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Supporting Local Charities

At Woodall Homes, our commitment to giving back to the local community is an integral part of who we are. We are thrilled to share with you the impactful contributions we’ve recently made to two deserving Chesterfield-based charities.

Ashgate Hospice 

On Friday 10th November, our Directors attended the Ashgate Hospice Annual Ball where we were proud to make a £500 donation to sponsor a Nurse. 

During the night, the event raised an incredible £63,844 for Ashgate Hospice which will allow them to continue providing palliative and end-of-life care for individuals who are coping with life-limiting illnesses including cancer, neurological diseases, and end-stage heart, kidney and lung disease. 

Alison Ward-Foster, Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospice said: “We are extremely grateful to Woodall Homes and all of the contributors who made our Annual Ball a wonderful success. The donations we receive from our supporters help the Hospice nurses to be there for those who need them the most.” 

Pathways of Chesterfield

For 2023, we have been supporting Pathways of Chesterfield as our charity of the year.  Pathways of Chesterfield is a service which supports the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover. 

Through the generosity of our staff members, partners and the local community, we are proud to have raised a total of £1,412.20 in support of the charity through in-office cake sales, a sponsored walk and general collections. 

Helen Day, HR Manager at Woodall Homes said: “The whole team is very proud to have done their part in contributing towards this incredibly worthwhile charity over the last year. 

“During January we will be announcing our charity of the year for 2024 and we can’t wait to reveal who we have chosen to support for the next 12 months! 

“In the meantime, we will be supporting both Chesterfield Hospital and Sheffield Children’s Hospital over the Christmas period and we are looking forward to sharing this next project over the coming weeks.” 

To read more about the good causes we have been involved with recently, click here to see the latest updates, and follow us on social media to be the first to hear about our upcoming projects. 

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Five Tips To Save Energy This Winter 

Although new build homes are highly efficient compared to more traditional properties, there are still additional ways you can save money on your energy this winter. Keep reading for our five top tips on how to create a more energy-efficient home. 

  1. Choose Energy Efficient Appliances 

When buying new home appliances, make sure to check the energy efficiency rating. Heating systems in new build homes are typically at the peak of efficiency when they are installed, however other appliances including washing machines and dryers can vary drastically depending on the manufacturer. To ensure you choose the most efficient appliance possible, check the energy rating label either in-store or online. The ratings go from A to G with an A-rated appliance being the most efficient. 

  1. Schedule Your Heating 

Smart heating is a very effective way to reduce your energy consumption, this is why all of our properties at The Shrubberies are fitted with Wondrwall, a smart home energy system designed to learn your living patterns. 

However, if you don’t have Wondrwall or a similar system fitted in your property, you can still take advantage of energy savings with your regular thermostat. Setting your heating to turn on only during specific hours will save you money in the long run. For example, setting your heating to come on for the times you wake up in the morning and arrive home in the evening will ensure that you are not wasting money heating an empty home. 

  1. Unplug your devices

Did you know that devices that are left plugged in or on standby mode could be costing you £70 a year? “Vampire devices” like TVs, home speakers and microwaves drain your power even when they are not actively running, so make sure to completely switch them off and unplug them when you are not using them to save power. 

  1. Insulate Your Windows

In the winter months, thick curtains and thermal blinds will be your best friend. During the night and early morning, keeping your blinds and curtains closed will help to maintain the temperature inside your home. 

When changing your curtains, this is also a good time to check for any loose seals or cracks around your window frames which may be letting in cool air. Small gaps can be easily fixed inexpensively with caulk and could drastically improve the heat retention of your property. 

  1. Cook Efficiently 

Don’t waste the heat from your oven cooking! Ovens are often the most energy-demanding appliances in your home and cost roughly 63p per hour to run, so make the most of the heat generated from your cooking. Once you have finished using your oven, leave the door open to allow the heat to warm your kitchen. 

For more information on home energy efficiency in our properties, or to learn more about our net-zero homes at The Shrubberies, get in touch with our team on 01246 575744. 

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Net Zero & Low Energy Homes at The Shrubberies

Located in the heart of Chesterfield our brand-new development of premium bungalows, The Shrubberies, is an exclusive development of just nine properties. Created with our signature design and beautiful finishes throughout, these fantastic homes also include cutting-edge smart home technology from Wondrwall. 

