NEW BEGINNINGS AT BRYN CASTELL: RETIRED BUCKLEY COUPLE FIND THE ‘PERFECT FIT’ NEAR FAMILY
DECIDING to move home after 40 years was a significant life change for Ken and Shirley Norton, a retired Flintshire couple in their 70s, but one they describe as “the best decision we could have made”, by helping them to be there for their family.
The couple now live in New Brighton near Mold, at Bryn Castell – the latest development from national housebuilder Lovell Homes – as part of a move that wasn’t
just about downsizing; it was about being
there for the people who matter most.
Following the loss of their son 18 months ago, the couple – who previously lived in Buckley - wanted to move closer to their family in Mold. Although the two locations are just a short drive away, the impact of the move was significant, allowing Ken, a former Airbus employee, and Shirley, who worked in retail, to be closer and more supportive of their daughter, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren, aged between six and 17.
Following the loss of their son 18 months ago, the couple – who previously lived in Buckley - wanted to move closer to their family in Mold. Although the two locations are just a short drive away, the impact of the move was significant, allowing Ken, a former Airbus employee, and Shirley, who worked in retail, to be closer and more supportive of their daughter, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren, aged between six and 17.
Ken said: “We want to be able to help with the kids whenever needed, if we can – school runs, childminding, and a bit of a taxi service etc.
“Being just a short distance away at Bryn Castell means we can be there in minutes. We want to be involved in their lives as well as be a support system, and this location makes that possible.”
The couple initially looked at pre-existing properties in Mold but soon realised that a new build could offer far more value and significantly less stress.
Shirley said: “When we began our house hunting journey, we looked at the price of older homes and factored in how much a new kitchen or any additional work would be, to bring them up to standard. And then realised that a new build actually worked out better for us.
“With wanting to be able to spend more time with our family, we simply wouldn’t have the time or the desire to take on a major renovation project. The guarantees that come with a Lovell home gave us total peace of mind.”
Moving after four decades can be overwhelming, but the Nortons credit the Lovell team – specifically sales executives Simone and Mel – for guiding them through the whole process. To speed up the move and secure their preferred ‘Wentworth’ plot, Ken and Shirley utilised the Lovell part exchange scheme.
Ken added: “We put our house on the market in the summer, and to secure a sale and move quicker, it was suggested to go with part exchange. Simone and Mel were brilliant. They kept chasing things to keep the momentum going and Alex, the site manager, has been top-of-the-class at sorting any minor niggles with no fuss.”
Since moving in just before Christmas, the couple has settled into the village atmosphere of Bryn Castell. Their new home features a garden specifically chosen for its orientation – catching the sunrise at the front and the evening sun at the back – which they have recently had landscaped in time for spring.
Shirley added: “We loved it as soon as we walked in. It’s a quiet, lovely community. We’ve got friendly neighbours, and such easy access to everywhere – bus routes into Mold is a huge bonus, and the A55 is close to be able to head to the coast, Wrexham or Chester. It just feels right.”
Bryn Castell features a collection of contemporary two, three, four and five-bedroom homes near Mold, Flintshire. For more information visit: https://newhomes.lovell.co.uk/developments/bryn-castell/ or call 01352 300148
For more information about Lovell Homes please visit www.lovell.co.uk or follow @Lovell_Homes on Instagram
