Ryan Nast, 39, explains what motivated their move: “Myself and my wife, Michelle [a physiotherapist, aged 32], had lived in the centre of Chichester for over six years. We originally moved there for the café vibe and culture of the town. In the town centre, the houses are older and quite small for the price you pay – but that wasn’t an issue for us, being a young couple.
“Then two years ago, we started a family with the arrival of our son. As a growing family, it quickly became clear that we would need more space. We began our search for a new home which could offer plenty of storage and had beautiful scenery on the doorstep.”
The Nasts extended their search north and southwards of Chichester, before honing in on Shopwyke Lakes, a new-build community of two to five bedroom houses and one and two bedroom apartments.
Mr Nast continues: “Shopwyke Lakes instantly attracted us for a multitude of reasons. Whilst out in the country, it is near to the A27 and the city centre is a 20 minute walk or a £5 taxi ride away. We have a good choice of local amenities and eventually there will be a football pitch and sports pavilion just 100m away from our home, plus lakeside walks and a children’s play area. I’ve since learned that the waterside homes at Shopwyke Lakes are the only ones to surround a natural lake in the Chichester area, making it a really prime and special location.”
As for the homes themselves, it was the generous storage which set Cala apart from other housebuilders in the area. The Nasts opted for the five bedroom, three storey ‘Sidlesham’ show home, ready made with blinds and flooring already in place and a large landscaped garden. It also secured them a fabulous setting with beautiful views at the lake’s edge.
Whilst their new home at Shopwyke Lakes is Mrs Nast’s first experience of a new-build property, Mr Nast is no stranger to the benefits of new-build. He explains: “This is the third new-build home I’ve bought. Whilst the aesthetics of an older place are nice, you can get structural issues and, with that, extra costs. With new-build, you have a blank canvas home which tends to be more energy-efficient and designed with modern day family living in mind.
“The other benefit of new-build is the community spirit which forms as a result of a new development. Everyone who’s moved in is new to the community – whether younger couples or families – and we’ve got to know each other quickly. Our neighbours are lovely and already we have a running club here, as well as a Facebook page for the development; people really do make an effort.
“We’ve gone from a three bedroom home with two bathrooms to a five bedroom home with five bathrooms. The space we have now is wonderful – and timely too as our baby girl arrived in July last year.”
Mr Nast, a technology consultant, welcomed having a dedicated space to work from home during the pandemic: “The top floor has worked really well for us as a home office, although it can serve as a guest suite, thanks to the double shower. It enables me to separate work from home and the views I get whilst on business calls, overlooking the lake, Goodwood and the Downs beyond, are just perfect.
“We’re so thankful to have made this move when we did; and we’re looking forward to seeing our new community evolve as the development progresses and takes shape.”
We are currently selling phase 2 of Shopwyke Lakes, where a range of spacious two to four bedroom houses are currently available priced from £310,000 to £490,000*, with selected homes ready to move into now. To find out more and enquire about incentives such as Help to Buy, Part Exchange or Assisted Move, call 01243 928 394 or visit cala.co.uk.
*Prices are correct as of 5th March 2021
