Page 56 - Luxury Living by Harron Homes

HARRON HAS TURNED ME INTO A
NEW HOME CONVERT!
AFTER 20 YEARS OF FIXER-UPPERS, 61-YEAR-OLD PHIL WITCOMB FROM LEEDS IS LIVING IN HIS FIRST EVER NEWLY BUILT HOME. THE PART TIME PHOTOGRAPHER TALKED WITH US ABOUT WHY HE’S LOVING HIS HARRON HOME, AND HOW HE’S PLANNING TO PUT HIS UNIQUE STAMP ON IT.
“When I was looking for a new house this time, I was on the hunt for another run- down farmhouse to do up – but despite searching, I just couldn’t find what I was looking for. About a year ago, I developed health issues that would more than likely affect me trying to fix up a house. I was still determined, but my other half told me to look at new build properties because they’re far lower maintenance. I wasn’t at all convinced and I looked at a lot I didn’t like. But then I found my house at Bishop’s Glade.
“I came to look around the development and I instantly knew the house would get snapped up. I brought my partner to see it the following week but went home to mull it over. That night, I couldn’t sleep for thinking about it. So I drove up the next morning and waited outside the Sales Office for Heidi, the Sales Executive, when she got to work! I knew everyone would want it and I didn’t want to miss out.
“I’ve wanted to move to North Yorkshire for a while – I love it up here. It’s so peaceful. My house is detached with its own drive and plenty of space for my office, my photography work and for storage. It ticked all my boxes, so it ended up being a no brainer. The garden is gorgeous and very private, and the house is finished to a beautiful standard. I’ve been able to move straight in – it was finished! Tiled, carpeted... totally ready to go. It feels very clean too; it’s lovely that everything is brand new.
“I had reservations about newly built houses, but the quality is excellent. The guy who taught me how to do up houses came round to see it the other week. When
I first told him I’d bought a new house, he laughed at me! But as he left after his visit, he conceded that it’s a great quality home. I’ve had no issues – even with the pandemic – Harron Homes has been so quick to remedy any minor concerns.
“It’s strange that I only initially wanted to move for the project – I used to get so much satisfaction from fixing up houses. I’ve been doing it for 20 years. And now I’m in a brand-new house! That’s not to say I won’t be making tweaks to it here and there – I’m so looking forward to doing up the house. I’m semi-retired now, and this will keep me occupied for 18 months!
“I’m trying to source an old fireplace to make a little snug where I’ll keep all my photography books. I’ve got a lot of ideas for the garden too – I want to build an Italian style terrace and a garden feature. I’m quite methodical, so I’ll extend the patio first then sit and think about what to do after that. I’d like to do the third bedroom up into an eclectic, French-inspired sitting room. I bought a beautiful old French table from an antique store in Ripon, and that’s inspired me. And, of course, I’ll turn the garage into a photography studio and storage for all my kit.
“I’ll have so much more space in this new house, and it’s more of a place to relax in. When you’ve done everything you want to do, you just want to relax. I love the peace and quiet and I love to potter. I lost my dad before he had a chance to retire and it made me realise that as soon as you can, you should make time to relax and enjoy your life.”
57 | BY HARRON HOMES