Nottinghamshire mum Lindsey Taylor is helping to build a welcoming community at William Davis Homes’ Lace Fields development at Ruddington.
Lindsey has set-up a popular Lace Fields Facebook group for neighbours there to get to know each other and share information, such as trusted local traders and favourite eateries.
It’s been such a success that residents on the development have already held three in-person social events this year and are planning a Christmas get-together.
“We’re all new here but there’s already a strong sense of community,” says Lindsey, who moved-in to a four-bedroom Beamish with her husband Jason, their daughter Holly and dog Mimi in March this year.
“When I started the Facebook page, I got to know one of my neighbours, Laura, who helped me organise the first get-together. We celebrated the Platinum Jubilee and William Davis allowed us to use the sales office car park, which was great.
“We’ve moved many times over the years and sometimes we haven’t known our immediate neighbours, never mind people who live further along the street. It can be very easy to open your door, go to work, come home and not know anyone.
“It’s a diverse community here and the feedback I’ve had is that people think it’s nice to feel that they’re welcome. We can all get to know each other and can help with practical things like pet-sitting and even putting the bins out when your neighbours are away.
“The Facebook group has allowed these connections to be made more easily, even before people move in, but we don’t impose it on anyone. It’s a careful balance.”
The Taylors describe Ruddington as “a hidden gem” and decided to stay in the village after selling their 1920’s semi-detached property nearby. Lindsey works in Loughborough, where Holly attends a sixth form, while Jason cycles to work in Nottingham.
“The location is perfect for us and the house has everything we need,” said Jason. “I work at home sometimes, so it was important to have a spare bedroom we can use as a study.”
Lindsey loves the spacious kitchen with its central island. “It’s a family kitchen where people can gather, it’s the hub of the home. Holly chose the colour of the kitchen cupboards and they look exactly right.
“We were also very impressed with what was included in the house. From built-in wardrobes to carpets, curtains and blinds. There’s a separate shower in the main bathroom, while the choice of kitchen styles was excellent.”
The family also agreed that William Davis Homes deserved top marks for customer service. The company has been awarded the industry’s five-star status for seven years running, based on the number of customers who would recommend the housebuilder to a friend.
Said Lindsey: “The sales consultants at Lace Fields couldn’t do enough for us. You could see they were excited to be on our house-buying journey with us.
“Even after we moved in, we felt we were being looked after. If we emailed a question to Lindsay in the customer service department, we always received a prompt and helpful reply.”
The Taylors are now looking forward to spending their first Christmas in the new home, while plans are also being finalised to enjoy mince pies and mulled wine at the Facebook group’s festive gathering.
