Exquisite New Homes Magazine - Issue 8

INTERIORS | NEW HOMES | OUT & ABOUT | COMMUNITIES | SCHEMES | ACCESSORIES
NEW HOMES MAGAZINE
TRAVEL INSPIRATION BRING THE EXOTIC HOME
SEASONS IN THE SUN MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN
100 YEARS,
100 WOMEN
CELEBRATING FEMALES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
OUT ON
THE TILES
PORCELANOSA PRAISE THE VERSATILE AND TIMELESS TILE
EXCLUSIVELY FOR


Buying or selling your home?
Online access 24/7 - Contact us 7 days a week
PLS Solicitors acts for customers buying or selling their home, nationally.
As a proud partner of Bovis Homes, customers can expect a discounted rate on our fees.
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0330 024 4536 Quote PLS247
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Talk to us:
0344 633 1000
Your home, our warranty
Check for Buildmark
NHBC care passionately about the quality of new homes, and we work closely with our registered builders to help them improve construction quality. So, before you buy a new home, check it comes with Buildmark, our 10 year warranty and insurance policy.
NHBC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
NHBC is registered in England and Wales under company number 00320784. NHBC’s registered address is NHBC House, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK5 8FP.
M207 03/18


Our homes provide us with the warmth and comfort we crave during the colder months, and in this edition of Exquisite we’ve got a wide range of features and
stories which you can enjoy during a cosy night in.
If you’re looking for a new home or you’ve recently
moved house, this is the magazine for you. We’ve teamed up with experts across Bovis Homes to bring you a wealth of information to help you make that dream move, and once you’ve picked up the keys, we’ve got a variety of inspirational ideas so you can make your new house a home.
We’ve got some useful purchase assistance schemes which could make your move that much easier featured on page 20, and to prove just how simple it can be, we chat to a cross-section of recent buyers and hear about their experiences and the scheme that suited their needs.
Once you’ve got the keys to your new home, if you’re looking for a little creative inspiration, help is at hand. We’ve got a range of product ideas to add the nishing touches to your home from page 9.
If you’re looking for more personal interior design inspiration, turn to page 36 where we’ll show you
bovishomes @bovishomes
how to turn your travel experiences into beautifully themed rooms.
Winter is the perfect time of year for comfort food and on page 63 we’ve got a recipe for the most comforting meal of all, slow cooked lasagne.
Bovis Homes is always looking at ways to celebrate and encourage staff and on page 50 you can read about its hugely successful 100 years, 100 women event. The housebuilder is dedicated to helping more women get into the construction industry, an area where females still remain a minority, and it asked staff what they think needs to change.
Bovis Homes has properties available in over 100 prime locations across the country and you can
see them all in our directory on page 95, as well as taking a peek at a selection of our show homes from page 70.
So whether you’re planning a move or you’re already enjoying your new Bovis Home, there’s hopefully a lot to inspire you in this issue.
Enjoythereadand happymoving! Charlotte
@BovisHomes @bovishomes
Welcome!


16
63
70
38
60


32
14
09 SIX OF THE BEST
We round up the best rugs,
vases and armchairs of the season
14 OUT ON THE TILES
We celebrate the timeless
quality of the tile with Porcelanosa
16 BOVIS HOMES INSTAGRAM Follow us and be inspired
50 100 YEARS, 100 WOMEN Bovis Homes celebrates the
centenary of women’s right to vote
53 SMART HOMES
Have your home pre-wired for
today’s and tomorrow’s technology
54 SPOTLIGHT ON WOKINGHAM
A traditional community with modern convenience
60
18
Enjoy a village lifestyle just a short distance from the capital
SPOTLIGHT ON
HERTFORDSHIRE
56
20 PURCHASING SCHEMES We’re here to help you nd
the ideal scheme for you
Inspiring products to personalise your new home
26
CUSTOMER STORIES
Your perfect cup of coffee at the push of a button
63 LASAGNE RECIPE
The ultimate comfort food to
warm your winter evenings
GLORIOUS GARDENS
New home buyers share their moving experiences
32 HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS
64
Adorn your walls with these stunning pieces of art
Anthony Henn reveals his top gardening tips
36 TRAVEL-INSPIRED ROOMS Experience far away places in
the comfort of your own home
67
INDOOR PLANTS
Contents
ACCESSORIES
GO-TO KITCHEN
GADGET
38 EARTH’S GREATEST LIGHT SHOW
Fill your home with life by creating your own indoor garden
We highlight the dazzling Northern Lights and where’s best to see them
42 SPOTLIGHT ON STANTON CROSS
Take a sneak peek at this ambitious new Northamptonshire community
44COMMUNITY SPIRIT Supporting clubs, charities and
schools across the country
95
48 STAFF STORIES
We share the stories and
achievements of Bovis Homes’ staff
NATIONAL SHOW
HOME DIRECTORY
68
MARSHALLS REGISTER
Helping you choose the right trades for the job
70 SHOW HOMES
Find the perfect location for
your new Bovis Home
93 MOVING GUIDE
Keep stress to a minimum with
this handy guide from Britannia Movers
Looking for the perfect location? We can show you where to look


Decorate with Crown Decorating Centres
Call in to your local Crown Decorating Centre where our friendly team can help you to realise your dreams.
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• The latest designs in our Gallery Wallcoverings Book Bar and FREE book borrowing service
• FREE Next Day Delivery to your home* Crown Paints Limited, PO Box 37,Crown House,
Use our quick and easy store locator app to nd your nearest store
Text: CROWN to 83332 Visit www.crowndecoratingcentres.co.uk
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It’s not just paint.
* Minimum order quantity applies. Excludes Northern Ireland.


of 6the best
Here at Exquisite we’ve rounded up some of our favourite styles and interior accessories to help add that personal touch to your new home
RUGS
Keep away the cold - and warm your toes - with a beautiful rug. From distressed to geometric, we’ve found something to suit every room and every style
Lalita Textured Rug from £149 audenza.com
LinIe Design Acacia Rug Pink £312 cloudberryliving.co.uk
Braid Rug £249 made.com
Washed Denim Rug £349 venoor.com
Twin Rimini Outdoor/Indoor Reversible Rug £39.99 modern-rugs.co.uk
Rug Taco £108 thenordicfashionhouse.com
bovishomes.co.uk 9


Green ceramic owl vase £22 nhmshop.co.uk
Jabari Vase £17.99 iansnow.com
Glass Bottle Vase with Gold Feathers Design £10.50 giselagraham.co.uk
Chevron Textured Glass Vase £22.95 audenza.com
Shelby Chinoiserie Blue and White Ceramic Vase £49 artisanti.com
VASES
Add the perfect nishing touch to your new home with these chic vases and bring the scents of the season indoors. Here are six of our favourites suitable for any room in your home
10
Bohemia Enamel Ball Vase Set, Saffron £36 furnitureoutletstores.co.uk


Lille French style Armchair in Flecked Barley HR £449 Keaton Armchair, Velvet Upholstered £249
swooneditions.com
cultfurniture.com
ARMCHAIRS
Make the most of the cold and the excuse
to stay indoors by getting cosy in a stylish new armchair. We’ve handpicked six of the best to give your new living space that personal touch
Kenza Armchair £339.99 my-furniture.co.uk
Giorgio Armchair £810 sweetpeaandwillow.com
Chelsea Electric Reclining Armchair £299 furnitureoutletstores.co.uk
Trapezium Arm Chair £1120 sweetpeaandwillow.com
bovishomes.co.uk 11






