A New Beginning at Sanderling Reach
Keen to start a new life without moving too far from her former home, Hilkka Fraser, 75, turned to her friends for advice following the passing of her husband, many of whom had already laid down new roots at City & Country’s Sanderling Reach development in Essex.
Having spent many years living in an older property, she was looking to downsize to a more modern, energy-efficient home, and when she discovered the Sanderling Reach development on the idyllic Mersea Island, she knew her search was over.
Taking advantage of the developer’s Part Exchange offering, Hilkka smoothed the process between the sale of her former home and her new three-bedroom property, which she purchased for £435,000.
Speaking about how easy City & Country’s Part Exchange scheme made the often-stressful process of selling and buying a property, Hilkka said: “This process took away any worry about selling my former home, especially in the light of the current market, and my personal situation at the time.
“This was my first foray into running my sole finances, having been married for 54 years, so to be able to swiftly confirm the sale of one and purchase of another property was extremely helpful.”
Originally from Finland, Hilkka moved to Essex in her twenties, where she met and married her late husband, Martin.
Following his passing, Hilkka asked for recommendations for areas in Essex where she could start a new life. Friends who were already living at Sanderling Reach convinced her that its breathtaking island location would be the perfect place for a new adventure.
“I haven’t looked back since,” said Hilkka.
It took just four months for Hilkka to move into her new home, with her second daughter helping her decide which sized property was best.
“We both identified that this lovely three-bedroom home was the ideal size to enable me to live happily on my own, but also welcome friends and family at a moment’s notice. I have two further children who live abroad, so it is wonderful to have a space they can also call home in the UK,” Hilkka explained.
“As soon as I stepped foot into this new home, I could see that it had been built to a modern, bright, high specification. My eldest daughter, who lives in America, also sadly lost her husband three-years-ago to cancer and made the same decision to downsize following his passing.
“When she came to visit, we both remarked how much better the finish was with this City & Country home, from the floors to ceilings, than stateside. I have been nothing but impressed and immediately feel at home.”
A keen outdoorswoman, Hilkka was drawn to West Mersea’s pristine beaches and scenic coastline, just moments from her house.
She said: “My new home feels so peaceful and nice. I’ve always wanted to be close to the water, and with the sea just ‘there’ this gives me the opportunity to go on wonderful walks, cycle and run along the coast path.”
“I cared for my husband for a long time, which was an honour though challenging at times, so now, in my years to come, I am looking to make the most of each and every day. I’m very active, and enjoy Zumba classes, skiing, travel and just generally being outdoors. I try to keep myself fit and healthy and Sanderling Reach and the island are the perfect location from which I can explore new, exciting places and opportunities.”
She added: “My new home has a wonderful garden, which I’m really looking forward to making into my own. I’m at the point of making great plans for it, so come Spring, it will be a burst of wonderful colours.”
Sanderling Reach has been designed to reflect its tranquil coastal location and offers the perfect combination of traditional meeting modern living. Named as one of the best places to live in the country by The Times , West Mersea offers a vibrant community, filled to the brim with activities, both on and off the water.
Currently available at Sanderling Reach is a collection of three, four and five-bedroom homes, with prices starting from £450,000 for a three-bedroom semi-detached home and up to £1,105,000 for a five-bedroom detached home with Part Exchange available on selected properties*. A selection of homes are ready to move into now and the four-bedroom detached The Stamford property is currently available for £995,000.
The Sanderling Reach marketing suite is open Thursday to Monday from 10am – 5pm, located off Seaview Avenue, West Mersea, CO5 8BY.