According to wellbeing research, exposure to animals has been shown to lower cortisol levels leading to reduced stress and anxiety.[1] First-time buyers Robert and Hanna (both 28) moved from London’s river town of Putney to Manningtree in Essex, next to the River Stour, with their Goldendoodle, Archie and Cocker Spaniel, Izzy in search of their first dog-friendly home.
The couple bought a two-bedroom terrace house at City & Country’s Manningtree Park after falling in love with the area and the green space the development offers. “Hanna has family nearby, just outside of Colchester so we had heard a few stories about Manningtree and came to explore – we really loved it.” Robert says.
Crucially for the couple, Manningtree Park is home to a dedicated off-lead dog walking area for residents. “The flexibility of a dog-friendly development was a big sell for us. We loved the idea of a dedicated dog walking area, which is ideal. Our day-to-day lifestyle tends to revolve around our furry children and being outdoors a lot of the time, so living on a development with dog-friendly facilities is second to none. we also get to meet a lot of fellow dog walkers which is a big plus!
“I think it’s probably true; we have bought our property for our dogs. It’s a bit like having kids… but making sure they’re happy and having a good life was a big thing for us.” Robert adds.
Part of the appeal for their new home was the unusually spacious gardens at Manningtree Park. Robert says, “From what we can tell, the average garden size at Manningtree Park is a little bit bigger than what you would usually get for a typical new build. Most new build gardens can be quite square and blocky, but here, the garden size is surprisingly generous, which is brilliant for our two young dogs. I would love to say we’re avid gardeners, but I think ‘aspiring’ is the right word for it. We both have limited experience when it comes to gardening, however we’re very enthusiastic! I think the dogs may get more enjoyment out of it…”
Contributing to the animal-friendly environment Manningtree Park offers, Robert and Hanna were surprised to find that the development is also home to its very own herd of sheep.
Robert adds, “The paddock of rare breed sheep we have on our doorstep has been such a lovely surprise addition to our home. Funnily enough, Hanna’s family also have sheep outside of their back garden – we thought about how it would be funny to have sheep wherever we choose to live and now it’s the start of a tradition! The dogs also love watching the sheep, and it was a nice little booster – among many – to help us make the decision to buy.”
Moving from Putney to Manningtree has not only given Robert and Hanna more space, but crucially also meant they haven’t had to sacrifice their river location – and all for half the price of what their £2,600 London rent used to be.
“For us, being by water and by the seaside was a big tick in the box.” said Robert. “Being from New Zealand, it was important that we lived near water. I used to paddleboard back at home in New Zealand, it’s a bit too cold to be doing that here but both Hanna and I love to swim and find being by water very calming – it helps that our dogs are water babies too!”
Shelley West, Group Director of Sales and Marketing comments, “Manningtree Park really does have something for everyone, the development provides a vibrant and welcoming community in a delightful seaside corner of Essex.”
“From first time buyers to young families, second home movers to downsizers, there is a home to suit all needs. We’re so pleased that Robert and Hanna decided on a City & Country home, not only for their dogs, but for a place that ticks all of their boxes. Our waterside location appeals to many, but with the addition of open green spaces and a paddock of rare breed sheep, these unique features are exclusive to Manningtree Park and its award-winning charm.”
Once complete, Manningtree Park will deliver 484 craft-built homes: one and two-bedroom apartments and one, two, three, four and five-bedroom family homes across five-character phases. A natural playground, off-lead dog area, and a paddock with rare-breed sheep are already in situ with several village squares and over 11-acres of landscaped parkland for residents to enjoy still to be delivered.
[1] https://www.countryfile.com/animals/pets/dogs-improve-mental-health