Moving on and up
8th September 2022
Moving home is often thought of as one of life’s most stressful events especially if driven by a sudden bereavement but for one of the new owners at our boutique development, The Halley in leafy Finchley, it was just the fresh start they needed. Downsizing to a new build apartment was never part of a grand plan but when our buyer’s husband died in August 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, her grown up children encouraged her to think about moving from their large family home in North London and to start somewhere afresh.
Wanting to facilitate an easier lifestyle, without having to manage any renovations or contend with the costly energy bills and maintenance associated with larger, period houses, a new build became a very attractive proposition. After looking at several existing apartments in the area and not finding anything suitable, the family viewed The Halley, a new build development on sought-after Dollis Avenue which was completed in 2021.
Situated just a 10-minute walk from Finchley Central station, the development comprised a mixture of nine spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments, with large landscaped communal gardens, private outdoor space, and secure underground parking with direct lift access.
Expansive and light filled with high ceilings and larger than average proportions, the airy and bright lateral three -bedroom penthouse with views to Mill Hill East, particularly resonated. Living alone also meant the enhanced security features of a gated development, video door entry system and CCTV all had further appeal. Without anything comparable on the market, in terms of quality and size, and feeling like it could be somewhere our buyer could call home, it was a simple decision in the end, and the sale was completed in August 2021.
Having never lived in a new build before she soon realised that the apartment was a blank canvas and an exciting opportunity to establish her own interior design style and preferences for a modern and fresh look whilst keeping just the most important pieces from her previous home. The lateral open plan kitchen and living area have proved wonderful for entertaining but also the three generous sized bedrooms, all with ensuites, has meant plenty of space for her visiting children and grandchildren.
Another unforeseen benefit of moving into a new build development was that the other residents moved in around the same time so rather than having to introduce herself into an established group there was an opportunity to join and create a brand-new community – a community that became a vital lifeline during Covid. Commenting on the social side of life at The Halley, our buyer says ‘I had offers of help and support throughout Covid and when the restrictions finally eased, some much needed socialising!’.
A year on, settled and comfortable in her own space, our buyer is grateful for her children’s original suggestion to downsize. Moving into a brand-new apartment has given her the opportunity to start afresh and has been an important and vital step on her journey to building a new life.
To find out more about our developments across London, including details of the last remaining apartment at The Halley or our upcoming riverside development in Chiswick, Windows on the River and our latest airspace development in Hendon at Mulberry Close, please visit our developments page.
