, three, four and five-bedroom homes with contemporary modern designs and details. All the properties are fitted with solar panels which generate free electricity, and all come with a ten-year insurance-backed guarantee.

For families, there is a nursery, primary school and secondary school all within a one-mile radius, so the school run need never be a chore again!

Available properties at Gretton Valley include one-bedroom cluster-style homes from £150,000, 2-bedroom coach house style properties for £165,000, a three-bedroom mid-terrace house with garage at £209,995 and a four-bedroom end terrace house with garage for £269,000.

N E W H O M E S I N N E W C O R B Y


There’s something primal about a real fire. Watching the flames dance or gazing into glowing embers seem to satisfy some ancient instinct. Get yourself a firepit or a chimenea – entertain and enjoy the light of a real fire late into a summer evening.Make the most of your garden, whether you’re entertaining, dining al fresco or simply kicking back with a good read and a drink!

Create a cooking and dining space with a pergola that’s wired for lighting and heating. There are all sorts of outdoor ovens, chimeneas and firepits on the market. It’s perfect if you lack space inside. Create the perfect dedicated area with mood lighting and comfortable furniture. Add a sunken fire pit, BBQ or a pizza oven and you’re away.

Create a space that’s not just for eating and entertainment but also a place for relaxation and lounging around with furniture which combines both - with a sense of style, flexibility and outstanding design. Chill out and eat supper in the same place. Roomy sofas and chairs are perfect for relaxing with your guests after dinner, to while away the evening and watch the setting sun.

Resin weave furniture is trending now, but don’t forget solid all-weather aluminium sofas and chairs. Add some finishing touches with lanterns and other accessories and you’re there!

Keep everything simple – create yourself a self-service station for cutlery, plates, napkins, cups, straws and condiments.

Exterior lighting around a gazebo can create a magical atmosphere. Use fairy lights, a string of traditional lightbulbs or paper lanterns.

Got kids coming? Have a selection of garden toys and games at the ready (See box). You could also set up a special area for the young people to use to get crafting, painting, making slime or just generally getting messy.

As the sun goes down, the bugs come out. Protect food against insects. Forget about sugary canned drinks. You might also get some citronella candles. They smell great and keep the bugs at bay.

Make sure your food is suitable for outdoor eating. Fire up the BBQ for sausages, steaks and kebabs. Lots of finger foods are great.

There are lots of ideas on the internet. Just have a quick Google and you’ll not be stuck for inspiration.

1Quoits – the classic deck game of hand and eye coordination where you try and get rope

hoops over pegs to score points.

2Skittles – another classic and there are several versions of the game available online.

3 Rounders – rounders is a great game but you will need to have some space to play. If

there isn’t enough room in the garden, why not nip down to the local park?

4Kwik Cricket – this is also a great game for all the family but, like rounders, you’re going to

need some space to play in.

5Giant Snakes and Ladders – the kids will love this classic game, upsized with a

sticky board just for outdoors. There are also versions with inflatable game pieces available.

6Croquet – this might sound painfully posh, but it’s a lot of fun to play, especially if you

are having a few friends around for an al fresco party.

7French Cricket – this is a favourite with younger and older children alike and you won’t

need anywhere near as much space as you will for Rounders or Kwik Cricket.

8 Giant Jenga – using giant wooden blocks making ‘tumble towers’ is a lot of fun. There

are several versions of this classic available online.

9 Twister – Twister is a classic party game and ideally suited for playing outside on the lawn.

Guaranteed to liven up any BBQ.

10 Swing Ball – this is a fun game for the competitive members of your family. You

could have your own Wimbledon knock-out in your own back garden.

Top 10 outdoor games to play

L I F E S T Y L E

LIVE LIFE OUTDOORS THIS SUMMER

Our top tips for hosting the perfect BBQ.


“It started to feel empty when the children moved out. Then, when my husband died, there was just me rattling around in a house far bigger than I needed.

And the garden was sized to match the house. I was either going to have to employ a gardener or watch as it turned into a wilderness. There was no way I could look after it on my own.

The children came to help, of course, but they have lives and homes of their own.

So, to cut a long story short, I decided to ‘up sticks’ and move to The Croft in Baston, a Larkfleet Homes development exclusively for the over-55s.

It is not the first house move I’ve made of course. When my husband and I were young we seemed to move every couple of years as we ‘climbed the property ladder’.

But it was the first time I had moved home on my own. To be honest, I was a bit worried about all the paperwork and the practicalities of moving.

I needn’t have been worried. The salespeople at Larkfleet could not have been more helpful and they introduced me to a very friendly solicitor who talked me through all the legal things that I needed to do – and then did most of them for me!

The properties are mostly one and two-bedroom bungalows. The old family home was worth quite a lot more than I paid for a bungalow at The Croft – even though I opted for one of the larger two-bedroom homes so that my grandson can come to visit. The adviser helped me to sort out my finances and make sure the ‘profit’ I made from moving is safely invested.

Another thing that really helped was Larkfleet’s ‘assisted move’ scheme. They took care of all the arrangements for selling the old house.

All the homes have been designed to need minimal ongoing maintenance. So, I don’t need to worry about property upkeep, and the garden is a lot smaller so there’s less mowing and weeding!

So, I moved into The Croft a few weeks ago.

It has been a new beginning. I have already made some good friends. A group of us went to dinner and the theatre in nearby Peterborough last week – it was a great night out. We went on the bus but shared a taxi back. We were all talking and laughing so much I’m sure the driver was glad it is only a short journey. And Stamford is also close by.”

Currently available properties at The Croft in Baston start at £238,995 for 2-bedroom bungalow. Larkfleet is currently planning a development under The Croft brand at Oakham in Rutland.

“I was in two minds – should I move home or stay put? The family home was so full of memories. But it was not full of much else.”

Interested in a new home at The Croft at Baston or Oakham?




CB

THE CROFT AT BASTONDESIGNED FOR THE OVER 55S

D O W N S I Z I N G F O R A F R E S H S TA R T

Larkfleet Group of Companies, Falcon Way, Bourne,

Lincolnshire PE10 0FF

Telephone: 01778 391550

The Larkfleet Group of Companies includes: Larkfleet Homes

Larkfleet Homes South WestLarkfleet Homes Norfolk and Suffolk

Allison Homes

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