Wondrwall are the world leaders in intelligent home management and renewable energy technology. This is why we have partnered with them to create energy-efficient net-zero homes at The Shrubberies. Every bungalow at The Shrubberies includes a complete home energy management system as standard, which adapts your heating and lighting according to your needs using a smart thermostat and light switches. By optimising your energy usage, plus storing any additional power generated, Wondrwall will help your property achieve net zero. 

Buying a home at The Shrubberies can save buyers money on their energy bills every year, with Wondrwall’s smart home system reducing energy usage by up to 90%. For the average household, this equals a saving of approximately £1040 annually.  

Our bungalows at The Shrubberies are perfect for a huge range of buyers, from young families to downsizers. With generous bedrooms, open-plan living areas and high-end integrated kitchens, you will find everything you need for modern life. 

The Shrubberies show home is now open! Join us for our open weekend on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th of September from 10:00 – 16:00  to discover more about the development. 

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Summer Events In Chesterfield

The school holidays are fast approaching and if you have just moved to Chesterfield, you might be wondering how to keep the whole family entertained over the next six weeks. 

Luckily, there are plenty of family-friendly events taking place, whether you want to watch a big-screen film in the open air, or enjoy some fantastic street food. 

We have pulled together some of the best events in this helpful guide for you, so keep reading to find your next family activity! 

Medieval Fun Day -25th July, Market Place & Crooked Spire

A brilliant way to kick-start the summer holidays, the Medieval-themed fun day invites you to step back in history to witness what Chesterfield would have been like during the Middle Ages. Ready for some action? Head down to the grounds of the Crooked Spire to see the Medieval encampment and watch the knights battle it out. Authentic goods will also be on sale throughout the day at the market with a huge range of traders already announced. 

Open Air Cinema – 29th July, The Meadow at Ashgate Hospice

Always wanted to watch a film under the stars? This summer, the Open Air Cinema at Ashgate Hospice is showing Top Gun: Maverick. The sunset screening will be held in the hospice’s Meadow and you’ll be able to enjoy gourmet pizza and drinks on the night all while raising money for a brilliant cause. 

Chesterfield Children’s Festival – 29th & 30th July, Queen’s Park

Junction Arts is introducing a brand-new family event to Chesterfield this summer including music, theatre, storytelling, dance and art workshops. Entertainment announced so far at this free event includes a silent disco tour, an interactive game zone, a comedy club, a circus, storytime yoga, tie-dye workshops, face-painting and a brass band playing Disney tunes. Funded by Arts Council England, the event hopes to bring “excitement and colour” to Chesterfield for the summer holidays. 

Eat in the Park Festival – 5th & 6th August, Queen’s ParkDelicious food, show-stopping tribute acts and children’s entertainment is what you can look forward to at this year’s Eat in the Park Festival. Acts include tributes to some of the world’s biggest bands including ABBA, Take That, The Killers and Arctic Monkeys, plus a selection of local Chesterfield bands. Tickets are already on sale for this fantastic event, so make sure to grab yours soon!

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Make A Move To The Derbyshire Countryside

Ever thought about embracing rural living? You’re not alone! During the last 12 months, thousands of people across the UK have searched for “rural homes for sale” on Google, including over 1,300 searches in April alone – an increase of 32% from February

With the weather beginning to warm up, it is not surprising that more and more people are looking to spend more time in the great outdoors. In the UK, we are fortunate enough to have hundreds of miles of beautiful countryside to explore, with some of the most picturesque scenery located right on our doorstep in Derbyshire.

From our Tansley Gardens development, you will find yourself surrounded by outstanding views towards Matlock, Lumsdale, Lea, and Ashover, with plenty of local beauty spots to explore. Just a short walk through the village, you will find Lumsdale Falls. This superb waterfall is nestled next to historic 18th and 19th-century buildings which were previously a grinding mill and bleach works. Of course, this is just one of the many fantastic trails you can take from Tansley. 

Moving to this outstanding part of the world means that you have plenty of time to explore every inch of the valley, but finding the right home for your family is just as important as the location you choose. 

At Tansley Gardens, all of our homes are finished to the highest standard using luxury materials and premium fixtures. The final properties we have available at this development are built with locally sourced Birchover stone and grey slate-effect tiled roofs, in keeping with the rest of the village. 

Whether you are looking for a large family property or the ideal home for your transition to single-level living, our remaining two properties at Tansley Gardens could be perfect for you.

