Meet Our Buyers - D'Urton Grange

Robert and Julie have moved more times than most thanks to his job working for a brewery company. Previously buying houses in Nottingham, South Northamptonshire and Lancashire – three of which were new builds – the couple are pros when it comes to finding exactly what they’re looking for.

But their latest move is perhaps their most important to date. With Robert now retired, the couple were ready to put down roots somewhere they could call home for many years to come, and a new-build house was a big priority.

Julie explains; “We actually lived in our last house for 17 years – it was a four-bed detached with a big garden, and the children had grown up there. But it was an older property and it required constant work. When we decided we were going to downsize and release some equity, we knew straight away it had to be a new build. We wanted to pick the perfect finishes and be the first to live in our home.”

The couple looked at a lot of new build estates in the north west, but fell instantly in love with D’Urton Grange, a new development by Laurus Homes, part of L&Q. Located in Broughton, a sought-after suburb on the fringes of Preston, D’Urton Grange offers a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses. Thoughtfully designed with buyers in mind, the modern homes boast spacious open plan living areas, built in kitchens, off-street parking and private gardens.

“We came and saw D’urton Grange and fell in love with it. We really loved the style of houses; the roads are really wide and the homes are all different – it’s like a movie set! A lot of new estates are regimented, cramped and filled with the same style of houses. This just stood out.

“The size of the kitchen was a big draw – it fits a table, has a great layout, and we’ve even got a utility and downstairs toilet!”

Julie and Robert bought a three bedroom detached house, moving in in the summer months.

Julie explains; “One of the bedrooms is a walk-in wardrobe, mostly filled with my things! The second is a study with a sofa bed. Our daughter lives close by so doesn’t need to stay, but our son will probably come each Christmas, so it’s great to have the space to put him up when he visits.”

Julie now walks the 1.5 miles to her job at Preston College most days, with Robert doing consulting work with a local estate agency. The couple enjoy the good connections and plenty of open space for walks.

Robert says; “Durton Lane used to be a through road, but it’s now closed off to cars at one end and so only leads into our estate – it’s nice and private. They opened up a 21 mile cycling and walking route which goes all the way round Preston, its wonderful. I’ve done part of the route because it comes straight past the estate entrance. We’re right on the edge of the countryside but with good access to everything.”

Talking about their buying experience with Laurus Homes, part of L&Q, Julie concludes; “We spoke a lot with Toni and Olivia – both have been so helpful and kept us informed throughout. They were so helpful and lovely and helped make the move as stress free as possible.”

Now settled, the couple are keen to put down firm roots in the local community.

Julie says; “We have met some neighbours, there is a nice family down the road and there is always people walking past. We’re looking forward to more people moving in in the coming months.

“This will be our last move, we love it here. We originally thought we wanted a bungalow, but now we realise the stairs will keep us fit!”