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16 December 1999
Countryside Residential specialise in exclusive housing schemes which blend pleasingly with their surroundings.
So when it was decided to use locally quarried ham stone in their Village development at Stoke-sub-Hamdon, neighbourhood masons Bob and Andrew were naturally asked to take on the job. Now their skilled craftsmanship is displayed in the rich, golden stone, which is being used in the 48 homes.
Bob, 57, from nearby Long Sutton, has been working in natural ham stone and the other local blue stone since he was apprenticed at 15 and literally hundreds of buildings in the area including churches bear witness to his touch.
"There is simply nothing like local stone to blend a new building with its age-old surroundings and to make it appear as if it were literally growing out of the ground," he said. Andrew, 27, began his building industry career with traditional brick laying but joined his father four years ago.
"It's very satisfying to begin with a large and jumbled pile of stone on the ground in front of you and to make it grow into a wall," he said.
A Duchy of Cornwall spokesman said Bob and Andrew were doing a fine job and their craftsmanship combined with the use of natural clay and slate tiles and thatch meant The Village would be very much in keeping with its surroundings.
Countryside Residential Marketing Manager Marilyn Burden said there had already been tremendous interest in the development with the result that 11 of the 18 homes in the first phase had already been sold.
The Village, which includes the first houses with thatched roofs to be built in Stoke-sub-Hamdon this century, features a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes starting in price from œ89,950
The development includes a number of bungalows specifically designed to appeal to the increasing number of older buyers looking for an easy-to-maintain and convenient new home built with traditional quality in an attractive rural community setting.
Further details are available from Sue Gower on 01935-826811 at the Sales Centre, which is now open from 11am-5pm daily, or from selling agents Savills on 01225-474550.
If you would like further information on Countryside, please visit our website at www.countryside-residential.co.uk or e-mail us at sw@cpplc.com
ENDS
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Information correct as at 16/12/1999