OUT
ON THE
TILES


Buying a new home is just the start of an exciting journey whereby you can personalise your interior in a range of different textures and colours. There are many trends the interior design industry follow and manufacturers
are always ahead of the curve. Leading the way with innovative products are the Porcelanosa Group, which is the chosen ceramic tile supplier to Bovis Homes. With over 40 years experience and over 970 stores across the world, you can now create a bespoke look for your kitchen, bathroom or floors, with upgrades at the time you buy your new home.
Current decorative trends are based on vintage-inspired designs and atmospheres with a modern-day twist, that can reflect your personality from room to room. When you buy your new home, you can individualise your interior with beautiful, hardwearing ceramic tiles from the ‘Malaga’ collection in a variety of textures and with a palette of colours including: green, grey, ocean, beige, acero and naturally white.
Tile design and colour ranges can add volume and visual aesthetics that you would not have thought possible. Creating symmetry with geometrical design pieces and a careful choice of colour, you can transform a room into a vibrant or calming space to live in and enjoy. Stepping out of your interior design comfort zone can often be daunting, but trust Bovis Homes to help and guide you every step of the way.
Ronda, white
>> PORCELANOSA offer a vast range of tiling options to Bovis Homes customers. To see more or find your nearest showroom please visit: www.porcelanosa.com/uk/
Nast grey oor tiles
OUT ON THE TILES
Malaga, ocean
bovishomes.co.uk 15


Inspiring Images
from @bovishomes
Bovis Homes has a range of stunning show homes across the country which have been styled by top interior design experts. Follow us on Instagram and get some inspiration for your own home
Stylish street scene at Waters Edge
Breakfast at Bramble Park
Time for tea at Faringdon Fields
Football focus at Ribbans Park
Futuristic style at Roman Heights
Flower power at Mildenhall
Wendelburie Rise is out of this world
Stylish set-up at Glassthorpe Grange
So furnishings at Aston Brook
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#home #life #happy #decor #style #homesweethome #newbuild #newhome #homeinteriors # rsthome #dream #helptobuy #pretty #house #family #livingroom #design #livingthedream #idealhome #ours #openplanliving #colour #bettermemories #city #luxuryhomes #apartment #nature #lovemyhome #diningroom #dreamhouse #inspiration #bedroom #cosy #housegoals #instainteriors #kitchen # owers #love #country #garden #modern #property #bovishomes
Beside the seaside at Shorelands
Floral feature chair at Williams Gate
Elegant bedroom at Beaumont Place
Sweet dreams at The Maples
Natural colours at Boorley Park
Shabby chic at Keble Fields
Hints of autumnal yellow at Orchard Fields
Jungle fun at Nine Acres
Time for tea at Nightingale Fold
bovishomes.co.uk 17


SPOTLIGHT ON...
HERTFORDSHIRE
With many parks and nature reserves throughout the county, Hertfordshire offers those living there the chance to get out into the open countryside as well as the luxury of travelling just a short distance to get into London.
There are bustling towns and quaint villages throughout the county and soon the region will welcome another great community as an exciting new neighbourhood is emerging close to the Essex border.
Stortford Fields, on the outskirts of the market town of Bishop’s Stortford, is creating a lot of interest in the Hertfordshire housing market.
In addition to the 2,200 new homes that will eventually be built, the new neighbourhood will bring two new primary schools, shops, community facilities and 58 hectares of
green open space, including play areas and allotments.
“Stortford Fields is a ourishing new
18


location,” says regional marketing manager, Candice McCabe. “We’ve welcomed the rst residents and a community spirit is already becoming apparent. It’s an exciting time for these pioneers who are shaping the future of the brand-new neighbourhood!”
Bovis Homes offers a wide range of properties in a variety of layouts at Stortford Fields. Visitors can get a taste of the style and quality of the new houses by looking around the two show homes, the ve-bedroom Arundel and the three-bedroom Sheringham.
“The location bene ts from a wide range of attributes which makes it a really attractive place to live. It’s close to an array of amenities and and has excellent travel links, including easy access to the M11,” says Candice. “With such a wide choice of homes, we’ve welcomed a whole host of purchasers, from rst-time buyers, those looking to move up the property ladder and downsizers.”
Buyers at Stortford Fields can take advantage of a range of purchase assistance schemes. The Help to Buy – Equity Loan scheme is exclusive to brand-new homes
and is available for rst-time buyers and existing home owners alike. There is also Bovis Homes’ Smooth Move and Home Exchange schemes available for current
home owners looking to move. The schemes can save purchasers time and money, with the housebuilder dealing with the estate agents on the seller’s behalf, as well as paying the fees when the old property is sold. Bovis Homes also offers a special Key Workers Scheme, which offers a discount and ooring to those employed by a range of government bodies.
“We have an excellent team at Stortford Fields,” says Candice. “Our sales team, led by Jackie Keegan, will guide buyers through the whole process. From selecting their dream home, choosing their xtures and ttings to handing over the keys on the day they move in. While the site team, headed up by Daren Sparrow, will make sure your home is built to the highest standard, and will be on hand while you settle in.”
To nd out more about Stortford Fields contact the team by phone on 01279 933035 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, pop into the sales centre which is open daily, from 10am until 5pm. In addition to Stortford Fields, Bovis Homes offers a range of properties in nearby Apsley, Hemel Hempstead at its Aspen Park location. To nd out more, contact the team on 01442 939076 or visit the sales centre open Thursday to Monday, 10am until 4pm. Go to www.bovishomes.co.uk for more information about the homes and purchase assistance schemes.
HATFIELD FOREST
Get some fresh air and exercise by following one of the many walks around the forest. The forest trails are also ideal for running, riding and dog walking, and the lake is the perfect place for boating or fishing. Treat yourself to a refreshing drink and maybe even a slice of cake from the forest cafe.
nationaltrust.org.uk/hat eld-forest
HENRY MOORE FOUNDATION
Experience Henry Moore’s iconic work in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside with a visit to the artist’s former home in Perry Green where he lived from 1940. Visit his stunning sculpture gardens as well as the studios he built as demand for his work increased.
henry-moore.org/whats-on
JACKSON SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE
Located in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford with great travel links by car, bus or train, Jackson Square Shopping Centre boasts over 40 retail stores selling everything from clothing to electricals, jewellery to furniture. There’s also a fantastic choice of cafes for that much-needed coffee stop!
jacksonsquareshopping.co.uk
OUTSPONTLTIHGEHTILOENS
bovishomes.co.uk 19


HELP worth HAVING Buying or selling a home can prove to be a challenge. The good news is that there are several schemes out there that can help.
Read on to nd out which one is right for you...
price. Bovis Homes will deal directly with the agents for the duration of the process to save you the hassle and give you more time to do the things you enjoy.
THE SMALL PRINT
The Smooth Move scheme is only
available on certain plots and may
not be used alongside any other promotions.
WHAT DO I DO?
Simply select a new Bovis Home, register with the Smooth Move service and leave the rest to us. A £500 deposit is required when you sign up to the scheme, which is refundable against the reservation and purchase price of your new home.
(Terms and conditions apply to all schemes, please ask sales advisors for more information.)
Homes you’ll love – help you’ll really value
Smooth Move
Choose the easier, more cost-effective way to sell your old property and move into your new Bovis Home
SMOOTH
Get moving with Bovis Homes
WHAT IS IT?
Trying to sell your current property and looking forward to moving into a brand-new Bovis Home? Then consider our Smooth Move scheme.
MOVE
Smooth Move helps you to sell your current property if you are looking to buy a Bovis Home. The idea is to get you moved into your new place as soon as possible and make the process super easy. All estate agent fees are paid for by Bovis Homes when you move in, so you could save up to two per cent of your property value.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Using the service couldn’t be easier. At least two local estate agents will value your current property and Bovis Homes will suggest a selling
“
Homes you’ll love – help you’ll really value
Home Exchange
We’ll take the trouble out of moving - and save you time and money along the way
HOME
EXCHANGE
With Home Exchange, you can part- exchange your current property for
a brand-new Bovis Home and we’ll manage the sale of your existing home, from start to nish. It removes stress and saves you money!
THE SMALL PRINT
To part-exchange your home, your current property must be valued at no more than 75 per cent of the new Bovis Home you wish to purchase. We’ll arrange for your property to be valued, then make you an
offer based on the valuation (scheme only available on selected homes, please contact your selected development’s sales advisor).
WHAT DO I DO?
All that’s left to do is reserve your new Bovis Home, then we’ll manage the entire sales process on your behalf. Even after you’ve bought a new home with us, we will continue to help with the customer service
support that comes as standard with Bovis Homes. We’ll also arrange a home demonstration before you move in, to show you how everything works!
Get moving with Bovis Homes
WHAT IS IT?
“ Simply select a new Bovis Home, register with the Smooth Move service and we’ll do the rest
Home Exchange is a stress-busting scheme from Bovis Homes that makes moving house easier than it has ever been before. Not only could you save time, you could also save money. There are no buyers that might drop out and no-one can snap up the house you have set your heart on. But that’s not all, because having no estate agent fees to pay means you can save thousands of pounds on your purchase - up to two per cent of the home’s value plus VAT.
20


