Welcome to the Stewart Milne Homes Blog

Get Your Garden Ready for Spring

Mon, 10 Feb 2014 14:54:00 +0000

If your garden has been in hibernation over the winter, it’s time to wake it up and prepare for spring. Preparing your garden for spring will allow you to make the most of this key growing season and ensure that you have beautiful blooms all through the spring. Simply follow our guide to preparing your garden for spring to make sure that you get the most out of your garden this year:

1 Spring Clean Your Flower Beds

If you’re looking to tidy up an existing garden that has become drab over the winter, removing dead plants, young weeds, decomposing leaves and other winter debris will prevent infection spreading amongst your newly planted bulbs. Look for any material that can be added to your compost heap; this can be used to create an organic mulch that will replenish nutrients in the soil that are lost during the winter.

2 Sow Spring Bulbs

If you want to liven up your garden, now is the time to plant your bulbs for a splash of colour in the spring. If you’re not ready to plant your bulbs yet, store them in a cool, dry place and plant them as soon as possible to enjoy beautiful blooms this spring. The best bulbs to plant now are:

Crocuses
Daffodils
Tulips
Hyacinths
Lenten roses
·Lilies

A top tip is to choose varieties with different blooming cycles to enjoy beautiful flowers all through the spring. Also, when you’re planting your bulbs, the best way to calculate the depth of the hole is by multiplying the height of the bulb in inches by 2.5.Now that the soil has defrosted you’ll also be able to plant hardier shrubs that will look great all year round.

3 Hunt Down Pests

Go on the hunt for any garden pests which could harm your bulbs. When the weather gets milder, pests that survived the winter will come out of hibernation to wreak havoc on your garden. If you have perennial plants, check the crowns for any slugs, snails or aphids that may be lurking.

4 Care for Your Tools

Cleaning and sharpening your tools before you need to use them in the spring will help to preserve your tools and improve their performance, saving you time and money. Cleaning your tools will also help you care for your garden; neglected pruners could spread disease and fungus when they are used for trimming in the spring.

5 Take Time to Mend Fences

If the winter has taken its toll on your fences, gates or other garden structures, now is the perfect time to take care of those odd jobs. By getting any repair jobs out of the way now, you’ll have more time to spend tending to your plants once the growing season starts. Why not treat your wooden garden structures to a coat of protective paint or a natural varnish to keep them looking their best throughout the spring.

You deserve a home that’s beautiful inside and out. Start the journey to a new home with a stunning landscaped garden today; browse Stewart Milne Homes' range of new homes today.

The Benefits of Buying New

Wed, 05 Feb 2014 10:27:00 +0000

From reduced heating bills to a stress free moving process, there are so many advantages to buying a new home. The range of mortgages available can also make owning a new family home easier than ever before. Make sure that you get off to a great start this year by discovering the benefits of buying a new build home.

Enjoy a Chain-Free Move

If you want the moving process to be quick and easy, buying new is the perfect option for you. When you buy a new build home there’s no property chain to hold up the process so you can move into your new home without needing to wait for the previous owners to vacate.

Quickly Find a Buyer for Your Home

If you want to find a buyer for your current home, take advantage of Stewart Milne exclusive Part Exchange plan, and get an offer on your home in as little as 5 days without having to spend time and money putting your current home on the market.

Save Money on Heating Bills

Did you know that new build homes from Stewart Milne can save you around £500 per year on your heating bills? When you move into your new build home, you’ll benefit from double glazed windows as well as excellent wall and loft insulation which mean that your home will be six times more energy efficient than second hand homes. By saving money on your heating bills, you’ll be able to save more money each month for the things that matter to you and your family. If you’re eco-conscious, new build homes also generate less CO2 emissions than old style homes so they’re good for your conscience as well as your wallet.

Easy Ways to Finance Your Home

There are a range of fantastic mortgages available when you choose a new home, with affordable rates and low deposits. With Help to Buy, MI New Home in Scotland and New Buy in England, you could secure your new family home with a lower deposit than expected. Whether you’re a first time buyer or you’re looking to move up the property ladder, finding the right mortgage on a new home has never been easier. Make an appointment today with an independent financial advisor to talk about your options.

