Help to Buy

Bestselling novelist’s move to Fairford new-build proves to be a successful sequel

- 30 Aug 19

A bestselling novelist and single mum loves the quality of new-builds so much she has moved home twice with the same housebuilder on a Fairford location.

Charlie Phillips, who pens romantic fiction and psychological thrillers, purchased a three-bedroom property at Bovis Homes’ Keble Fields location, and moved in with son Finn, 4, and whippet, Cactus.

The trio are enjoying the layout of their Slimbridge house type, which Charlie bought using the Government’s Help to Buy – Equity Loan scheme – and it is on the same development as one of their previous homes!

Charlie, who is also an online English teacher, moved back to the Cotswolds to be close to family. She said: “I had already lived at Keble Fields and loved the experience of buying with Bovis Homes so much that when my circumstances changed, I did it all again.

“I chose a new-build property because I didn't want the hassle of the unexpected that comes with older properties.

“Our house comes with a two years' Bovis warranty and, obviously, the 10-year National House Building Council warranty. It gives me great peace of mind.”

Charlie has built an office in her garden and works from home. As a novelist she writes under the pseudonyms Lottie Phillips and Louise Stone, and her bestselling novel ‘S is for Stranger’ was shortlisted for the 2014 Harry Bowling Prize for new writing.

“Moving has helped with my work. I decided to have an office in the garden so needless to say, my commute is easy! It's a fabulous house to work from home in – a very calm and enjoyable atmosphere.

Charlie in her Bovis Homes sitting room at Keble Fields in Fairford
“In fact, I adore the whole layout of my new home. Even though it is the smallest house type, it feels spacious and light. The architect was very clever!

“Finn loves the new house and he adores his new room. Cactus sleeps all day but the fenced off garden is great when he does wake up!

“I'm so happy with the moving process. I have had great support from Bovis Homes sales staff, directors and the customer care team.”

She added that she enjoyed living in the Cotswolds and the great sense of community at Keble Fields was an added bonus.

“My neighbours are lovely and the community is fantastic,” she said. “Everyone really helps each other out. There are lots of amenities nearby - it is the best place to live in my opinion.

“I like to take Cactus on walks around the nearby lake, visit the pubs or go for a run around our local park.”

Using the Help to Buy – Equity Loan scheme, home buyers need just a five per cent cash deposit, with the Government providing an equity loan of up to 20 per cent of the value of the property being bought. Purchasers then need to secure up to a 75 per cent mortgage.

“Being able to use Help to Buy was very important to me,” Charlie explained. “It allowed me to step up the property ladder. I would definitely recommend it to others. There are great options with new-builds.”

To read Charlie’s work, visit https://writercharlie.com/.