Peabody: Green space has been a saviour for lockdown buyer in London
First time buyer Josephine settles into Shared Ownership home at Motion, East London
The benefits of spending time outdoors for both pleasure and leisure have been long associated with higher levels of general wellbeing, with 71% of people who have access to outdoor green space experienced a significantly higher feeling of contentment. For Josephine Redfern, being able to access a beautiful communal rooftop garden and her own private balcony, has been one of the highlights she has enjoyed during the COVID-19 lockdown at her new home at Peabody’s stunning development, Motion, located in the dynamic East London district of Leyton in Waltham Forest.
33-year-old hairdresser Josephine explains what features in her new home have helped to make the outdoor restrictions of lockdown easier: “Like many people, at first I wasn’t too thrilled about the prospect of a lockdown whilst living on my own and not being able to go to work. In all honestly I think I have adapted really well and have even enjoyed having the time off. Before I moved into Motion, I had been renting a shared house with two other people in Hackney, we had a small garden but it’s tricky living with other people and trying to find your own space. Being able to use the landscaped communal rooftop garden here, and also having my own private balcony has been brilliant. I am so appreciative of this valuable outdoor space as there are so many people who don’t have this luxury right now. I purchased a one bedroom Shared Ownership apartment which is a really good size with a spacious layout. I can open the doors in my living room and enjoy using my balcony – which has been particularly lovely when the weather has been warm.”
Usually commuting to a nearby hair salon based in Farringdon, Josephine talks about the new hobbies she has taken up whilst not being able to work: “I would usually cycle to and from work, and with being on my feet all day at work, I don’t enjoy sitting still for very long. So whilst being at home, I have been enjoying cycling and doing home workouts online in my living room. I have always loved cooking and have enjoyed spending time learning some new recipes. I also decided I would learn how to speak French! It has always been something I have wanted to do and will be useful for my annual holidays to France with my parents. I love cross stitching too, so I have had some more time doing more embroidery work.”
Set across three striking buildings including a landmark 17-storey tower, the homes at Motion offer sweeping views across the Lea Valley and toward the City of London and Docklands. Residents can enjoy the London lifestyle on the doorstep, along with a mix of retail and entertainment space in and around the development. A selection of apartments overlook the central landscaped courtyard gardens where residents can spend time outdoors. Each home is finished with a carefully chosen, quality specification that includes sleek kitchens complete with a range of Bosch appliances, hotel style bathrooms, underfloor heating and neutral carpets to the roomy bedrooms.
Josephine continues: “I’m continuing to stay in a routine so I’m not thrown off when I do eventually go back to work. I start the day with some exercise to help me get motivated, I can do this indoors or on my balcony. The weather has been fantastic too, the sun shines into my apartment all morning which makes my apartment so lovely and bright – I have noticed that all my house plants have come to life! I’ve been enjoying breakfast on my balcony most mornings and then going up to the rooftop in the afternoon. I met a couple of the neighbours whilst there, and I have a friend who lives here too, so its been really nice to get to talk to other people – whilst also keeping our distance.”
Watch Josephine’s case study video below:
“I am trying not to watch too much telly or news, so now I am living on my own, the evenings mean I can sit and watch films I’ve wanted to watch for ages. I am very close to my parents so I speak to them everyday and we FaceTime at least three times a week, and I have had lots of video chats and zooms with friends, its really important to keep in touch. Luckily I have my bike, so I’ve been exploring the new area which I have loved. There is so much gorgeous greenery here which I never knew, I even took a ride into central London and managed to take some great photos of it being completely deserted – its not often I will be able to do that! There are plenty of walking routes, cycling paths and little pocket parks to go to, so there is plenty to visit nearby.”
With the UK lockdown in place Josephine explains the positive things it has allowed her to do: “Moving home can be a really stressful time, especially when you haven’t purchased a property before. I moved in as the lockdown was announced and my parents ended up having to help me move in, so it was a bit of a worrying time. However, the lockdown has given me the time to move into my new home and actually enjoy it. You often move home and then barely get the spare time to put your own stamp on things, without the normal rush and routine of life getting in the way of making it feel like my own. Its been lovely having my own space, but I am definitely ready to get back to work now!”
Motion offers two and three bedroom apartments available through Shared Ownership, with prices starting from £130,000 for a 30% share. Plus, reserve on the day you view and enjoy up to £5,000 John Lewis vouchers!* Viewings are available either in person or online, for more information visit peabody.co.uk.
Share to Buy is a one stop shop for affordable homes. On our website, you can search for properties, compare mortgages and find out all you need to know about alternative home buying schemes such as Shared Ownership and Help to Buy via our FAQs and guides.
*£5,000 worth of incentives available until January 23rd, 2021 on select plots only. Reserve on day of viewing and secure up to £5,000 worth of incentives. Incentive redeemable upon completion up to the value of £5,000. Limited to one offer per household. Subject to a 28 days exchange. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other incentive. Please talk to the Sales Team to find out other additional T&Cs that may apply. Eligibility and affordability criteria may apply.