HELP TO BUY:
EQUITY LOAN
Whether you’re a rst-time buyer looking to get on
the property ladder or an existing home owner ready to move, the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme could make that dream home a more a ordable reality
WHAT IS IT?
The Help to Buy scheme was announced in the 2013 Spring Budget and includes a shared-equity package, aimed at getting rst-time buyers and existing home owners on and up the property ladder. Available to purchasers of new-build properties up to the value of £600K, the buyer only needs a ve per cent deposit, and receives an equity loan from the
Government of up to 20 per cent. There is no % cap on your earnings to allow you to qualify.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Ideal for those struggling to raise large deposits
for a new home, the ve per cent deposit
requirement and the 20 per cent equity loan of
Help to Buy mean you have access to 75 per cent loan-to-value mortgages and therefore more competitive interest rates. The Government loan is interest-free for the rst ve years and can be repaid once your mortgage is paid off or upon the sale of your home.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
If you are interested in the Help to Buy scheme, you will need to get in contact with a participating housebuilder, such as Bovis Homes, or your local HomeBuy agent, who will be
your rst point of contact.
THE SMALL PRINT
The equity loan must be repaid within 25 years or earlier if you sell your home. You must repay the same percentage of the proceeds of the sale to the Government as the initial equity loan (eg if you received a 20 per cent loan, you will need to pay back 20 per cent of the proceeds of the sale). The loan is interest-free for the rst ve years. However, if the loan is not paid back within this time, the interest will rise to 1.75 per cent and continue to rise annually by Retail Price Index (RPI) in ation plus one per cent.
Terms and conditions apply. Please go to www.bovishomes.co.uk to nd out more and speak to your sales advisor.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP THE REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
SCHEMES
In partnership with
Home Reach is a shared ownership option which is available with selected plots at many Bovis Homes locations across the country. With the scheme, you buy a share of your chosen home and pay a low monthly rent on the part you don’t buy. You get to choose whether you buy a bigger share of a lower priced home or a smaller share of a more expensive one
With the Bovis Homes partnership with heylo housing, you can initially purchase between 50 per cent and 75 per cent of your chosen home, then heylo will become your landlord for the rest. This means you will be able to live in your home as if you’ve bought it outright. You can buy more of your home in the future and stop paying rent on that part.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
• Smaller deposit requirements and lower monthly payments make it easier to buy the home you’ve always wanted.
• You decide how much of your home you would like to buy, with shares between 50 per cent and 75 per cent (on a small number of developments there is the opportunity to purchase a lower percentage).
• You are able to purchase your share with either cash savings or by taking out a mortgage. If you are taking out a mortgage to nance your share, then you will typically need to allow for at least a ve per cent deposit. The larger your deposit, the lower your mortgage payments will be.
• On the share you don’t own, you will pay rent of 2.75 per cent of the unsold value. This will be paid monthly by direct debit.
THE SMALL PRINT
You are eligible to purchase a Home Reach property in England or Wales if:
• Your household income does not exceed £80,000 per annum (for homes outside of London).
• You have a deposit (at least ve per cent of the share value).
• You are a rst-time buyer or used to own a home, but cannot afford to buy outright now.
• You currently occupy a shared ownership property and are looking to move.
• The shared ownership property will be your principle and only home.
• You have passed a nancial assessment, demonstrating you are nancially able to purchase the minimum share value and support the monthly costs.
Terms and conditions apply, visit the website or pop into the sales centre to nd out more.
bovishomes.co.uk 21


Did you know?
Less than 1% of burglaries occur in houses which have an alarm system
A typical system is shown below with additional devices available such as smoke and heat detectors and internal and external detectors with built-in cameras.
These additional devices enable you take control of your alarm system by using the FREE Visonic-Go App. You can receive alerts via your smart-phone or tablet where you will be able to quickly see if a burglar has broken into your home and will be able to visually verify the activity to the police. The Visionic-Go App can also be used to remotely set or unset an alarm system.
The results of a Which? survey support the annual crime prevention statistics that reveal that homes with a well tted and maintained alarm system account for less than 1% of burglaries.
BRoedvirsoHwoamreswaorrekiwngorinkinpgaritneprasrhtniperwsihthipTwycitoh TSyecourity SPerocduurictytsPtrodouffcetrsotuorocfufesrtomurecrsuspteoamcersofpmeaincdeboyf mprionvdidbinygparonveidainsgy taonuesaes,ybtuot uhsigeh, lybuetffheicgthivlyeesfefeccutrivitey seocluutiroitny.sTohluetiVoinso. TnhicePVoiswoenrimc Paostweer r3m0aistaemr 3a0rkiseta mleadrkinegt lweairdeilnegsswinirteruledsesrinatlarurmdesryaslatermswyisthteamwwiditeh a wraindgeeraonfgdetoefcdtieotnecdteiovnicdesevtoicecsovtoerctohveevrathryeinvgarying requirements different properties may require.
Smoke and Heat Detector
New Motion Detector
Vanishing Contact
Wireless Alarm System )installed out of sight(
For more information:
Call: 020 8750 5660 or Email: [email protected]
or visit our website www.visonic.com/uk © 2017 Tyco Security Products. All rights reserved.


KEY WORKERS
SCHEME
Helping essential key workers get on the housing ladder
At Bovis Homes we understand the time pressures that people who
work in essential professions face. The Key Workers Scheme has been designed to minimise the potential nancial outlay of buying a new home as well as the hassle and hidden costs that go along with it.
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
• A price discount of £500 for every £25,000 you spend on a Bovis Home. This equates to two per cent of the list price.
• We will include your ooring* up to the value of £3,000!
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
You must be employed by one of these Government bodies at the time of buying your new home and be able to provide three months worth of pay slips that state that you work in one of these services.
> NHS
> Police force
> Education
> Fire service
> Ministry of Defence
> Environmental Health Service
> Highways England Traf c Of cer service
> Prison service
> Probation service > Local authority
Purchasers may also have access to the Help to Buy - Equity Loan scheme where the Government will loan you up to 20 per cent of the property value to help get you moving.
Terms and conditions apply. See www.bovishomes.co.uk
“ The Key Workers Scheme has been designed to minimise the
potential nancial outlay of buying a new home as well as the hassle and hidden costs that go along with it
SCHEMES FOR THE ARMED FORCES
Bovis Homes is % a proud signatory
of the Armed Forces
Covenant and as part
of this commitment has devised the ‘All Inclusive’ Discount Scheme
The package is speci cally designed to help serving members of the UK Armed Forces or active reservists to buy a brand-new home as simply and affordably as possible.
THE ALL-INCLUSIVE DISCOUNT SCHEME
What does it include?
• A price discount of £500 for every £25,000 you spend on a
Bovis Home. This equates to two per cent of the list price.
• All curtains, carpets and ooring included. This means
you won’t need to worry about measuring up; just bring
your furniture!
Bovis Homes will also contribute £500 towards your
legal costs (when you use one of our referred independent solicitors).
This ‘all inclusive’ package could be combined with the Government Help to Buy - Equity Loan and the Forces Help to Buy initiatives, to provide the ultimate home- buying assistance.
Please note: the schemes can also be used separately and Forces Help to Buy is only available to regular Armed Forces.
Terms and conditions apply. Please go to www.bovishomes.co.uk to nd out more and speak to your sales advisor.
SCHEMES
bovishomes.co.uk 23
“


Expert Friendly Advice when you need it!
• In partnership with Bovis Homes for many years
• Whole of market mortgage advice
• We do not charge a fee for our advice
• Local mortgage advisors who will visit you in your home or at work
• Advisors are contactable 7 days a week
• Advice on all assistance schemes
New Home Mortgage Specialists
Advisory Financial Services • Arena Business Centre • 9 Nimrod Way • East Dorset Trade Park • Wimborne • Dorset • BH21 7UH Telephone: 01202 862515 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.advisoryfs.co.uk
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Typically we do not charge a fee for mortgage advice.