10 Year Warranty

When you buy a new build home there’s no need to spend time or money on costly renovations or repairs. Your Stewart Milne home even comes with a 10 year warranty from the highly-respected National House Building Council (NHBC). This type of warranty is only available on new build homes, so you won’t get this peace of mind with a second hand property. Stewart Milne Homes also offers comprehensive warranties on all of our new homes, so you can move in knowing you’re fully supported and protected.

Stay Safe

Your family deserves to live in a safe and secure home, that’s why our new build homes have been created in accordance to high building, fire and electrical safety standards. When you move into a new build home from Stewart Milne, you can relax knowing that your family is in a safe and secure environment.

More Space for Modern Lifestyles

Whatever your needs, new homes are cleverly designed to help you to make the most of every inch of space in the property. The living spaces in a Stewart Milne home have been cleverly designed to maximise living and storage space and suit modern lifestyles. With a new build home you have the flexibility to create your perfect living space.

Your Home, Your Style

A new home is a “blank canvas” for your own personal style. With a new build home you don’t have to live with the previous owner’s design choices while you wait to redecorate, instead you have the freedom to decorate your home your way. Our homes are decorated in a stylish neutral colour scheme to allow you to decorate exactly how you like.

Be Spoiled for Choice

When you buy a new home with Stewart Milne, you can design your kitchen and bathroom with a choice of stylish fixtures, fittings, tiles and colour options for the look and feel you desire, giving you the chance to stamp each part of your home with your own personality. In many homes, you can even opt for Stewart Milne’s landscaping service to ensure that your new home looks fantastic inside and out.

Join a New Community

When you move into your new build, you’re also moving into a new community. Our neighbourhoods are designed with people in mind to give you the opportunity to make new friends and create strong neighbourly ties. Don’t forget to look at our great tips to help you get to know your neighbours.

Start the search for your new home today. Take a look at our fantastic range of new homes for sale and begin the New Year in your new family home.

Why Working with Us is More Than Just a Job

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 14:55:00 +0000

With so many new developments in the pipeline, this is an exciting time for Stewart Milne Homes. To help us grow and develop this year and beyond, we’re seeking some new talent to join the Stewart Milne Group in a wide range of exciting roles.

Because we recognise the potential in our employees, we have a reputation for investment in training, coaching, career development and the opportunity to share innovative ideas with an enthusiastic and experienced team.

Roslyn Purdie, 27, is currently a Sales Consultant and working her way up the career ladder. She’s kindly shared the most interesting and rewarding aspects of her career, to give us some insight into what it’s really like to work for Stewart Milne Homes.

What attracted you to a career as a Stewart Milne Homes sales consultant?

“I had recently finished an MSc in surveying and town planning and was looking for a role where I could use the knowledge I had learned from my degree on a day to day basis. Stewart Milne Homes is one of the biggest house building names in Scotland and they have a great reputation so I sent my CV in and crossed my fingers.”

What skills does your job require?

“I had actually planned to be a teacher but had soon realised it wasn’t the career for me. However, I still use a lot of the same skills as it’s important to have strong people skills. No two days are the same and as a homes consultant, we meet different homebuyers every day who are all looking for something different so it’s important to be able to listen and deliver to their individual needs.”

What’s the best part of your job?

“The variety. I love that every day is completely different and that you have no idea who you will meet in the morning. I meet such a broad spectrum of people – from young first time buyers looking for their first flat to growing families who need more space. It’s great being able to take their needs and create the perfect house just for them.”

What are you goals for the future?

“I’ve been delighted by the amount of personal development and progression we are offered at Stewart Milne Homes. My colleagues are very inspirational and I hope to one day become a sales director.”

Want to start your journey to an incredible new career? Click here to see the latest opportunities at the Stewart Milne Group: http://www.stewartmilne.com/careers.aspx

Good Neighbours Up for Great Rewards in Middlewich

Tue, 28 Jan 2014 14:30:00 +0000

We’ve teamed up with The Middlewich Guardian to launch an incredible competition and reward Middlewich’s best neighbour.

The best neighbour in Middlewich - as decided by our judges - will receive £500 and a ‘Middlewich Good Neighbour’ plaque, to let everyone know that they’re a neighbourhood champion.

Nominations

Do you have a neighbour who takes pride in their neighbourhood, looks after your pets when you’re on holiday, takes your bins out, or just makes your street a wonderful place to be?

Maybe you are the one who’s been going the extra mile to make sure your street is a safe, fun and friendly place to live? If so, we want to hear from you too!