If you’re ready to make your move into the country, you can find out more about the final properties remaining at our Tansley Gardens development here

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Benefits of Investing in a New Build

New build homes make a fantastic investment, whether you are a portfolio landlord, or you are looking for your first buy-to-let property.

Competition for new build homes is significantly less fierce than is expected for an older home, meaning as an investor the buying process for your property can be simpler and often cheaper with no competing bids raising the price of your prospective investment. New build purchases are also typically chain free, so there is no waiting period for other buyers and sellers to exchange and complete.

Minimal Work Required

New-build properties are the perfect investment solution for buyers who do not have a vast amount of time or money to commit to completing a renovation.

A newly built property from Woodall Homes is ready to move into as soon as the building is completed. This means that if you are letting your property unfurnished, tenants can begin occupying their new home from day one.

All of our new build properties are all sold with the industry-recognised NHBC warranty, giving our customers the peace of mind that all of our homes are built to an excellent standard. Alongside this, each of our properties benefits from the NHCB 10-year Buildmark Warranty, meaning that investors can feel reassured by the quality and reliability of the property they are investing in.

High Demand

The current style of new build properties is very popular, particularly amongst couples and growing families. With open-plan living areas, landscaped gardens and premium-quality flooring and fixtures, it is not surprising that many potential homeowners and tenants are searching for a new home to move into.

As well as the style of the properties being in high demand, new build homes also offer the benefit of being more efficient. With the ongoing cost of living crisis, everyone is searching for ways to save money and as the cost of utilities continues to rise, saving money on energy bills is vital for many people. The combination of more efficient building materials and new appliances could mean that energy bills at new homes are almost half the price of an older home, which is a huge saving for any potential tenant.

Popular Community Areas

Development areas encourage the growth of good-quality communities and are often accompanied by newly established supermarkets, independent cafes and restaurants, plus the addition of more locally owned businesses choosing to open in the area.

This community feel is attractive to most tenants, particularly for families who are searching for homes to fall within new school catchment areas. So, when choosing a new build home to invest in, it is also key to research the current area and consider any ongoing planning permission for local amenities.

Our Forest View development in Mansfield is a fantastic example of living in the heart of a thriving community. Located close to the town centre, Forest View is in an excellent area for accessing all of the amenities the town has to offer whilst staying in reach of the renowned Sherwood Forest for beautiful outdoor walks.

To find out more about the fantastic investment opportunities we have at Forest View, visit the development page here, or call our sales team on 01246 575744.

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Save Money On Your Energy Bills At The Shrubberies

It is well known that new build homes are typically more energy efficient than older properties. Now at Woodall Homes, we have taken energy efficiency to the next level with the installation of the Wondrwall system in all of our bungalows at The Shrubberies.

Wondrwall allows each bungalow at The Shrubberies to learn from your habitation patterns with smart technology to make your energy use as efficient as possible. Motion, temperature, light and audio sensors all help to adapt your heating and lighting patterns, all of which can reduce your energy consumption for heating by 50%. Combined with solar panels and battery storage, the Wondrwall system aims to make your home net zero in terms of electricity use.

The financial rewards of having an energy-efficient home are significant. Over the long term, buying a home at The Shrubberies could save you thousands of pounds, as the installed Wondrwall system could reduce your energy bills by up to 90%. For the average household, this equals approximately £1040. In October last year, a YouGov survey revealed that 85% of people in the UK had already made cuts to spending, or expected to do so shortly. Since October, the cost of living has continued to rise and so a cut of up to 90% on energy bills could make a huge difference to many households.

Built for the future, The Shrubberies development is just a five-minute walk from Chesterfield town centre, ideal for all of your leisure and retail needs. The luxury bungalows offer generous two and three-bedroom accommodation with flexible living space, plus off-street parking and generous gardens. When you are ready to escape to the countryside, Linacre Reservoir and the Peak District.

For more information on the plots still available at The Shrubberies, plus the property specifications, visit the development page here: https://woodallhomes.co.uk/developments/the-shrubberies/

 

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Looking Back on 2022

The last year has been a busy time for the Woodall Homes team. During 2022, we have welcomed a host of new team members, launched new sites and completed one of our biggest developments to date. So now, as we approach the end of the year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of our biggest achievements over the last 12 months.

We started the year off with the launch of the sales and marketing suite at our Forest View development in Mansfield. The launch of the sales suite was a fantastic way to begin the year and get the community engaged with the new site.