MORTGAGE
MATTERS
With so many rst-time buyers looking to step onto the ladder, we spoke to David Murray, Senior Partner at Advisory Financial Services who has given us some of his advice and things to bear in mind when looking to obtain
your mortgage
> CHOOSE SOMEONE YOU TRUST The process of applying for a mortgage can be time consuming and complicated so it is vital that you are able to consult with professionals you can trust.
> INCOME AND OUTGOINGS Lenders will need to confirm that you can afford the mortgage you apply for and to do this they will work out your household income and take all your regular household bills and outgoings into account, along with any debts such as loans and credit cards, to make sure you have enough left to cover the monthly mortgage repayments. In addition, they’ll do a credit check to take a look at your financial history and assess how much of a risk lending to you might be.
> NEW-BUILD SPECIALISTS There are a number of lenders who specialise in the new-build market who we have established special high-level relationships with which results in quicker turnaround times and more understanding when processing your application. The number of schemes available and the interest rates charged will vary according to the amount of deposit that you can put down.
> PURCHASE SCHEMES There are also Government-backed options available, such as Help to Buy. To qualify, the property you are looking to purchase must be a new build, your only home and must not cost more than £600,000. You may be able to get on the property ladder with just a five per cent deposit.
> HOME REACH: SHARED OWNERSHIP If you can’t quite afford the mortgage on 100 per cent of a home, Home Reach, a shared ownership scheme, offers you the chance to buy a share of your home (between 50 per cent and 75 per cent of the home’s value) and pay rent on the remaining share. Later on, you could buy bigger shares when you can.
David Murray
MORTGAGE MATTERS
> DECISION IN PRINCIPLE To give you an approximate idea of the size of mortgage you would qualify for we would recommend that you speak to us to get a ‘Decision in Principle’. Before you proceed with a formal application we recommend that you compile a list of all your income and outgoings so that you can work out your budget. When you are ready to proceed you will need to supply:
> Proof of identity > Proof of income > Statements
> Details of all financial commitments
> Proof of deposit
> EXCHANGE AND COMPLETION Your mortgage advisor will complete and submit all of the paperwork on your behalf and liaise with the lender to ensure your application proceeds to offer quickly. We endeavour to ensure that you are ready to exchange contracts on your new home within 28 days of the date of reservation, working closely with your solicitors and developer.
bovishomes.co.uk 25


26
CUSTOMER STORIES
From rst-time buyers to existing homeowners, Bovis Homes are experts in helping people nd their dream property. Read these inspiring stories from buyers enjoying life in their brand-new homes.


Dream Devon home at the end of the rainbow for Max and Sue
Max and Sue Schlae i fell in love with Bovis Homes’ Bovey Tracey location straight away. Even the fact that it hadn’t yet been
built and that they would have to wait two years until they would be able to move in didn’t diminish their enthusiasm for their dream home!
Hong Kong nanciers say family decision to buy Cambridgeshire new-build all adds up!
Acouple from Hong Kong, who have set up their own business in this country, are singing the praises of their new-build home, which was chosen from more than 20 Cambridgeshire properties after a rigorous family selection process.
Winner Lee and her husband Sunny Yiu have moved into a Bovis Home at Paragon, in Great Kneighton, near Trumpington, with their two children Abbie and Aiden.
When the couple saw the plans for Williams Gate, they found the home they wanted to move in to, although it wasn’t even available to reserve at
this point.
“It was 2015 when we found the perfect plot,” says Max. “Although we knew it was very early, we decided to put our house on the market. We knew Williams Gate was going to be great – and it is great! It was going to be our home at the end of
a rainbow.”
Max and Sue were living in Christow, a small village on the edge of Dartmoor, and were keen to move into a new-build home.
“We both really wanted a modern brand-new house. It’s lovely to be the rst person to live in a home when everything is brand spanking new,” explains Max. “We visited a range of Bovis Homes’ developments around Devon, such as Bude, Teignmouth and Exminster, and we just knew that Williams Gate was going to be something special.”
After selling their home, Max, a retired investment manager, and Sue, a retired commercial of cer, moved into a rented home in Chudleigh.
“We were aware that we would be waiting for a long time, but we had our hearts set. It was hard
The couple, who have established a photo gift company, saw 25 houses after they decided to live in Cambridgeshire and whittled it down to a handful after consulting their children.
Winner, Sunny, Abbie and Aiden all added
their views - and decided that the Bovis Homes ve-bedroom Newnham house type was the one, because of its open-plan living and study space, which allows them to work comfortably from home.
Winner said the family preferred new-build over second-hand homes, and the two children loved having their own en suites and also enjoyed the location of the property, near plenty of green space and local schools.
“We were looking at new-builds as we don’t like older properties and we were not disappointed in what Cambridgeshire had to offer,” Winner said. “There are many new-build homes to choose from, but it was Bovis Homes that really impressed us.
“We love the layout and design of our property. There is also a lot of space between the houses and we are facing a duck pond, which is a great view and it feels very private.
“We all sleep in the bedrooms on the top oor, so it’s very easy to look after the children at night and in the winter, we only need to heat one oor.”
Abbie and Aiden both go to schools that are
a short bus and bike ride from their home and when they’re not there, they take advantage of the nearby parks and playground. It is the rst time the family have lived in a house with a large garden, having lived in an apartment in Hong Kong.
After working in the nance industry for 20 years in Hong Kong, the pair have returned to the UK
renting for 15 months, but we knew it would all be worth it – and it was.”
Moving into their four-bedroom home last year, the couple quickly settled into life at Williams Gate. “It is a fabulous location,” says Max. “It has been
designed really well, with lots of open space and a variety of house types, creating lovely street scenes. We have the countryside on our doorstep, as well as being close to the amenities in the town. We can also get to Exeter and Plymouth easily. We’ve got the best of both worlds.
“I love going outside and we’ve got a big south- facing garden. We actually took some inspiration from Bovis Homes’ Exquisite magazine and created a circular pathway joining the patio to the end of the garden.
“The people are great and we’ve now become friends with the team here. John, the site manager, and Marcus, the assistant site manager are excellent and the sales team have been great. They all really do go the extra mile and they went above and beyond for us.
“Our new home lived up to our expectations and more!” says Max. “We couldn’t be happier here at Williams Gate.”
and set-up GlassXpert & Design. They are working from their new home while they search for
retail space.
The nanciers wanted to be close to London but without having to endure its hectic lifestyle. They visit the capital every two weeks to shop and
visit restaurants.
The Newnham has three luxury oors, with
three bedrooms, three en suites and a terrace on the top oor; two bedrooms, a family bathroom and another terrace on the rst oor; and the open-plan kitchen and dining area, cloakroom and double garage on the ground oor.
Paragon has a range of one, two, three, four and ve-bedroom properties for sale. For more information about house types, prices and the purchasing schemes available, visit www.bovishomes.co.uk
CUSTOMER STORIES
bovishomes.co.uk 27


