• Life Inspired
• Developments
• Testimonials
• Suffolk

When a change in circumstances prompted Ben and his family to begin looking for a new home, they wanted somewhere that could offer them space, flexibility and a setting they could enjoy for many years to come.

After exploring a number of developments, it was The Elms in Woolpit that stood out – combining a well-connected location with the sense of space, quality and thoughtful design they were looking for.

Choosing the fresh start of a new home

From the beginning of their search, Ben and his family were particularly interested in buying a new build.

They had previously owned an older property, dating back to around 1810, and although they appreciated the character and features that came with it, they were ready for something different.

“We’d been through the whole experience of owning an old house,” says Ben. “There are some lovely features, but there are other things that come with it too. This time, the fresh start of having a blank canvas felt really appealing.”

Buying new also offered the family the convenience of a home ready for them to make their own, without the immediate maintenance and renovation that can often accompany an older property.

For Ben, it meant being able to focus on settling his family into their next chapter.

Why The Elms stood out

The family looked at several new build developments before discovering The Elms.

Location was an important consideration. The development’s proximity to the A14 made travelling straightforward, while keeping the family well connected to Ben’s new workplace, his children’s school and the places they regularly visit.

But it was the character and layout of The Elms itself that ultimately made the difference.

“We looked around several different developments, but we could really see the quality difference with Hopkins Homes,” says Ben. “The finishing touches, the exterior of the homes and the way the development is planned all stood out.

“It feels much more open and less crowded. You still get that feeling of being in the countryside, with plenty of space around you.”

Having also considered another Hopkins Homes development, Ben felt that the attention to detail and sense of space were consistent qualities that set the homes apart.

A home designed to grow with the family

Ben and his family chose The Eaton, a three-storey home that gave them the space and flexibility they were looking for.

“We wanted as much space as we could comfortably afford, but also something that would give us longevity for the next 10 or 15 years,” he explains.

“One of the things we noticed was the bedroom sizes. The third bedroom still felt like a really good size, which was important with two children.”

The three-storey layout was another major attraction, allowing the family to create distinct spaces as their children grow.

“The children have the middle floor and we have our bedroom upstairs. We loved the idea that, as they get older, everyone can have a little more independence and their own space.”

A good-sized garden, garage and the position of the property further added to its appeal.

“We’ve got a lot of privacy and the garden is a really good size for a new build. It gave us all the benefits we wanted from a new home.”

An incentive that helped make their plans possible

As the home was already built, Ben and his family were also able to benefit from flooring, fittings and a finished garden, helping make moving day that little more straightforward.

A cashback incentive from Hopkins Homes played an important part in making the move work for their family too.

Following Ben’s change of employment, he and his wife wanted to ensure they could continue sending their children to independent school. The cashback gave them the opportunity to put a significant amount aside towards future school fees.

“It’s made our dreams come true in lots of different ways,” says Ben. “The cashback meant we could save a big block of money towards the children’s school fees.

“The move has helped secure their future, but it has also secured our future in terms of housing. We’re really, really happy with the house and where we live.”

For the family, the incentive provided valuable additional flexibility at an important point in their lives – helping them secure the right home while continuing with other plans that mattered to them.

Support from first enquiry to moving day

Ben describes the buying process as “really smooth, easy and efficient”, with regular communication throughout.

He was particularly appreciative of the support he received from Jason in the sales team.

“Jason went above and beyond,” Ben says. “We had a couple of significant challenges with the sale of our previous property, including an issue just before we were due to exchange, but he was brilliant at keeping us calm and helping everything continue to move forward.

“He was always friendly and approachable. I never felt like any question was a silly question – everything was dealt with with care and consideration.”

Before completion, the family were also able to spend time in their new home measuring rooms and deciding where furniture would go, helping them feel prepared for moving day.

Feeling at home at The Elms

Since moving in, Ben says one of the biggest surprises has been just how peaceful life at The Elms feels.

“It’s really quiet. Even while there are still homes being built nearby, it feels incredibly peaceful. When the construction stops, it’s like being in the middle of the countryside.”

The development has already given the family a greater sense of freedom, too.

“On the first day, the children went out to the park and made friends. Because it feels so contained and there are no major roads running through it, we felt comfortable letting them go out and play.

“They’ve already had friends calling round for them, which is really lovely.”

A residents’ group has also helped neighbours stay connected and support one another as the community continues to grow.

For Ben, however, perhaps the best sign that they made the right decision is how quickly their new surroundings began to feel familiar.

“It felt like home within about two weeks,” he says. “It takes time to put your own mark on a new house, but it just feels right.”

Find your place at The Elms

Discover thoughtfully designed homes in a well-connected Suffolk village setting at The Elms, Woolpit.

Explore the homes available at The Elms and speak to our sales team about making your move.

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.