Press Release

15th March 2007
A family affair in Gateshead

Susan and George Greenwell were the first occupants to move into William Leech 55+’s St James Court development at St James’ Village in Gateshead and within weeks of moving in Susan’s sister Sarah, purchased a property on the development. 

A subsidiary of Persimmon Homes, William Leech 55+ builds homes for the more mature market and in July last year, Susan, 55, and her husband George, 82, decided that moving to a smaller property would greatly benefit them.

George, an ex-builder, spotted William Leech 55+’s St James’ Court development at St James’ Village in Gateshead, and was instantly impressed with the quality construction. The couple had originally looked to buy a new McCarthy and Stone property, but on George’s recommendation, contacted the sales team at the development to find out more.

They opted to downsize their two-bedroom house in the Milton Square area of Tyne and Wear to move into a new one-bedroom apartment at St James’ Court in Gateshead. Priced at under £119,000, as an incentive they also received their five per cent deposit paid. 

Downsizing their home wasn’t an easy decision for Susan and George; the reduction in the size of the property and the thought of leaving behind their memories was fairly daunting, but, as Susan explains, it was more about changing their mindset than radically changing their lives:

"It has taken a little while to adapt to living in a smaller place, but the benefits certainly outweigh the downsides.  Living in an apartment that is managed means we have no security concerns, which is a major issue as we get older, and I now have more time to spend on myself rather than constantly cleaning!"

The money the couple has saved on downsizing is also going to good use:  “George and I have a caravan on the coast which we can visit whenever we like, knowing our home is in safe hands. To get away from the miserable English weather, we are also planning plenty of trips abroad over the coming year.”

The pace of life and being surrounded by like-minded people particularly suits the Greenwells.

"My sister Sarah has bought an apartment at St James’ Court and I’m trying to encourage my brother Ralph to buy one too.  My daughter lives at the adjacent St James’ Village development, so we’re surrounded by family, which is how we like it.

"We have made some really good friends with the other residents and we regularly plan events in the communal lounge.”

Like the other residents at St James’ Court, Susan and George benefit from front door deliveries, financial advice and the additional living space on the ground floor.  Compared to other apartment complexes in the North East of England, the apartments are exceptional value for money, with prices starting from just £96,950.

William Leech 55+ spokesperson, Kevin Thubron, added: “We are finding that most of the homebuyers who choose to move to a William Leech apartment are like the Greenwell family, they want to reduce maintenance, feel secure and release capital to spend on enjoying their retirement."

For further information on St James’ Court at St James’ Village, please call 0191 477 4820. Alternatively, visit www.williamleech55plus.com

ENDS

Issued on behalf of William Leech 55+ by Admiral PR and marketing.  For further information contact Steve Abbott or Georgina Dunkley on 0191 222 0722, alternatively, email steve.abbott@admiralpr.com or georgina.dunkley@admiralpr.com.