20 Questions

With Bevin Woby

What room at home is your favourite?

The dining room, I’ve become very familiar with it over the past few years as it’s doubled up as my office for the most part! It gets lots of natural light in the daytime and I have a log burner, which makes it cosy in the evenings.

What’s your favourite gadget or technology that at home?

*Whispers so she doesn’t hear me* The Alexa. I have one in the kitchen, living room and bedroom so you can fill the house with music; the alarm and timer features are super handy too.

What colour do you think everyone should have in their home?

Sage green. Contrary to popular belief there are many shades of sage green and I encourage wide use of all.

Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests?

An eclectic mix of characters that would all bring some sparkle to the evening – accompanied by a fun fact about them. Cher (she is the only artist to have had a number one single in each of the past six decades), Ainsley Harriott (he has blessed us with 21 series of Ready, Steady Cook) Joe Lycett (who changed his name to Hugo Boss by deed poll briefly in 2020 as a protest against the fashion brand of the same name, when they tried to sue a small start up Brewery from Swansea using "Boss" in their name).

What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home?

My childhood home is actually a shared ownership house, sold by Moat Homes in 1995! The first day we moved in my dad took me into the garden (which was amazing in itself as we had lived in a flat without one previously) and showed me how to spot the North Star.

What is your favourite song and why?

In My Life by The Beatles, it’s such a comforting, beautiful song that fills my heart up each time I listen to it.

Would you rather have a garden or a balcony?

A garden in England, a balcony if I lived in Europe, namely to watch sunsets and drink wine on.

Do you prefer modern homes or period properties?

I prefer the features of a period property, but not the cost of maintenance, so I envy modern homes on that front!

Would you rather have a library room or media room at home?

A library room with a record player would be the best of both worlds for me! Bevin Woby is the Head of Business Development & Marketing at Direction Law. Direction Law is one of the most established and largest specialist affordable housing solicitors in the country, which for over 45 years has specialised in affordable housing conveyancing. Direction Law offers a nationwide service with offices in London, the South East, South West and the Midlands, whose specialism is in shared ownership, new build, Help to Buy, staircasing and resales. Bevin is now in her 10th year at Direction Law, with a penchant for shared ownership

Would you prefer to have luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower?

Absolutely a luxurious bathtub. Preferably freestanding for the fancy aesthetic.

Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country?

I’d rather live in the country as I love a long walk with the dog (usually to a pub) but it’s important for me to have good travel connections so I can dip in to the bustle!

If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home?

The dream would be an antebellum house in New Orleans, a little outside the French Quarter.

Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location?

A better location, I think that’s important to the feeling of "home", and you can make your living space your own regardless of size.

What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home?

This is two-fold. Firstly my Shark vacuum cleaner, because secondly I have a pug who is an almighty shedder so they go hand-in-hand!

What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work?

I like to put music on while I prep dinner and have a kitchen disco all by myself.

What’s your favourite thing about your home?

The frontage is quite striking, it’s painted black and white so has a gothic-esque look to it (which means I get a lot of trick or treaters at Halloween!)

Where did you buy your first home?

In Kent, where much of my family and friendship base is. It has the benefit of the countryside, coast and is close to London, which is great for both work and socialising.

What advice would you give a first time buyer?

Trust the process and if you’re unsure do ask questions (nothing’s too "silly"), speak with your solicitors before making completion arrangements, get your ID documentation for AML organised nice and early. If you’re buying an affordable product then use specialists in that field for your legals and your mortgage. And make sure the corkscrew is at the top of your box for when you unpack!

What are your views on shared ownership?

I am a proud member of the shared ownership fan club. It can be misunderstood and I am all for unpacking the myths around it. Shared ownership gave my family the opportunity to move in to a better area for my childhood and has had such a positive impact on the lives for a number of my friends in both the new build and resale markets.

What are your views on the property market?

It's going from strength to strength, with so much more choice than there has been, not only for different tenures, but also more lenders expanding their portfolios by offering mortgage products for affordable housing, making it more accessible and attractive.

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