House Hunter

The HOUSE HUNTER

This month FTB goes on the hunt with Sam Kingston who is looking for a two or three bedroom home for herself and her young daughter in Clitheroe, Lancashire, or the surrounding areas surrounding areas

PROFILE

Name Sam Kingston Occupation Social media manager Maximum budget £200,000 Requirements I’m looking for a family home for myself and my young daughter Tabatha

What she wanted…

We currently rent a small house close to Clitheroe, Lancashire. The landlord recently put the rent up, and I’m really keen to nd a place we can call home and stop wasting money on rent. Most of my family are in and around Clitheroe or Blackburn, so I’d like us to be a short drive from them. I work mainly from home and just have to travel into Manchester twice a month, so when it comes to commuting, I’m really quite exible. We need at least two bedrooms, though more would be a great bonus, as a dedicated of ce space would be fantastic. We do also need a garden – Tabatha just loves being outside, and I love entertaining, especially in the summer. A strong community, as well as schools and family activities nearby, are a must. I have been sitting on a small savings pot for a number of years, and have been slowly adding to it. I have a deposit of just over £20,000 and a budget of up to approximately £200,000. “

What we found…

THE FAMILY LIFESTYLE THE CANALSIDE VIEWS

The Brooks Clitheroe, Lancashire

FROM £65,625*

Spring Gardens Rishton, Lancashire

FROM £70,000*

There are far-reaching views over the picturesque Ribble Valley at this development, home to a range of two and three bedroom houses. The contemporary properties have a thoughtful design with downstairs WC, built-in storage space and stylish open-plan kitchen areas that open to private rear gardens. The pretty village of Barrow, a short walk away, provides a range of local amenities, including supermarket and primary and secondary school. From nearby Whalley, trains run to Manchester and Blackburn on an hourly basis. Just south of the Ribble Valley district, this new collection of three bedroom semi-detached homes sits in the heart of Rishton, with views over the canal and landscaped green spaces, and plenty of open countryside on the doorstep. The homes have been created to a high standard, with exible living spaces, stylish kitchens and bathrooms, allocated parking and private gardens. There are plenty of local sights and amenities to take in, while the buzzing town of Blackburn lies within a 20-minute train journey or 15-minute drive.

plumlife.co.uk onward-living.co.uk

*Based on a 35% share of the full market value of £187,500 *Based on a 40% share of the full market value of £175,000

What she thought…

These houses are in a good position – close to both Clitheroe and Whalley. It’s so easy to get around by car, and you can be in town in a few minutes. The surrounding area is beautiful and the views at this development are really fantastic – I’d be so happy to have this outlook on the doorstep. The houses are really impressive! There are separate living and dining rooms downstairs, which would make such a difference – I could have a play space for Tabatha and still have plenty of room, unlike our current set up!” I love the look of these homes – they have more of a rural style. The interiors have plenty of natural light, which is really important to me seeing as I’m at home such a lot. It’s a good location, too – very close to Rishton high street, but with the canal running past, and open elds in view. This really appeals to me as there’s a mix of things to do right on the doorstep and plenty of places to get out and explore the area. Blackburn is an easy drive away, and there’s plenty going on there, too.”

THE TOWN VIBE

The Ridings Longridge, Lancashire

FROM £210,000

The market town of Longridge is regarded as the gateway to the Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland, so you can expect an abundance of beauty here. These new three and four bedroom homes are perfect for family life, with a spacious living/dining room that opens to a rear garden, a downstairs WC and an en suite from the master bedroom upstairs. All homes feature private parking in form of a driveway or garage. The nearby town has a good mix of local shops, while Preston is just a short drive away.

prospecthomes.co.uk THE WELL CONNECTED

Oak Leigh Gardens Whalley, Lancashire

FROM £222,995

First choice!

THE BEST OF BOTH

Montague Place Clitheroe, Lancashire

FROM £77,000*

Located between Whalley and Clitheroe, these new two and three bedroom properties enjoy a rural location with great access to towns and travel links. The houses have been created in a range of classic styles, with some featuring an integral garage. Inside, the houses are bright and contemporary, with open-plan living areas, utility room, and en suite from the main bedroom. Getting around is easy, with direct road access to local towns and, further a eld, Preston. Manchester can be reached in around an hour by car or train.

redrow.co.uk The market town of Clitheroe is home to this new collection of two and three bedroom houses, in keeping with the historic location. The beautiful surroundings here are recognised as one of the UK’s areas of outstanding natural beauty and are perfect for exploring as a family whatever the weather. Inside, the properties are bright and contemporary, with smart tted kitchens, tiled bathroom and downstairs cloakroom. All homes have allocated parking and turfed back gardens. Equidistant to Manchester and Lancaster, Montague Place is in an ideal location for enjoying rural life, with urban adventure never far away.

plumlife.co.uk

*Based on a 35% share of the full market value of £220,000

THE NEXT STEP

“I think this is the ideal location for us, and I am so happy that I’m able to afford such a lovely property in such a great spot. I will not hesitate to take a look around and initiate the application and mortgage process to secure my dream home!”

I have a friend in Longridge and she and her family love it there. They are a real outdoors family, but also love going out for meals and celebrations, and they’re able to nd a good balance here. The town is accessible, which makes life easier. The properties are very attractive – with bright living areas and lovely French doors leading out to the all-important garden. I just love the idea of having an en suite – so when Tabatha is older and hogging the bathroom, I’ll have my very own bathroom – perfect.” Wow, I really love these houses – they’ve been so beautifully designed and remind me of classic 1920s properties. The interiors are great, too, and I really like the idea of a utility room – perfect for keeping the washing and household chores out of sight. The development is in a good position, with good road links. I would be very close to my mum’s side of the family here, so perfect for help with childcare and just staying in touch. And of course, the surrounding Ribble Valley is just beautiful.” This is a dream spot for us! Clitheroe is only a veminute drive, which is excellent for me – for seeing my family and just doing everyday things with Tabatha very easily. You could also walk into town on a nice day. Edisford is close by, which has an amazing country pub, swimming pool and other amenities. It’s nice that the river and brook are so near and that our stunning countryside is on tap in every direction. It’s such a perfect area for exploring, walking, canoeing and general outdoor fun. I will love showing Tabatha the same gorgeous places I explored as a kid growing up in these parts.”