Love at rst sight for rst-time buyers Jack and Tina
It was love at rst sight for rst-time buyers Jack Saunders and Tina Bagley when they visited Roman Heights, a new part of the Lich eld
community, and thanks to Help to Buy and Bovis Homes, the couple had a dream move into their very rst home there.
Jack, a business development manager, and Tina, an accountant, made the decision to move in together and get on the property ladder. After visiting a Help to Buy show in Birmingham, the couple decided a new-build home would be the ideal choice.
“We realised that with the Help to Buy – Equity Loan scheme, we would be able to get much more, so we started to look at new-build homes,” says Jack. “We decided to visit Roman Heights one weekend and loved it instantly. We went back the next day and put our deposit down!”
The Government’s Help to Buy – Equity Loan scheme is exclusively available for new-build properties and is available to rst-time buyers and existing home owners alike. With the scheme, the Government provides a loan of up to 20 per cent of the property’s value, which means the buyer only needs to secure a mortgage for 75 per cent and a ve per cent deposit.
“Tina was living in Sutton Cold eld and I was in Tyseley,” says Jack. “We looked around the area at a few new-builds, but as soon as we walked into the Bovis Homes sales centre, we knew we were in good hands. Barney and Charlotte, the sales advisors were brilliant.”
Jack and Tina selected the three-bedroom
Southwold which has an open-plan kitchen and living area with French doors out into the garden and an en-suite bathroom in the master bedroom.
“The layout is great and just perfect for us. It’s amazing to have an en suite and the bedrooms are really good sizes,” says Jack.
“The whole process was so smooth and straight- forward! Moving to a new house is a breeze! Using the Help to Buy scheme was really easy and Barney and Charlotte helped us every step of the way.”
The couple were able to visit their home through the build stages and were given the chance to personalise it by choosing their own tiles and kitchen units.
“We were given so much choice, which was brilliant,” says Jack. “We are really happy with our selections and the kitchen and bathroom look great!
“Barney and Charlotte were brilliant. Nothing was ever too much trouble for them and everything we asked for was always dealt with,” says Jack. “They still pop over now to ask if everything is okay and to have a catch-up. We had a great experience with Bovis Homes.”
Roman Heights in Lich eld offers a variety of three, four and ve-bedroom homes.
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A forever home for
serial mover Paul!
In his work life, Paul Cogger is a creature of habit, having worked for the same company for more than 20 years.
But when it comes to buying houses, he’s quite
different – in fact, he’s owned a total of ve in the last ve years!
And when a change of circumstances meant his family needed to upsize, Paul was on the look-out
for a new home in Kent once more.
“My wife Tammy and I had moved a fair few times
in recent years and were settled in a three-bedroom house in Barming,” explains Paul. “But with my two children visiting us regularly and my niece coming to live with us too, we decided that we just needed more space.
“We wanted to stay local, as we’ve lived around here for a long time, my work is very close-by and we have lots of good friends here.”
Paul began his search with a set of basic criteria – four bedrooms and plenty of downstairs space
for entertaining.
“We also wanted a new-build home too,” adds Paul. “With such busy lives, we like to know that when we move in, nothing needs to be done.”
They didn’t need to look far either. Just around the corner from their current home, Paul and Tammy discovered Bovis Homes’ Orchard Fields location, where they found the Chester house type.
“I was driving home from work one evening, and noticed the Bovis Homes for sale,” explains Paul. “The sales of ce was closed but I had a look around
from the outside. I loved the style of the house and thought it could be perfect for our family.”
The Chester is a ve-bedroom detached family home with a separate downstairs study, as well as two en-suite bathrooms upstairs. There’s plenty of space for entertaining too with a large living room and spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area.
Within a matter of days, Paul and Tammy had decided the Chester was the perfect home for them and made a reservation. A few weeks later, the whole family was moved in.
“The whole process was super smooth,” says Paul. “The sales team were always on hand to answer any questions, and whenever the children wanted to take a look at the house, they were happy to give us a tour.
“Once we’d moved in, the site manager gave us his phone number and said to call if we needed anything, and any minor snags were dealt with quickly. We’re well settled in now, and we couldn’t be happier.”
CUSTOMER STORIES
bovishomes.co.uk 29




CUSTOMER STORIES
Housing expert
becomes a home buyer
Keen to get on the property ladder and armed with a good knowledge of the housing industry, Jade Olds and her husband John
knew just the place to start their search.
Working as a sales advisor at Bovis Homes’ High
View location in Paulton, Jade knew better than anyone else that this would be the perfect place
for her family to live, and she didn’t need to worry about persuading her husband, as he had worked there too!
“We wanted to buy a new-build property as we liked the idea that it would be our very own home from the beginning,” says Jade. “We were renting just down the road and I knew High View would be the ideal place for us to buy our
rst house.
“John used to be the site manager and I work in the sales of ce, so we know all about the location and the homes here.”
The couple selected the four-bedroom Buxton and used the Government’s Help to Buy – Equity Loan scheme, which is available exclusively on new-build homes to rst-time buyers and existing owners.
Using the scheme, buyers can get an equity loan from the Government for up to 20 per cent of the property, meaning the purchaser only needs a ve per cent deposit and to secure a mortgage for 75 per cent of the property price.
“The Help to Buy scheme was great! We used the recommended nancial advisor who made the process so quick and easy,” says Jade. “It took all the hassle away from trying to do it ourselves! He found us a great rate with a well-known top lender, which we were not expecting!”
Jade and John moved into their new home earlier this year with their four-year-old, Eva and dog, Dolly.
“We really like the open-plan living room/diner, which was great over the summer as we were able to open up the patio doors until very late into the evenings. I love all the space in the house and absolutely adore our kitchen, which we got to choose ourselves along with the bathroom tiling. It’s so nice to have everything so new and fresh,” adds Jade, who now has an extra insight into purchasing a Bovis Home at High View, that she can share with potential buyers.
“It was very interesting seeing the process from a customer’s point of view! I really enjoyed the whole thing and it was all very exciting!” says Jade. “I love my job. It’s so nice to meet people from the very beginning and follow them on their home buying journey and then have the pleasure of handing over the keys to them!
“And another bene t – it only takes me two minutes to get to work in the morning now!”
bovishomes.co.uk 31


HOME
A home is incomplete without the presence of art, be it an original Lowry or a mass produced print. From showcasing your identity to brightening the spirits of your guests, art provides value in many unexpected ways
IS WHERE THE art IS
‘At The Balcony’ Cannes French Photography Wall Art - abstractHouse.com


HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS
ALEXANDER & PEARL
Created in 2010, Alexander & Pearl are an e-boutique which offers a range of furniture, lighting and decorative home accessories that will beautifully transform your home. If you’re looking for a canvas or a framed print then they have a large selection of abstract pieces as well as a range of black and white portraits. Overall, these pieces are generally affordable for many households and priced from around £140 and upwards.
alexanderandpearl.co.uk
BOBBY RABBIT
This online seller is all about our little ones and specialises in illustrative wall art that adds both character and colour to a child’s bedroom. These are very reasonable and an A3 print costs £25. Although it could be said that some of these pieces are a little simple in design, you’ll find that there is something here for everyone, be it a new born or young boy or girl.
bobbyrabbit.co.uk
LOLA DESIGN
If you’re a lover of animals then this is the site for you. All art and gifts are inspired by nature and designed in house by Lola. There are a smaller number of pieces to choose from and the majority have a very similar style to them. The quality of the fine art animal prints are fantastic and at £25 each you really can’t go wrong when kitting out your daughter’s bedroom.
LIME LACE
These days most online interiors companies spread the net across
home accessories and Lime Lace is
no exception. Besides art you’ll find a variety of soft furnishings, kitchen wear and lighting, with a range of different styles. The ‘Justice’ and ‘Starlight’ framed prints, pictured, start at £80 and retro ‘POP Art’ starts from £15. There are options around the £250 mark if you’re looking for more of a statement.
limelace.co.uk
loladesignsltd.com
bovishomes.co.uk 33


The UK’s most recommended bed company
Over180 stores nationwide
Visit us at dreams.co.uk or call 0800 652 5090
Most recommended bed company based on TrustPilot scores as at 8th February 2017 when compared against leading UK bed retailers. For more information visit dreams.co.uk or uk.trustpilot.com.


