Love Coming Home to Highcroft

We asked Nigel one of our new purchasers of the Bluebell Apartments what life was like now he has moved to Highcroft.

What key features were you looking for in a new home?

I was looking for a two bedroomed property. I had no fixed ideas about whether it was to be a house, bungalow or apartment. I just needed it to leap out at me when I saw it.  I have waited a long time to be in this position, where I would be mortgage free and so the property needed to be worthy of that moment.  I also had no preconceived ideas, as to it being new or old, it simply needed my new home to be right.  From a features perspective, I wanted quality over quantity. I am not embarrassed to say it, I appreciate high quality things!  If that means I must wait to get something that fits the bill, so be it!

Why Wallingford?

As a teenager and young man, I lived in Tring in Hertfordshire. I regularly visited Wallingford to play against them at rugby initially, then hockey and always really liked the look and feel of the place. I remember thinking, here is somewhere I would love to live one day...but never really thought it would happen! Then two years ago, I met someone who captured my heart, and she lives in Cholsey. My daughter will be going to University or Med School next year, so the timing was right to make the move to where I wanted to be, so Wallingford was killing two birds with one stone!

What made Highcroft stand out to you?

As soon as I realised Highcroft was a Berkeley development, I was excited to visit. I knew someone who worked in this area, and she always maintained that they were the premier developer.  When I arrived to have a look around, I was immediately struck by how spacious the development looked and felt. The Boulevard is a beautiful piece of design in my eyes, and I love it every time I drive in and out. I then looked around the show homes and frankly, I knew this was the place I wanted to be.  Also, I really like being connected to Wallingford without being right in the middle, it's a very easy walk to get into the centre. 

What made you choose the home you did at Highcroft?

When I considered the options available, it was quickly obvious to me that an apartment was best suited to my needs. When my daughter and I looked at the plans, there was one apartment that lit up like a beacon...and that is the one I am now sitting in as I type these words. My balcony doors are open, I am sitting on my sofa, looking down the boulevard to the wonderful view beyond, still feeling like I am on holiday...and I have lived here for over two months!  I continue to pinch myself, I can't believe how lucky I am.

How is the transport for commuting to the city?

I regularly commute into London as I am now the assistant to a barrister, who is disabled, and she needs to visit a different court most days.  To achieve this, we drive to Reading to catch the train, it's an easy drive with beautiful views over the countryside and takes about 30 minutes. I have also taken the bus, which stops right outside my apartment, to Didcot to catch the direct train into London, again it couldn't be easier!

What are some of your favourite things to do in the area?

I am very lucky to have worked alongside someone for a couple of years, who has lived in Wallingford for a long time. She gave me a very long list of things to do and places to visit. I have been to some fantastic country pubs within a five-mile radius, been to an open-air cinema at a wonderful pub/hotel/restaurant on the river in Streatley and had breakfast and brunch in some great cafes that are within easy reach. However, it is Wallingford itself which has blown me away. It has some great restaurants, with a family-owned Italian being the favourite of my fiancé and me.  The town has a fabulous community spirit and organises some exceptional events. Three that I will mention, are the annual car rally in early summer, which for a car nut like me, is pure utopia, a mini-Glastonbury in late August called Bunkfest and finally, a firework and bonfire extravaganza in November. The firework display is extraordinary!

How are you finding living at Highcroft?

I have already alluded to how I felt when I first visited Highcroft, but living here is even better.  A huge part of this amazing experience was down to two wonderful people I have been dealing with since I committed to buying my apartment. They are Emma and Tanya, who work in the Marketing Suite onsite.  At the risk of sounding cheesy, I now consider them to be friends.  They have been an absolute pleasure to deal with. Anyone who knows me, will testify to the fact that I don't say things like this lightly.  I will never forget 'completion day' when my daughter and I walked into the apartment, the first time we had seen it finished. I am so glad Tanya was with us, to see the expressions on our faces as she had worked very hard to get us some of the things we really wanted in the home. I only wish Emma could have been here too, but I have tried to make her aware of how thankful we are. Finally, I also want to compliment all that work on the development, they are all so helpful and friendly, nothing appears to be too much trouble. I also want to take the opportunity to mention Alex, the site manager, who is also both a lovely guy and beyond helpful.  Bottom line, I love living here...couldn't possibly be happier!