Karen and Russell Allen chose to buy a new four-bedroom home at Baker Estates’ popular Trayne Farm development in Barnstaple to retire from running their successful B&B business in Ilfracombe.
The couple, in their late 60s, didn’t want the hassle of buying a second-hand house and having to redecorate. Instead, a new build suited their new lifestyle just perfectly.
Karren commented: “We wanted a home that was stylish, beautifully finished to our standards and required no work. We knew as soon as we approached the development at Trayne Farm that it had all the features we were looking for.
“The setting and location are marvellous, and the residents and neighbours are all so friendly and helpful. Our house is extremely well presented with a manageable but generous-sized garden. We also paid to have the existing patio extended and have created a large decking area at the bottom of the garden.”
Russell added: “We love the downstairs with its generous hallway and the well-designed open-plan kitchen/dining room and separate living room. The upstairs is just as impressive and spacious too. We have two large double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, two more bedrooms and a family bathroom.”
Karen, who continues to do the odd bit of consultancy advising other B&B businesses, said: “One of the bedrooms works perfectly as an office and home gym for me.
The couple were delighted to have the chance to meet neighbours and local residents when they held a Jubilee party at Trayne Farm. Karen explained: “We are all on a neighbourhood WhatsApp group and use it regularly to share news about events and items for sale.
“Many of the people living here are working at the hospital which is very near here and that makes for a great caring and friendly community. I’ve given up driving and am loving having a bus pass which lets me go wherever I feel like. A nice walk into the bus station in Barnstaple takes 15 minutes and then I just hop on and go where I fancy.”
The experience of running a B&B for many years has clearly not left them as the couple love to entertain and have friends and family over. Karen said: “It’s funny because when people stay here, they remark it’s just like staying in our previous luxurious B&B and we joke and say ‘You’re staying in room 2!’”
Annie Williams, Head of Sales at Baker Estates commented: “We’ve had a fantastic response from buyers at Trayne Farm. They love the location, and the last remaining homes have some spectacular views. Our houses offer plenty of flexible living space, room for homeworking and a private secure environment in a very attractive location with excellent local transport links.”
Trayne Farm is a collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, of which only 3 four-bedroom homes remain. Starting from £524,995, the last remaining homes include upgrades throughout as well as flooring.
If you’d like to learn more about the final remaining homes at Trayne Farm, please visit www.bakerestatesltd.co.uk or call the Sales & Marketing Suite on 01271 316 477.