ARTISANTI
When visiting this site, search under ‘wall décor’ as it is predominately an accessories type of company. Artisanti sells a selection of retro photo prints but what makes it stand out is its Tribeca Metal wall sculptures! With aged, rough edges, the metal wall art pieces have a vintage, reclaimed industrial appeal, some incorporating nuts, bolts and springs to add interest and texture to any wall.
artisanti.com
ABSTRACT HOUSE
Its mission is to ‘help you find beautiful, original and authentic wall art and homewares at affordable prices’ and it certainly does do that. As a fully-fledged art dealer you’ll find a large selection, whether
that’s fine art photography, posters, abstract art prints or illustrations. Choose the look you love from contemporary to modern to traditional.
abstracthouse.com
ART HOUSE
Its wall art collections include everything from framed prints
and canvases to sculptures and ornaments and its signature animal heads. From browsing its ‘framed print’ section alone you’ll find something to complete the look you are after. Art House buys through www.wallpaperdirect.com so be prepared to be re-directed when you decide to purchase.
arthouse.com
HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS
ARTHAUS
The user-friendly site presents a large selection of genres to choose from. The only downside is that you have to click into a piece to see the range of prices. The two pictured pieces are by Desiree Feldmann from its collage collection and start at prices from £34.99. Other categories offered are abstract, surreal, fine art photography, black and white, botanical, animal and collage art.
myarthaus.com
bovishomes.co.uk 35


Travel
INSPIRED ROOMS
Travelling is cheaper and more accessible than ever before. Whether it’s the ancient sights of Rome, beautiful beaches of Indonesia, temple ruins of Thailand or snowy slopes of Canada you’re dreaming of, everyone has a place they’d love to be. Celebrate your inner wanderlust with these travel-themed accessories
WALL MURALS
Feel like you’re walking the streets of your favourite city or enjoying that view you just couldn’t get enough of from the comfort of your own home with a stunning wall mural. From the streets of Santorini and Sydney to the beaches of the Caribbean and Cancun, there are destinations from across the globe to choose from. For a greener view, try forest waterfalls or exotic rainforests for the ultimate calming space.
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MOROCCAN DESIGN
Incorporating styles from Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean, Morocco is an excellent choice for travel-inspired accessories. Lighting, and particularly dim lighting, is
a key feature in Moroccan decoration and lanterns are the ideal choice for adding a touch of the elegant, decorative and exotic style that has become synonymous with this part of the world. Ornamental tiles are another key feature in Moroccan design, often adorned with rugs of vibrant colours and elaborate textures and prints.
TRAVEL-INSPIRED ROOMS
KEEP IT NATURAL
With the focus on serenity and tranquillity, Asian design often mimics scenic landscapes and features
natural materials such as bamboo and stone. Plants and shrubs add to this natural feel and help to bring that all- important essence of Zen. Bonsai trees are specifically cultivated to mimic the shape and scale of full size trees and are the perfect accompaniment to any Asian-themed space. The cultivation of these trees is considered a Japanese art form. Other Asian art forms include Suiseki (stone appreciation) and Nishikigoi, Koi fish (a symbol of luck, prosperity, and good fortune in Japan) kept for decorative purposes in ponds and water gardens.
FINAL CALL
Capture that pre-holiday excitement with a personalised airport departure board for a unique way of remembering the adventures you’ve been on, or to display your bucket list of places yet to visit. Finish off your travel- inspired decor with a time-zone clock and feel one step closer to all of your favourite travel destinations.
bovishomes.co.uk 37


EARTH’S
An inky black night sky, seemingly set alight by dancing lights in dazzling green, violet and gold... there’s surely fewer magical sights on our planet than the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, as they’re more commonly known.
While the incredible vision looks otherworldly, as if created and beamed down by a God from another planet, the phenomenon is actually an entirely natural light show. It’s a chemical reaction in the heavens, when the sun’s highly charged particles – whizzing their way towards the magnetic North Pole – collide with the earth’s gases.
Science lesson aside, prime Northern- light-spotting season is between September and January. During this time, visitors have a higher chance of hitting the viewing jackpot.
If you’ve decided to tick the experience off your travel bucket list (rather than gazing longingly at Instagram posts), we’ve got the answers to your questions. From the essentials to insider information and the best vantage points – Exquisite is here to give you a fighting chance to see those magical dancing lights. So it’ll soon be you posting those envy-inducing images.
GREATEST LIGHT SHOW
Illuminated skies in Tromsø, Norway


THE ESSENTIALS
Q: Where on the planet should I go to see them?
A: Any country crossing the latitude line of 66° 33´ 39”, aka the Arctic Circle, are the best locations for catching a glimpse of
the Aurora Borealis. So we’re talking about Greenland, Canada, Iceland, Norway, and some areas of Sweden, Finland and Russia too. A little closer to home, you’ve got a chance of seeing them in some of Scotland’s most northerly – and scarcely populated areas – Wildaboutscotland.com recommends the Outer Hebridean Isles of Lewis and Harris, or Rubha Hunish, the northernmost tip of Skye.
Q: Once I’m there, what can I do to maximise my chances of witnessing the lights?
A: We don’t want to be a party pooper, but it’s best to manage expectations. A common misconception is that the lights will show
up every night. The truth? Like the weather, they can be unpredictable. However, one influential factor is just how low that mercury drops. The chillier it is, the better. When air is cold, it holds less water vapour, so there will be fewer pesky water molecules to ruin the view. Similarly, while it may seem magical if
Looking towards Bergen, Norway
it starts to snow, the white fluffy stuff will also scupper your chances of a sighting. Clear, dark skies with zero light pollution are what you’re keeping everything crossed for.
Q: Are professional ‘light-chasing’ companies a good idea?
A: Yes! Experts are equipped with all
kinds of clever gizmos to detect where the evening’s light entertainment is most likely
to be. ‘Sky cameras’, installed in key places, show real-time activity of the Northern
Lights – but it takes a trained eye to know when a pale grey cloud is in fact the Aurora Borealis. Better still? Consider booking with a specialist company, such as The Aurora Zone (theaurorazone.com). They offer the option
of an ‘overnight safari’ on their holidays to destinations like Finland and Alaska. Guests can stay in remote cabins, under wide-open skies far from light pollution, so they have a very real chance of witnessing a display.
Q: Will the lights look as dazzling in reality as they do in photos?
A: No; unless the ‘show’ is spectacular, you might not capture more subtle light flares. And your Smartphone isn’t going to cut it, ditto your GoPro or digital camera. Invest in or borrow a DSLR camera with a long exposure and wide lens. Lastly, the Aurora Borealis can be fleeting, so have all of the settings and equipment good to go, or risk getting a dodgy shot.
TRAVEL: EARTH’S GREATEST LIGHT SHOW
The lights come out to play in the Yukon night sky
bovishomes.co.uk 39


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Husky action in the Yukon
TRAVEL: EARTH’S GREATEST LIGHT SHOW
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Obviously, every Arctic Circle country will claim to have bigger, better and brighter Northern-Light action than their neighbours. Here are our top three picks:
Tromsø, Norway
This harbourside city, described as ‘the Gateway to the Arctic’, is located 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle, and is easily accessible from the UK over the winter period. Norwegian Air flies non-stop from Gatwick in just over 3.5 hours.
Tromsø is surrounded by epic fjords
and mountains, and within the city, you shouldn’t miss the Ishavskatedralen, or Arctic
Cathedral. Heralded as an architectural masterpiece, its eastern side features a dramatic glass mosaic that mimics the appearance of a sheer façade of ice.The cool city of Bergen makes another great base for light chasing.
The Yukon, Canada
Savvy travellers will have Canada’s northwest corner on their radar. Fly into the evocatively named capital of Whitehorse and head
to the Yukon River Valley, scattered with accommodation tailor-made for maximum viewing opportunities.
Incredibly, 80 per cent of the region remains pristine wilderness, so there’s plenty to explore in the daylight hours, from forested
White Pass, the Yukon
A starry, starry night
valleys to 5000-metre high mountains and thundering rivers. Wildlife is King here, with around 160,000 caribou, 10,000 black bears and 70,000 moose – far outnumbering the 36,000 lucky humans who call the Yukon their home.
Lapland, Finland
The Finns make the bold claim that the lights can be seen every other clear night between September – March. Lapland makes a good choice for families because a certain Mr Claus lives here. Fly to Rovaneimi (just 2.5 hours from the UK), and take the little ones to meet Santa in his ‘office’. Reindeer and husky rides are also an option in this frozen winter wonderland.
bovishomes.co.uk 41
Images courtesy of Wolfgang Bublitz and Yukon Government


