Factfile:
- Name: Matt & Gemma
- Instagram account: @ournbcala
- Housetype: Avon
- Development: Law Gardens, North Berwick
- #CalaPet: Duke the little spaniel
Q1: Hi Gemma & Matt, thanks for taking part in our Spotlight series. Can you tell us what made you purchase a new build Cala home?
We had been looking for a new build home in the East Lothian region for almost a year before stumbling across a different Cala development. We then did some research into Cala Homes and we were instantly drawn to the Law Gardens development. Having had previous experience with other housebuilders, it was clear from the outset that Cala was different. Everything from the build quality and specification in the showhome to the customer service offered to us by the sales consultants was first class.
Q2: It seems like it was meant to be! Can you tell us what you love most about your Cala home?
Initially, we were drawn to Law Gardens by the three most important factors when choosing a property…. location, location, location. We both love North Berwick and when we explored the housetypes available on the development, the Avon was the best fit for us at this stage in our lives. Duke, our dog, loves to roam around the house and the garden, and we have enough space to entertain friends and family. We spend a lot of time in our kitchen and living rooms which are both very well suited to our lifestyle.
Q3. How did you decide on the colour scheme and tile options for your kitchen?
#allthegreys
We are both fans of grey and have kept the colour scheme very modern throughout the house. Everything from the kitchen cabinets, the bedroom wardrobes to the bathroom vanities have been matched to our grey flooring throughout the house. The sales team had a number of samples for us to choose from in the showhome, and that helped us make up our minds up very quickly.
Q4. Where do you find your inspiration?
We are both avid Instagram users and follow many home design/home build accounts. Along with that, we were both very clear in the modern, clean look that we wanted throughout our new home. When we first moved in, we were definitely minimalists, but a 9 month-old Spaniel is trying his very best to change that!
Q5. Do you have any current favourite trends?
Fortunately, our tastes are very similar; modern grey tones and minimalist design. As we are nearing the first birthday of our home, we can’t wait to decorate. We have already picked out wallpapers and paints that we will be sharing on @ournbcala in the coming months.
Q6. What features of your home do you love best, and do you have a favourite room?
We love having friends and family stay with us, so having space to entertain in our kitchen and lounge was always important to us. In the summer months, we can be found in the garden on our sofa with a glass of wine in hand and the BBQ on. We are also very lucky that our bedroom looks out at North Berwick Law. Rolling up the blinds on a lovely morning and watching the sunrise over the Law will never get old.
Q7. What advice would you give to prospective buyers of a new Cala home?
Don’t be afraid to visit lots of showhomes, even if they aren’t located at your desired site. Also, ask as many questions as you can during your appointments. All of the sales staff we encountered on our home buying journey were very friendly and knowledgeable which was very helpful, especially with all of our questions on our many visits. One of our top tips would be to think about what direction the plot faces, as well as the direction the garden faces. We love to spend time in our garden and if you enjoy the outdoors be sure to pick a garden that will receive as much sun as possible. People might not believe it, but we get a lot of sun in North Berwick!
Q8. How long did the process take from reserving your plot to moving into your new home?
As our house was reserved off-plan, the process was a little longer than most. We placed our reservation fee in June 2021 and collected our keys in February 2022. Whilst it felt like a long eight months, we spent a lot of time planning the home and our spare room was jam packed with new furniture, accessories and goodies for our new home so it worked out really well for us.
Q9. How simple was the process of buying your Cala home?
We would 100% recommend buying with Cala. Thanks to the sales team, the process was very straightforward. One of our favourite features of Cala’s new build process was the progress pictures we received throughout the build. Despite visiting the site and our plot many times to check in on its progress, it was still very exciting to receive the photo of our roof being dropped into place. We were kept up to date throughout the whole process and the service we received was seamless.
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To discover new build homes for sale in your location, visit our Homes for Sale page.