Simply send a short description, photo or video that demonstrates why your nominee is a great neighbour to charlie.kennedy@guardiangrp.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01606813630 and tell the Middlewich Guardian why your neighbour deserves this fantastic prize.

All nominations must be received by 19^th February 2014.

Judges

Simon Bennett, sales and marketing director for Stewart Milne Homes, and Bernice Walmsley, Town Mayor of Middewich, will review the nominations to choose one very special neighbour who deserves this fantastic prize.

Simon Bennett spoke about why Middlewich is the ideal place to find great neighbours: “We believe community spirit is one of the most important aspects for people when they move to a new home and it’s certainly alive and kicking in Middlewich. We want to recognise and celebrate the best neighbours in the area, so please get in touch with your nominations and help us crown Middlewich’s best neighbour."

Bernice Walmsley, Town Mayor, agreed that Middlewich is a great community: "I’ve lived in this town for 15 years and I’m always warmed by the many lovely stories I’m told about good neighbourly behaviour. Community spirit is so important when it comes to creating a healthy, happy living environment, so I’m delighted to be part of this scheme to seek out our hidden neighbourhood heroes."

Want to find out more about Stewart Milne Homes’ development of stunning homes in Middlewich – Jersey Fields? Request a brochure or arrange a visit today.

Terms and conditions

• One winning neighbour will be chosen by the agreed judging panel.

• The winner will receive £500 in cash and a branded plaque.

• The winner will be asked to appear in publicity for local media, Stewart Milne Homes social media and potentially Stewart Milne Homes marketing material.

• The winner will hold the title for one year, after which point we may look to run the competition again.

• Stewart Milne Homes and The Guardian newspaper reserve the right to withdraw the Best Neighbour title if deemed appropriate or necessary.

The First Time Buyers Checklist

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 09:58:00 +0000

Buying your first home is an exciting time. Once you have a home of your own, you can begin to put down roots in a new community and enjoy the freedom that comes from owning a home. To help you find the right home for you, we’ve created an essential checklist for first time buyers that’s full of helpful advice.

1 Learn the Lingo

Do you know your stamp duty from your council tax? If you’re new to the housing market, taking some time to learn the key terms you're likely to see and hear throughout the process can help ensure that the moving experience goes smoothly. If you’re unsure about some of the technical terms you’re likely to hear, “stamp duty” is a Government ‘Land’ Tax (also known as SDLT) that’s paid on top of the purchase price of your new property and land, “equity” is the overall value of the property, minus the mortgage or debt amount and “freehold” is a title which confirms you as the owner of the property and the land it sits on. To save you time, why not talk to one of Stewart Milne Home’s independent financial advisers who can help guide you through the moving process.

2 Calculate Your Budget

Planning a budget in advance will help you narrow down the search for new homes. When you’re working out a budget, don’t forget to include factors such as the deposit, monthly mortgage repayments and moving costs as well as working out how much will go towards living costs and socialising each month. Why not use Money Supermarket’s Budget Calculator to help you prepare for moving into your first home.

3 Prioritise Your Needs

Once you’ve worked out your budget, the next stage is to create a list of what you need and want from your new home. Knowing what your priorities are will help you narrow down the list of potential homes and make the final decision on where to stay. Don’t forget to think about what type of lifestyle you want in your new home; factors such as transport links, proximity to shops or the availability of schools in the area should be included in your list of priorities.

4 Know the Right Questions to Ask

When you’re viewing a property, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Before you visit the property, create a list of important questions that you can take with you on the day of the viewing. Useful questions to ask include:

· Are there any parking restrictions?

· Am I liable to pay stamp duty?

· Is the property energy efficient?

5 Visit Your New Neighbourhood

When you’re searching for a new home location is everything. When you move into your new home you’re also moving into a new community so spend some time in the area to see if you feel at ease in your potential neighbourhood. Visit nearby amenities like cafes, bars, parks and shops to decide if the location is right for you.

6 Match Your Future Home to Your Future Plans

Thinking about having children in the next couple of years? Make sure that your new home fits in with your future life plans. If you’re planning on having children, look for homes with a spare bedroom that you can easily modify into a nursery. A benefit of buying a new build home is that it is decorated in a natural pallet so you have a “blank canvas” to decorate as you choose and easily adapt your decor as your needs change.

