When the couple began searching for a new home, finding the right location was just as important as the property itself. Originally from the north of England, Natalie was looking for somewhere that offered the peace and space she had always enjoyed, while remaining well connected to the surrounding area.

After exploring several developments, they discovered The Elms, a collection of thoughtfully designed homes by Hopkins Homes in the Suffolk village of Woolpit.

“Woolpit wasn't somewhere I'd originally considered, but when we discovered The Elms, everything seemed to fall into place. We loved the village, the setting and the variety of homes. It just felt right.”

While the location initially attracted the couple to The Elms, it was the people they met along the way who would make it feel like home.

A chance introduction that became a lasting friendship

Moving away from her friends and family in the north meant Natalie was beginning a new chapter in an unfamiliar area. Although Lewis already had connections locally, the couple were looking forward to building a life together in their new neighbourhood.

As it turned out, one of their first connections began with a simple conversation in the Hopkins Homes sales office.

“I'd decided to add a breakfast bar to our kitchen and popped in to ask Jason, our Sales Executive, for some advice about matching the cupboards. He introduced me to another resident, and we've become really close friends ever since.”

For Natalie, that introduction meant more than Jason could have anticipated.

“When we first moved here, I didn't really know anyone apart from Lewis's friends and family. Having someone nearby who I could build a friendship with made such a difference.”

Since settling into their home, Natalie and Lewis have become part of a welcoming neighbourhood, building connections with those around them and enjoying everything village life has to offer.

From countryside walks and evenings at the local pub to the everyday conversations that make a neighbourhood feel welcoming, they've found a real sense of belonging at The Elms.

Some of Natalie's fondest moments are with the retired couple who live next door.

“Our neighbours are wonderful. They're always happy to take in parcels for us, but collecting one is never a quick visit! I'll pop round to say thank you, and an hour later we're still standing on the doorstep chatting.”

It's these spontaneous moments that have made such a difference to their experience of living at The Elms.

“There's something really homely about living here. Everyone is friendly, and although we all have our own space, there's a lovely sense of community.”

Lending a helping hand to new neighbours

Natalie and Lewis have also found their own way of welcoming others to The Elms.

Lewis works in removals for Suffolk-based furniture retailer Glasswells and has helped several fellow residents move into their new homes.

Through his work, he's been able to offer more than a helping hand with the furniture, sharing recommendations and local knowledge with those settling into the area.

“Lewis has helped a few of our neighbours move in, and he always makes sure to tell them about the village. He'll recommend the local pub and other places to visit, so before they've even finished unpacking, they already feel like they know someone.”

It's a lovely example of how naturally friendships can develop at The Elms, with the couple enjoying the opportunity to get to know their neighbours and help others feel welcome.

“We often bump into people as they're walking into the village, so there's always an opportunity to stop and have a chat. It's nice knowing that when someone moves here, they're joining a neighbourhood where people look out for one another.”

It's the little things that make a community

The connections Natalie and Lewis have made at The Elms extend beyond friendly conversations over the garden fence.

Residents have established a community WhatsApp group, providing a place to share useful information, offer advice and keep one another updated.

From reminders about bin collections to local traffic updates, it's become a small but valuable part of everyday life.

“The WhatsApp group is brilliant. There's always someone sharing something helpful, whether it's a reminder about the bins or an update about traffic on the A14. It's those little things that make life easier.”

The group also has its lighter moments, including an occasion when residents began introducing their pets.

“One person shared a photograph of their cat, and before long everyone was introducing theirs. It was such a lovely little moment, and it made me smile.”

For the couple, the balance between neighbourly connections and personal space is one of the things they particularly appreciate about their home.

“Even though there are lots of people living here, it never feels busy. Everyone is respectful of each other's space, and it's incredibly peaceful. In the summer, we can sit in the garden and enjoy how quiet it is.”

Embracing village life in Woolpit

Beyond the development itself, Natalie and Lewis have enjoyed becoming part of village life in Woolpit.

With a traditional village pub, bakery, Co-op and fish and chip shop within walking distance, everyday essentials are close to home, while the surrounding countryside provides plenty of opportunities to explore.

“One of my favourite things about living here is being able to walk everywhere. We use the village shops regularly, and the pub has become a real local for us. It's lovely walking in and being greeted by people who know you.”

For Natalie, who has always enjoyed spending time outdoors, the location offers an ideal balance between village life and the countryside, while giving the couple convenient access to nearby towns.

“I love going for walks, and within a couple of minutes you can be surrounded by countryside. Yet Bury St Edmunds is only a short drive away, so you've got everything you need within easy reach.”

It's this combination of convenience, tranquillity and community that has made Woolpit somewhere the couple can see themselves staying for years to come.

“You really do have the best of both worlds here. I can't imagine living anywhere else now.”

Making their house a home

Alongside becoming part of the community, Natalie and Lewis have enjoyed making their new home their own.

The couple chose The Lynford, a home they've gradually personalised to reflect their style and the way they enjoy living.

From adding a breakfast bar to the kitchen to introducing decorative wall panelling and completing their garden, they've created a home that feels distinctly theirs.

“I've really enjoyed making the house our own. Starting with a new build gave us a blank canvas, and I've been able to introduce all the little details that make it feel personal.”

The kitchen has become a particular favourite, providing a welcoming space for the couple to spend time together.

“We added a breakfast bar, and it's probably one of the best things we've done. We use it all the time, and it's made the kitchen such a lovely space to spend time together.”

While Natalie and Lewis may consider moving to a larger property in the future, the sense of community they've discovered has made The Elms somewhere they'd be reluctant to leave.

“I absolutely love our home. If we ever decided to move somewhere bigger, I'd love to stay at The Elms. We've found such a lovely place to live, and I wouldn't want to leave it behind.”

More than a place to live

For Natalie and Lewis, moving to The Elms has brought far more than they initially expected.

What started as a search for a new home has become an opportunity to build friendships, get to know their neighbours and enjoy a lifestyle that combines the charm of village living with the comfort of a thoughtfully designed home.

From the chance introduction that sparked a lasting friendship to Lewis helping others settle into the neighbourhood, it's the people and everyday moments that have made the greatest impression.

And when asked what advice she'd give to someone considering a home at The Elms, Natalie doesn't hesitate.

“I'd say go for it. The homes are lovely, there's so much variety, and the village has everything you need. It's a peaceful place to live, but there's also a real sense of community. We've been so happy here.”

For Natalie and Lewis, The Elms is more than somewhere to live. It's a place where they've built friendships, become part of a welcoming neighbourhood and created a home for the years ahead.

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This customer received a gift voucher as a token of our appreciation for their time and participation in this case study/testimonial. If you have a story you'd like to share, please contact us at stories@untypical.co.uk.