Stewart & Jean Cross made the move to a new villa at Scalesceugh after life in their converted chapel in the nearby village of Great Corby was becoming increasingly difficult for Jean, who has limited mobility. Scalesceugh offered the couple a spacious home designed with many modern features for flexible and low-maintenance living.
Both now retired, Stewart previously worked in Tullie House Museum in Carlisle and June worked in HR. They had lived in their three bedroom converted chapel in the North-Cumbrian village of Great Corby for over 29 years, but made the decision to move home due to Jean’s health. With limited mobility and requiring a wheelchair, Jean was experiencing increased difficulty living in their chapel home as it had many doors and stairs up to the front entrance.
Stewart explains: “We initially started looking at different properties that would be greater suited to our needs early in 2020. We first looked at local bungalows, but didn’t find anything that really impressed us.”
“Although we were already aware of Scalesceugh Hall & Villas living locally and having seen a lot in the media about the fire that occurred in the hall in September 2019, we saw an advert in the local newspaper in August for an event promoting the last remaining villa at the development. This prompted us to book an appointment to view.”
“After looking around the villa, we were very impressed and it offered us everything we needed. There was a bedroom on the ground floor with a dual-access wet room which would make things a lot easier for Jean. The property also had the option of installing a lift so Jean could still easily access the first floor. We were very impressed.”
“After speaking with June, the Sales Manager, we knew there was another couple who had earlier attended the event and who were also interested in the villa. We didn’t want to miss the opportunity and so made the decision there and then that we would have it. We felt that it was meant to be.”
The spacious floor plan of our villas has provided an easier and more comfortable life for Stewart and Jean, as Stewart explains: “The bedrooms in our villa are bigger than in our old home. Having three bedrooms is great – the third bedroom has become useful for storing my vast collection of books and DVDs.”
Jean continues: “We liked the space, the availability for installing a lift, and the fact it was freehold. We’re now glad we don’t have to maintain an old home and can benefit from the many features of our new villa, including the underfloor heating which is very warm and cosy! We feel really comfortable here and like the feel of the place.”
The help and advice provided by the Scalesceugh team and their recommended suppliers proved invaluable to Stewart and Jean throughout various stages of their move.
Stewart explains: “I stress over things easily, and having the internet up and running and our phone line connected quickly was a major thing for us. Owner Bruno was fantastic and helped connect it.”
“The recommended removals company, County Removals, were fantastic. As was the recommended solicitors, BPK. They were very efficient and continually kept us in the loop, and even provided some useful recommendations for us which we weren’t aware of. Because we were moving without selling our old home first, BPK suggested we take out search insurance.”
Jean adds: “We also used Pasha Interiors, a locally-based wardrobe and storage fitter that were recommended to us. We opted to have some additional wardrobes installed in our bedroom and we were very pleased with them. They look really nice.”
Stewart comments: “The team at Scalesceugh were great. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Bruno is a force of nature and has a very positive, can-do attitude when it comes to solving any issues that crop up. June has also been fantastic.”
The couple are delighted to now be part of our friendly community and look forward to getting to know their neighbours in due course.
Stewart said: “We’ve already met most of our neighbours and find them all very friendly. There’s a real sense of community here and we look forward to getting to know everyone better in the coming months and after the Covid-pandemic when we can enjoy various resident events together.”
You can read more of our residents' stories here.
Our Scandinavian-inspired villas boast bright and spacious interiors, with many features that make them ideal forever homes. As well as the option of installing a lift for easier access to the first floor now or in the future, our villas are complete with thoughtful design features such as raised-height sockets and a waist-height oven to save bending. The shower rooms are designed in a wet-room style with level access or low-profile shower trays, whilst both the shower rooms and bathrooms are fitted with motion-sensor lighting to help you find your way to the toilet during the night.
We now only have one villa remaining for sale at Scalesceugh Hall & Villas. Villa 12 is a beautiful three bedroom home with a spacious entrance hall and landing/mezzanine, as well as a patio area accessible from the living area, plus a South-facing balcony from the master bedroom. Alongside a stylish shower room and en-suite wet room, Villa 12 also offers an additional cloak room WC on the ground floor.
To find out more about our last remaining villa, Villa 12, click here.