SPOTLIGHT ON...
STANTON CROSS
Work on a brand-new community on the edge of the Northamptonshire town of Wellingborough is well underway, with housebuilding continuing apace.
Stanton Cross is the most ambitious project of its kind to be undertaken in the area since the 1960s and once complete, will be a thriving community of homes and businesses located in the heart of the East Midlands.
“It’s the location that really makes Stanton Cross so exciting,” explains Bovis Homes regional marketing manager Heather Suf eld.
“Situated on the eastern edge of the historic town of Wellingborough, it’s set amongst beautiful English countryside, close to the railway station, where a train to London takes just an hour. It’s also just a short drive from the county town of Northampton. All the foundations for a thriving new community are already there.”
When complete, Stanton Cross will provide
42


more than 3,650 new homes, up to 1.5m sq ft of of ce and commercial space and 3,000 new jobs. It will also bring shops, schools, a doctor’s surgery and much more.
Key transport links, including the M1 and M11 motorways, mean the development is very well connected, and jetsetters have the choice of Luton and Birmingham airports, both an hour away. Rushden Lakes shopping centre is also just a 15-minute drive away for residents craving a touch of retail therapy.
“At its core Stanton Cross is a new homes development, but it’s about so much more than just bricks and mortar,” says Heather.
“New residents at Bovis Homes’ Wendelburie Rise location, the rst phase of homes at Stanton Cross, can choose from a variety of high-quality properties from two-bed starter homes through to ve-bedroom family houses, in a range of styles that bring together the modern with the traditional.
“There are also 143 acres of new country park with lakes, playing areas and sports facilities, all within reach, and with the rivers Ise and Nene running through the heart of the site, whether it’s long walks, wildlife-spotting or tending an allotment, there’s plenty to enjoy outdoors at Stanton Cross.”
For more information on Stanton Cross go to www.stantoncross.co.uk
IRCHESTER COUNTRY PARK
Simply sit back, relax and watch the children play in the quarry-themed play area, climb the natural climbing frames and whizz around on the zip line. Visit the railway museum and explore the network of trails in the 200-acre area of woodland.
northamptonshireparks.co.uk/irchester- country-park
STANWICK LAKES
This unique 750-acre countryside attraction and nature reserve located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley features extensive and imaginative play areas, open spaces and paths perfect for families, walkers, cyclists and nature lovers to explore.
stanwicklakes.org.uk
OVERSTONE PARK HOTEL, GOLF & LEISURE RESORT
Enjoy the 18-hole championship golf course, experience the stunning new menu in the hotel restaurant or visit the state-of- the-art club house. Take advantage of the latest cardio vascular equipment, join a fitness class, take a dip in the pool or relax in the steam room, jacuzzi or sauna.
overstonepark.com
OUTSPONTLTIHGEHTILOENS
bovishomes.co.uk 43


COMMUNITY SPIRIT Bovis Homes has been busy working with clubs, schools and organisations from around the country, supporting
local communities and helping them to thrive. Here’s a round-up of the highlights from across the UK
STUDENTS GO WILD FOR WILDLIFE AT WORCESTERSHIRE GOLF CLUB
A group of Year 5 and 6 students from a Worcestershire school had the chance to have a closer look at a range of reptiles that are being relocated to a specially designed new home.
The pupils from The River School visited The Vale Golf and Country Club in Pershore to learn all about the creatures that are being moved to the course from nearby Drakes Broughton, as part of a large reptile translocation project.
Parts of the course, which spans over 150 acres and includes areas of woodland, scrub and rough grassland, are being transformed into a new enriched habitat for the reptiles. Bovis Homes is funding the 10-year scheme and has
partnered with their environmental consultants The Environmental Dimension Partnership (EDP), ecological landscapers Three Shires Ltd and The Vale Golf Club to deliver the project.
“It was an excellent opportunity to bring education alive and take learning out of the classroom by getting outside and seeing it for real,” says Stephanie Boyd, teacher at The River School. “The children were lled with excitement and wonder, and were enamoured with the whole experience. They asked lots of questions and were really interested to nd out more about the project.”
The habitat enhancements taking place include the creation of wild ower meadows, woodland management for reptiles and invertebrates,
and installing new places for wildlife to breed, hibernate and forage, including reptile log piles and shelters, bird boxes, a barn owl nest box, bat boxes and invertebrate habitat boxes.
44


BOVIS HOMES DONATES DEFIBRILLATOR TO CHINNOR COMMUNITY
Life-saving apparatus has been donated to the Chinnor Community by Bovis Homes’ Southern Counties region, making sure that the right equipment will be close at hand if needed in an emergency by members of the public.
Bovis Homes has given a de brillator to Chinnor Parish Council, which could one day mean the difference between life and death.
“We believe de brillators are essential pieces of kit for communities and we now have them located at all of our sites and in our regional of ces,” says James Dunne, managing director for Bovis Homes’ Southern Counties region.
“We hope that there’ll never be a need to use the de brillator, but it’s reassuring to know that it is available, and you cannot underestimate how important this apparatus could be for someone.”
A de brillator delivers an electronic current through the chest which aims to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. The chance of survival decreases by 23 per cent every minute following a cardiac arrest.
“Chinnor Parish Council is very grateful for
the recent donation of a de brillator from
Bovis Homes,” says Liz Folley, Chinnor Parish Council clerk. “To ensure that we have an even distribution of de brillators, this one will be placed at the Chinnor Railway Station. Thanks to both Chinnor First Responders and Bovis Homes for their generous support of this project.”
COMMUNITY NEWS
STUDENTS GET CREATIVE FOR HEADCORN HOARDING
A new Kent development is showing off the creative talents of local school children, following a competition that has seen the students’ drawings blown-up and displayed on the site’s hoarding.
A group of Year 5 and 6 pupils at Headcorn Primary School have seen their drawings turned into graphics around Bovis Homes’ Catkin Gardens location after winning a competition held by the housebuilder.
“All the children got stuck into the project and it was extremely hard to select just six winners,” says regional marketing manager, Candice McCabe. “The project made them think about the importance of health and safety and we were delighted with how well they took that on board and how the key messages were represented in their artwork.”
The winning drawings now adorn the fencing around Catkin Gardens, a new part of the Headcorn community, which will bring a range of three, four and ve-bedroom homes to the village.
“The pictures have really brightened up the area and certainly made the fencing much more interesting!” says Candice. “Creating these posters has provided a fun and engaging way to teach the children about the dangers a building site can pose and what measures are put in place to ensure residents, contractors and staff are kept safe.”
Louise Woodgate, teacher at Headcorn Primary School, said: “The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to take part in this art competition and we are very proud of their achievements.”
To register your interest and for updates about Catkin Gardens, go to www.bovishomes.co.uk
BOVIS HOMES STEPS IN TO SPONSOR OAR-SOME ATLANTIC CHALLENGE
Bovis Homes is helping four intrepid fundraisers make a splash by supporting the quartet of Devon hockey players who will be swapping their sticks for oars to row across the Atlantic Ocean.
The South West region is sponsoring ‘Astro to Atlantic’, a team of four girls - Louise Read, Helen Symons, Chloe Harvey and Emily Read – who are taking part in one of the world’s toughest races, The Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.
The team, who have been playing hockey together for the past eleven years, will be rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean on a 23 ft boat for up to 90 days unsupported and unaided.
Bovis Homes’ donation has gone towards helping to fund the purchase of the extensive kit the team require to take part in the challenge.
All born and bred in Devon, the four girls are hoping to win the challenge and break the world record in the process to become the fastest all-women crew to cross the Atlantic.
In addition to collecting funds for the challenge, throughout their journey, the Astro to Atlantic team will be raising money for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, helping to support this vital local service.
For further information about the challenge, go to www.astro-to-atlantic.co.uk.
bovishomes.co.uk 45


