With today’s modern world placing us under greater time pressures than ever before, an increasing number of house hunters are making proximity to relatives and a warm community atmosphere high priorities when choosing their next home. This was the case with Simon and Claire Clarke who, having recently separated after living with their two teenage sons for three years at Annington's Badersfield development, wanted to ensure they stayed in close contact by each buying a home at the very same site.

Simon, 37, and Claire, 36, first moved to the Badersfield development, formerly known as RAF Coltishall, in 2009, having sold the house they had built for themselves in Scotland. The pair loved the friendly community spirit at the site and when they sold their first Badersfield property they deliberately sought out two homes at the same development so that they could continue with the lifestyle they enjoyed there. They even bought a home for Claire’s mother at the site too.

Simon comments: “Claire and I have always liked living at Badersfield and so the decision for each of us to buy a home here was not difficult. We now live on the same street so catching up with each other is easy, and the friendly community atmosphere that the site offers makes it a lovely place to live.”

Though the pair had considered buying homes in the nearby market town of Aylsham, they found that the property prices were very high there and that the homes at the Badersfield site offered them much better value for money.

Claire comments: “Affordability was an important factor for both of us, and our three-bedroom homes offer really good room proportions that are far larger than many other properties available on the market, so it made great financial sense for us to purchase here. I have a lovely garden and there are lots of other open green spaces spread across the development, including directly behind my house, where our sons enjoy playing football.”

The Badersfield homes are part of an attractive and lively community that boasts its own convenience store, St Edward’s community church and public house. The family-oriented development features a playground and several generous areas of communal green space. Each of the homes is ready to move in to; something that was a particular draw for Claire.

She comments: “Simon and I wanted our transition into two separate homes to be as simple as possible for both us and our sons, so the fact that I could move straight into my new home was brilliant and a real help. There are a few changes I’d like to make in the future to really put my stamp on the property, but for now I’m happy just to settle in.”

Simon comments: “Whilst keeping a level of consistency for the boys was our main priority, the convenient location of our new homes at Badersfield was also a real reason to stay. I can drive to work in Great Yarmouth in just over half an hour and the boys are close to their school in Aylsham, which is so important.”

Simon and Claire’s sons are in a great location near to a selection of good local schools, including Aylsham High School, which is one of the top performing schools in Norfolk. Just 6 miles from North Walsham and 12 miles from the popular city of Norwich, the Badersfield homes are well connected to the shopping, dining and entertainment facilities in the local area too. Simon and Claire really liked the fact that they were within easy reach of the pretty beaches on the Norfolk coast, with Claire also citing the proximity to the Norfolk Broads as an added bonus.

Simon says: “The whole family already loved living at the Badersfield development and I’m glad that the two homes we have purchased have enabled Claire, the boys and I to continue to enjoy our time here. Remaining close to each other was a must and the family-oriented atmosphere close to the urban hubs works so well for us. Our fondness for the Badersfield site made what could have been quite an upheaval very simple, so we certainly made the right decision in staying on here.”