"I still wake up and think, 'This is my home'"
After 43 years in the same home, Bunny was looking for a fresh start closer to her family. At Church View, Bramford, she found more than just a beautifully crafted home – she discovered a welcoming community, a healthier way of life and the perfect place to begin her next chapter.
A new chapter, closer to family
Leaving behind the home you've lived in for more than four decades is never an easy decision. For Bunny, it marked the beginning of an entirely new chapter. Having lived in Essex for most of her life, she had spent 43 years in her previous home, raising her family and creating countless memories along the way.
When her daughter relocated to Suffolk and welcomed twins, Bunny realised how much she missed being part of their everyday lives.
"Before they moved, I used to have the children every week. Once they relocated, especially through Covid, I realised how much I was missing. I wanted to be closer to my family again and be able to spend more time with my daughter and grandchildren."
At the same time, Bunny knew exactly what she wanted from her next home.
After spending around 15 years renovating and maintaining her previous property herself, she wasn't looking for another project. She wanted somewhere she could simply move into and enjoy.
"I'd spent years doing my own home up, and I couldn't face doing it all over again. I wanted someone else to have done all the hard work so I could simply move in and start enjoying my new home."
When one door closed, another opened
Like many buyers, Bunny thought she had already found her dream home.
After months of preparing her house for sale and finding a buyer, she believed everything was falling into place. But when she called to reserve the plot she'd been promised, she discovered it had already been sold.
Rather than giving up, Bunny's daughter and a close friend suggested they spend the day visiting nearby developments to see what else was available.
That decision would ultimately lead her to Church View, Bramford.
"As soon as we arrived, it just felt different."
While the beautifully finished show homes immediately caught Bunny's attention, it was the warm welcome she received from Hopkins Homes Sales Executive, Kim, that left the biggest impression.
"From the moment we walked into the sales office, Kim made us feel completely at ease. She wasn't pushy in the slightest – she simply listened to what I was looking for, answered every question and guided me through the whole process. That made all the difference."
The Hopkins difference
As Bunny explored the development, it quickly became clear that Hopkins Homes offered something she hadn't found elsewhere.
"The quality of the homes really stood out to me. Everything felt beautifully finished and I loved that so much came as standard. With other housebuilders, everything seemed to be an optional extra, whereas with Hopkins Homes it already felt like a quality home from the beginning."
The development itself also offered everything Bunny had hoped for.
Just a short walk from the village centre, Bramford provides everyday amenities including a Co-op, Post Office, chemist and local pub, all surrounded by generous open green spaces.
Buying off-plan with complete confidence
Perhaps the biggest surprise of Bunny's homebuying journey was deciding to purchase a home she'd never actually seen.
Although she'd previously worked in estate agency and understood the buying process, she never imagined she'd buy completely off-plan.
"I honestly never thought I'd buy a home I'd never seen. But after visiting the development and seeing the quality Hopkins Homes was building, I had complete confidence. I just knew it was the right decision."
Being able to personalise many of her chosen finishes before moving in made the experience even more special.
"When I finally moved in, everything was exactly as I'd hoped. I chose all my finishes beforehand and the quality is just lovely."
A home full of character
One of the things Bunny loves most about her new home is its timeless design.
"I've always loved homes with character, and that's exactly what I found here. I love the beautiful brickwork, the tax window and all the little architectural details that make my home feel so special. They're the sort of features that make you smile every time you come home."
She also appreciates the variety of homes across the development.
"There are so many different styles of homes here. Everything blends together beautifully, and everyone takes pride in where they live."
A move made easier
Hopkins Homes' stamp duty contribution also played an important role in helping Bunny settle into her new home.
"Having my stamp duty covered made such a difference. It meant I could replace furniture that didn't quite suit my new home, buy new garden furniture and get everything just how I wanted it much sooner than I'd planned. It really helped me settle in from day one."
A healthier way of life
Now settled into Bramford, Bunny says one of the biggest changes has been her lifestyle.
Instead of driving everywhere, she now enjoys walking through the development and making the most of the open green spaces surrounding her home.
"One of the biggest differences is how much more I walk. Before, I'd probably have driven to the shops. Now I simply head out on foot and often take the longer route home because I enjoy it so much."
The thoughtfully designed surroundings have made it easy to embrace a more active lifestyle. It's this approach to placemaking that has earned Church View the nationally recognised Building for a Healthy Life accreditation, recognising developments designed to promote healthier, happier communities.
