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20 September 2019

Affordable homes in Goldsithney give military family new lease of life

Shared Ownership Week is designed to raise awareness of how people can get on the housing ladder – even if they think they cannot afford to.
Goldsithney

Cornwall-based Stefan and Charlotte Smith were in this bracket when they were two years into a five-year saving plan to try and buy their own home.

Stefan is in the Royal Navy and the couple had set up home at RNAS Culdrose military base with their two children.

The idea of buying a property felt out of their reach until a brand new LiveWest development at Goldsithney came to their rescue.

With the chance to secure a shared ownership home surrounded by idyllic countryside, Stefan admitted the temptation was too great.

The Royal Navy helicopter engineer, 34, said: “When we got the plans through, we had kind of made up our mind already.

“And when we came to see the house, it was an easy decision. The homes are fantastic and in an area, we were desperate to live in.

“It was difficult to find a new home because they all seemed to be detached, with big driveways and double garages which were out of our price range.

“So having a development like this made it more affordable for people like us. It just made it more achievable.”

LiveWest built nine homes for shared ownership and nine for rent at the affordable scheme in Goldsithney.

Residents started to move into the £3.9m development during March this year and the Smith family were among the first to arrive.

Charlotte, 29, said: “I have been brought up in this area and it really feels like home.

“The countryside is stunning and it has got a relaxed, calm, special feel to it.

“It is beautiful. You come downstairs in the morning, look out of the window and see fields and nature all around you. We are so happy.

“It is a really close community. Everyone talks to each other and everyone looks after each other. Rural communities have that extra special feel.”

Charlotte was brought up in St Hilary – just over a mile from Goldsithney ¬- while Stefan’s family roots are in St Just.

Stefan added: “I would like to thank LiveWest for building lovely homes like this which are affordable for young families. Without housing associations like this, we would all be priced out of the market.

“They have been so helpful every step of the way.”