In July, we launched a new site in Calow, just outside of Chesterfield. Churchfields is a development of 46 new homes, perfect for all buyers, from downsizers to families and first-time homeowners. Complete with bungalows and premium family homes, the first phase of this development is available to reserve.

During August, we secured £10 million in funding from Lloyds Bank to support our growth as a business. As part of our ongoing business plan, this financial support will help us secure more sites for future developments.

Scarsdale Green, one of our biggest sites to date, was fully completed in September. This completion not only marks a milestone in the number of properties we have successfully handed over to buyers but also brings a fantastic community project to a close.

In October, we launched our second development of the year. The Shrubberies is an exclusive development of just nine bungalows. These luxury bungalows are all fitted with cutting-edge smart home technology.

Last month, Reserved Matters planning permission was granted at our new site at Top Road, Calow. The new site will feature a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties, including bungalows, with comprehensive landscaping proposals for broad undeveloped areas of green infrastructure, wildlife-friendly habitats, native planting and additional hedgerows, plus the retention of existing woodland.

November was also our first month working with Destination Chesterfield as a Chesterfield Champion. We are proud to support the local economy within Chesterfield, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.

Finally, in November we launched our brand-new show home at The Orchards in Clay Cross.  Fully furnished, this beautiful property gives you the opportunity to experience what life in a Woodall home could be like for you and your family.

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Woodall Loves: Finishing touches for your home this Winter

If you’re looking to update your home style for the season without spending a fortune, we have the perfect list of products to help make your home cosy for the winter.

Faux Fur Throw

Keep your living room cosy throughout the season with this black Faux Fur Throw from George at ASDA. Perfect to pair with a white sofa or grey chair, this beautiful throw is ideal for keeping you warm while adding a luxurious touch to the room.

WoodWick Candles

 This month we’re loving this WoodWick Fireside Ellipse Candle from Boots. With the signature crackling PlusWick®, this beautiful candle will burn for 50 hours, filling any room with its rich amber and musk fragrance.

Draught Excluder

We are all trying to save money on our home energy bills this winter, and one way to do this is by keeping the heat inside. This Duck Egg Draught Excluder from Dunelm is one option to prevent heat from being lost through gaps underneath your doors. This stylish and functional product is also available in cream.

Extra Soft Rug

Perfect for your living room, bedroom or office, this beautiful  Huggle Extra Soft Shaggy Rug from Next is a fantastic addition to your space. With a wide range of neutral colours to pick from, this rug will suit any modern home and add an extra element of comfort to your space.

LED Lamps

Switching to LED bulbs and light fittings is one effective way to cut down on your electricity bill this year. One stylish option for replacing your table lamps is this beautiful black Habitat Sio LED Table Lamp from Argos. As part of the same collection, Habitat also offers a LED Bar Light and a Floor Lamp, which is fantastic if you want to coordinate the lighting throughout your home.

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An Introduction to Churchfields

Nestled in the village of Calow, just outside Chesterfield town centre, you will find our new development of 46 beautiful new homes. Perfect for all buyers from downsizers to families and first-time buyers, Churchfields and the surrounding area has so much to offer.

The area has become increasingly popular over recent years, with over 36,500 Rightmove searches for Calow & S44 every month.

The Local Area 

Calow is a small, close-knit village with lots of potential for movers who are new to the area. With highly-rated local schools within the village including Calow Church of England Primary School and St Peter & St Paul Private School, it’s no surprise that the village is largely occupied by young and growing families.

Only a six-minute drive from Chesterfield town centre, Calow is ideal for commuting into Chesterfield and beyond. Junction 29a of the M1 is less than 10 minutes away, giving the village excellent routes to Sheffield, Rotherham and Nottingham. Both East Midlands and Doncaster Sheffield airports are within 40 minutes of Calow, so you have plenty of choice when you’re ready to take your next trip abroad.

If you’re a dog lover thinking about morning walks, there are plenty of great routes in and around Calow, with the Peak District being only a half an hour drive for a longer, more scenic walk.

Churchfields Development

Complete with bungalows, premium family homes, and properties perfect for couples and solo first-time buyers, our new development has something for everyone. From the stylish four-bedroom detached Lindisfarne to the welcoming three-bedroom Claydon bungalow, your perfect new-build home could be closer than you think.

The first phase of the development is now available to reserve. For more information, or to book an appointment at one of our marketing suites, get in touch with the sales team on 01246 575744.

Click here to view the development map, find out more about each property type, and view the remaining plots.