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COMMUNITY NEWS
EASY AS ABC FOR RUGBY PRIMARY SCHOOL THANKS TO BUILDER AND BOOKSHOP PARTNERSHIP
Pupils at Paddox Primary School in Rugby will never be lost for words thanks to a donation from Bovis Homes’ West Midlands region that has allowed the school to purchase over 100 dictionaries.
Bovis Homes stepped in with the cash boost to help the school invest in new dictionaries – and thanks to a signi cant discount offered by local bookshop Kenilworth Books – they have been able to secure 110 copies.
“Paddox Primary School are thrilled to receive over 100 dictionaries from the kind donation made by Bovis Homes,” says headteacher, Jane Le Poidevin. “We are looking to develop the rich vocabulary the children use within their writing and the opportunity for more children in Year 4, 5 and 6 to have access to quality dictionaries is fantastic.
“We would like to express our thanks to Bovis Homes and Kenilworth Books for working with us to provide this enhancement to the pupil’s learning experiences.”
Judy Brook, owner of Kenilworth Books, said: “This is a wonderful initiative – the children of Paddox Primary School are the future of this area; Bovis Homes’ action is giving them access to books and supporting their learning. It shows great forethought and a really encouraging, long-sighted approach to the concept of neighbourhood. We are delighted to be involved as a small, independent shop working in this county’s education community.”
Students between the ages of eight and 10 years old at the school have been given a dictionary to help them improve their writing and language skills.
“We are delighted that we have been able to support Paddox Primary School and help boost the resources available to the students there,” says Bovis Homes regional marketing manager, Paul Bennison. “We hope that the students get good use from the dictionaries and they are used for many years to come!”
Bovis Homes has recently joined the Hillmorton community, on the outskirts of Rugby, with its Little Morton location. Situated close to Paddox Primary School, it brings a range of three, four and ve-bedroom homes to the area.
BOVIS HOMES SUPPORTS RISING
STARS OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Move over Harry Kane, the rising stars at a girls’ football team in Shropshire could well play in a future FIFA Women’s World Cup thanks to funds from Bovis Homes’ Mercia region.
Shifnal Europeans Football Club is a sister club to the FA Women’s Premier League team, Birmingham City Ladies, and has received £1,000 in sponsorship from Bovis Homes to help with kit and training.
Five girls from the Shifnal club have recently moved to top regional senior clubs, including Birmingham City Ladies and Wolves Women.
Trevor Jones, Under 16s coach, said the funding from Bovis Homes was helping to produce future stars.
He said: “There are girls in our teams who could absolutely one day play in a Women’s World Cup. For us as a club and as coaches, that is our aim.
“Some of the girls know all the England women players, they really do engage with the sport. With the rising pro le of the women’s game, there is more exposure, and you can see the women’s game expanding.”
As a ‘Gold’ sister club, Shifnal Europeans FC players receive training from Birmingham City Ladies and get to watch them play and train for free. They also went to the UEFA Women’s Champions League nal and FA Women’s Cup Final last year.
Bovis Homes is sponsoring the kit for both the Under 8 and Under 15 sides for the next two seasons, and will have an advertising board by the pitch.
bovishomes.co.uk 47


stories
From raising money for charity to winning professional awards, Bovis Homes is proud to support the achievements and stories of its sta
Jack Allen - Whitehouse Park, Milton Keynes
STAFF
Six of the best
Six site managers from across Bovis Homes have been announced as regional winners in NHBC’s Pride in the Job Awards. It is the highest number the company has received since 2012.
The winners were selected for the Quality award from more than 16,000 site managers from across the country and the achievement illustrates Bovis Homes’ drive to recruit the best in the business and deliver high quality construction.
To win the Pride in the Job award, the developments and the site managers have been judged by NHBC specialists, with every stage
of the build inspected, ensuring meticulous and consistent attention to detail. Site managers must also demonstrate excellent leadership, technical expertise and robust health and safety processes.
Alan Cruikshanks - Keble Fields, Fairford
48
Dale Burrell - Wootton Park, Bedford
Jamie Reynolds (centre) - Froghall Fields, Flitwick
Emil Lazar, assistant site manager - Cuckoo Meadows, Hailsham
Oliver Cookson -
Loachbrook Meadow, Congleton


Sta raise funds for local hospice that supports colleague’s son
After learning rst-hand about the good work taking place at Naomi House and Jacksplace, staff at Bovis Homes Southern Counties region have been raising funds for the charity – and have now donated over £6,000. Selecting the Winchester-based hospice as its charity of the year, staff have been raising money through a variety of initiatives.
“We are delighted to support Naomi
House and Jacksplace and it is particularly meaningful as the charity assists the family
of one of our colleagues,” says Southern Counties marketing manager, Hollie Lockhart. Regional commercial director John Kelly’s son, Tom, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare muscle-wasting condition, aged just six in 2009. It is a life- limited disorder with no cure.
“It’s wonderful that my colleagues have
Gloucestershire novice cyclists ‘Tour de Friends’ smash London to Paris ride for charity
Tireless cycling friends have beaten the odds by riding from London to Paris and smashing their fundraising target for charity.
Bovis Homes’ Western marketing manager, Stephanie Spry, who lives at Bovis Homes’ location The Homelands in Bishop’s Cleeve, and four friends cycled 300 miles for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity. Overcoming a tyre puncture and rider fall,
Local home builder
donates Smalls for All
Bovis Homes Northern Home Counties region has been supporting Smalls for All, a charity which collects and distributes underwear to help women and children in Africa.
Colleagues at the head of ce in Milton Keynes have been raising funds and collecting items for the charity, which has also established an education programme to help some of the poorest children in Africa.
“Underwear is such a basic item that we take for granted in this country, but in Africa there are children and women living in such poor conditions that they only have access to a
selected Naomi House and Jacksplace as its charity of the year. Everyone has really got behind the fundraising and I’m blown away at the amount raised,” says John.
Staff at the Basingstoke-based of ce have been holding raf es, auctions and dress- down days, while a team of seven raised £2,390 for the charity by running the Basingstoke Half Marathon.
Becky Elliot, fundraising manager at Naomi House and Jacksplace, said: “We are so grateful for the extremely generous donation from Bovis Homes. Their fundraising efforts have been nothing short of magni cent, especially tackling the Basingstoke Half Marathon. We hope to work together again in the future to help support local children and young adults with life-limiting and life- threatening illnesses.”
Naomi House and Jacksplace provide expert hospice care to more than 325 children, young people and their extended families across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire, West Sussex, Surrey and the Isle of Wight.
the team rode the distance in four days and raised more than £7,500.
The ve parents, Stephanie Spry, Emily Archer, Rachel Jones, Kate Roby and Dom Cook, called ‘Tour de Friends’, broke down in tears after reaching the Eiffel Tower before going on an extra ride - around the Arc De Triomphe – in celebration.
Stephanie said the team pushed through low points by thinking about their cause, in memory of Rachel’s niece Charlie, godson Shermie and all those who are taken too soon.
“There were a couple of times that I really wanted to stop and walk but remembering why we were doing it, just kept us going,” she said.
single pair - or none at all.” says Elaine Taylor, sales administrator at Bovis Homes. “For us, donating a bra or some knickers is such a small action, but for people in Africa it can make a huge difference to their lives.
“There has been a great level of support for the Smalls for All charity,” she added. “We’ve held a cake sale, which raised £50 and the collection box has been in the of ce for a few weeks and we’ve already managed to ll it.
“We’re continuing to support Smalls for All and hope to host further fundraising events to raise more money for the worthy cause in the future.”
Basingstoke Half Marathon runners
STAFF STORIES
Stephanie Spry
Colleagues at Bovis Homes Northern Home Counties
bovishomes.co.uk 49


EDUCATION
IS KEY
Education is the key to attracting women into the construction industry, according to female housebuilding sta who attended a special event organised by Bovis Homes
The 100 years, 100 women event saw Bovis Homes employees from a range of backgrounds discuss what could be done
50
With a need to increase skilled labour in construction to meet the housing demand, and with only a small percentage of those working within the industry being female, Bovis Homes brought together women from across its business to nd out how this could be changed.
“Since women were given the right to
vote 100 years ago, there have been huge strides in the rights for women and equality, but females are still in the minority within the housebuilding sector,” says Vicky Beckwith, head of human resources at Bovis Homes. “We are aware that there is a certain perception of the industry and we’re keen to try and change this.”