Richard

Following the pandemic, Richard decided to make a huge life adjustment, changing jobs and moving away from where he’d always lived. Now he’s the proud owner of a three-bed home at The Hedgerows.

It may sound a bit over the top to say that moving here has changed my life, but I feel a peace and tranquillity that I’ve never felt before – it’s helped my mental health and I honestly couldn’t be happier.

I’d lived in Hertfordshire my entire life, and it was during lockdown that I decided I needed a change, taking a job in Nottingham to get me going on my new track. I was looking at new-build developments around the Derbyshire area and found Pilsley through this search.

I love the detail on the exterior of my home

Throughout my search, I’d looked at other developments and I can honestly say that Forge really stands out from other developers where I’ve felt like a number – the team really cares about your experience and this comes across through all of the details and standard of service provided.

They couldn’t have done more to assist me in the buying process – holding my plot while my own house sale fell though not once but twice. The house was ready in February, but because of holdups at my end I only actually moved here in August. The entire time Tom and Toby were brilliant with me – completely understanding my predicament and working with me and for me to make it all come together. They made me feel like an important part of the journey, and I’m really grateful.

Even before I sold my house, they allowed me to choose the worktops and kitchen details – they trusted me, and I really appreciate that. They were also really accommodating in letting us come and visit – I’ve fond memories of Michael and I walking within the structure beams with hard hats on at the very early stages of the house being built.

Not only that – the build quality is exceptional – everything is fantastic and the attention to detail is clear. I love the detail on the exterior of my home, which has some of the bricks turned by 90 degrees and raised. I love how all the homes are different, they all have their own individuality, and the layout has been intelligently considered – you can tell that it’s all been well planned and thought through.

I absolutely love living here – I wake up and lie in bed looking out of the huge window which overlooks the hills and it’s idyllic. The views are exceptional – even my dog Maggy nudges the curtains open – she’s got quite accustomed to the beautiful landscape too! I love that my fixtures and fittings are all black – it makes such a difference – it’s incredibly stylish and has given me a new lease of life for interiors.

Working from home used to stress me out, but now I favour it – I’ve made the third bedroom into an office but popped a sofa bed in there for flexibility too – it’s perfect. I’ve barely been here a month but travelling back to Hertfordshire last week I realised that – despite living there all my life – it didn’t feel like home. I came back here and felt like I was home – I felt like that from the first day of being here.

The neighbours are wonderful. I’ve had offers from people to watch Maggy for me if I’m out, and someone recommending a blind company. It’s just got a lovely feel that’s quite unique and I think that’s partly because we’re all new – we’re all in the same boat, settling in and making new friends. it’s a great atmosphere.

The village is lovely – in fact, in the excitement to get here I forgot Maggie’s dog lead and my mum, who was visiting, had forgotten her device which helps her put on her socks! I bought both from the village – if that’s not convenient, I don’t know what is!

I could not be happier with my Forge home, and can’t praise them enough for their exceptional customer service – I have felt valued every step of the way. They are authentic, caring people and it made the entire experience a happy one. I can’t wait to live here for many years to come.