Factfile:
- Name: Alan and Mark
- Instagram account: @2guys_and_a_newbuild
- Housetype: The Osmore
- Development: Comice Meadows, Pirton
- #CALApet: Two cats named Chester and Cleo
Q1. Hi Alan and Mark, we love your Instagram account, and can’t wait to chat with you both. Can you tell us why you chose a new build Cala Osmore?
We wanted a low maintenance property which was a complete blank canvas so we could put our own mark on it without a long list of ‘big ticket’ items that needed done. A lot of older homes we viewed needed a lot of work like a brand-new kitchen and bathroom, so we opted for a new-build so everything was fresh and new.
We chose the Osmore housetype because of its fantastic layout. The kitchen/family room is great for entertaining as we have lots of friends and family we like to spend time with and invite over. We also really like the ground floor room which can either be used as a dining room or study. We’ve turned this into a home office/snug so during the day we can use it for work and in the evening it's another room for relaxing. All of the bedrooms are a great size too, and the big windows let lots of natural light in. We’ve also got family that live overseas, so the addition of a second en-suite is great when they come to stay with us.
Q2. What do you love about Cala homes?
We absolutely love the amount of space in the property and the fact our home has lovely high ceilings, something which is unusual for a new build! The house always feels light and airy, no matter how gloomy it is outside. The finishes and design of our Cala home feel more premium than other new builds we looked at too.
Q3. How did you decide on the colour scheme and tiling of your kitchen and bathroom?
We chose from the large selection available from Cala with the intention that we wanted something that looked and felt classic and timeless. Bathrooms are a big investment, so it was really important for us to get it right and avoid feeling like we’d chosen something that would date quickly or feel old fashioned.
Q4. Where do you look for inspiration?
We take inspiration from quite a few different places, but the ones we go to most are Instagram home accounts and stores such as West Elm, Garden Trading and HomeSense.
Q5. What are your own current favourite trends?
We always come back to mid-century and scandi styles! We love the design and quality of mid-century furniture as well as the simplicity of Scandinavian style. For us, it will always be a great combination. P.S. Have you read our blog about the new Japandi trend?
Q6. What features of your home do you love best, or do you have a favourite room?
The large kitchen and family room is what really sold the Osmore to us. We just love the fact it has an island in the kitchen, perfect for sitting and having a coffee in the morning or ideal if we have guests over for dinner and we can cook and entertain at the same time.
Q7. What would be your best advice for those who have purchased a new home?
Make sure you think about how you will live in the space and customise your rooms accordingly. Think about the longer-term when picking your kitchen and bathroom tiles and flooring, try to pick something classic as opposed to super on-trend. Especially if you want the look to stand the test of time.
Q8. How simple was the process of buying your Cala home?
It was really simple. Cala were on hand to guide us through the whole process from start to finish. There were always plenty of opportunities for meetings with the sales and site teams to keep you up to date on the progress which we found really useful.
Q9. How long did the process take from reserving to moving into your home?
We reserved our plot just before the first lockdown in 2020 and by then the property was partially built, so ultimately it was just about six months from reservation to completion before we got the keys.
Q10. Would you recommend buying with Cala, and what are your top tips to prospective buyers looking to make the move?
We would recommend Cala to all other buyers! Our top tips to those looking to go for a new-build would be to consider all available housestyles – the house we chose wasn’t the one that first caught our eye, but it ended up being totally perfect for us. Think about the location of the plot, and the direction the garden faces – do you want sun in the morning or evening? It's also worth investing in upgrades at the point you reserve the house, rather than wishing you’d done it after moving in.
To discover new build homes for sale in your location, visit our Homes for Sale page.