7 Photograph Potential Properties

You might need to look at a few potential properties before you find your dream home. When you’re considering your options, it can help to have a visual reminder of what you liked and disliked about the candidates for your first home.

8 Create a Shopping List of Essentials

Before you move into your new home, check what it will already contain and work out which essentials you need to buy for your home before you move. New build homes can save you time and money as they may already have essentials like carpets, kitchen appliances and other fixtures and fittings in place. Don’t forget to put these essentials on any first home shopping list:

· Plates

· Cutlery

· Cups and glasses

· A kettle, teabags and coffee (for when well-wishers stop by!)

· Cleaning products

· Towels and soap

· Bed linen, duvet and pillows

· Light bulbs.

9 Plan your Daily Commute

If you plan on commuting to work, it can be helpful to plan out and test the route before you move into your new home. To get an accurate idea of the commuting experience, try driving through the area at rush hour or testing out the local transport links.

10 Visit at Different Times

When you move into a new home, you’re also moving into a new community. Visiting the home at different times of the day and on different days of the week will allow you to discover what life in the community is like. If you visit the property at different times you’ll discover what the atmosphere is like in your new neighbourhood at the weekend and during busy weekdays.

Start the search for your first home today with Stewart Milne. We have a fantastic range of new build homes that are perfect for first time buyers.

For more advice on buying your first home, take a look at our blog Buying Your First Home – It’s Easier than You Think.

Selling your home? Tips to get you moving in 2014

Wed, 15 Jan 2014 15:25:00 +0000

Are you looking to sell your home and move up the property ladder this year? With lots of new properties heading to the market in January it’s important to make sure your home stands out from the crowd, so we’ve put together some practical presentation tips that could help you sell your home faster.

Follow these simple tips and you could be on the move to a fantastic new home that’s just right for you and your family sooner than you think!

1 Make sure your home has ‘Kerb Appeal’

The best way to make potential buyers feel excited about walking into your home is to make sure that they’re charmed straight away at the front door.

Freshen up the paintwork on the door, and frames around doors and windows and make sure all glazing I spotlessly clean. For UPVC doors and window frames, a spot of Cif cream and a bit of elbow grease can restore a clean, white look. Clear any weeds from pathways and make sure there’s no clutter in the front garden. Even if you don’t have a front garden you can make your doorstep look inviting, green and lush with the addition of a couple of potted plants in decorative containers.

2 Freshen up and de-clutter

Potential buyers will want to see the full potential your home has, so before you arrange photographs and viewings take the time to de-clutter all of the rooms and maximise the appearance of space in the home. In rooms where the paint is getting a little faded or the décor slightly grubby, add a fresh coat for paint for a revitalised look. If there are small DIY jobs to be done, like freshening grout in tiled areas, replacing burned out light bulbs or mending broken fixtures and fittings - now is the time to take care of these. A small investment in time and materials can make a big difference to the impression your home makes on potential buyers.

3 Make your home a blank canvas

House hunters want to be able to picture themselves and their family living in a property, and making your home look like a blank canvas can help them do just that. Paint over bold and bright colours with light and neutral tones to maximise light and make rooms appear clean and light. It’s also a good idea to tidy away personal mementos and family photographs to help viewers picture their own keepsakes in the home.

4 Tell everyone what you love about your home

Is your current home close to a train station and great for commuting? Is there a great play area nearby for the kids? Whatever you really love about your home, make sure everyone else knows it too. If you have great neighbours or a wonderful selection of friendly, local shops, be sure to tell the estate agent and any potential viewers. These little details could be the crucial selling points that net you an offer.

5 Make sure the price is right

Take the time to research house prices in your area, and try to establish how much homes in your area are likely to sell for in the current climate. Property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla are great resources that can help you research the property prices on your street and make sure you set a reasonable price that’s likely to attract a buyer quickly.

6 Get social!

Are you active on social media? Don’t forget to tell your Facebook friends that you’re selling, and share the online listing for your home on your timeline. You never know which of your online friends is looking for a property in your area!

7 Create a viewing day experience

When you welcome viewers into your home, make sure that they feel a warm welcome in the property that could one day be their own. Be approachable and friendly to viewers, and make yourself available for any questions that they have. Little touches can make your viewers feel as welcome as your guests, such as fresh cut flowers in living areas and clean fluffy towels in the bathroom.

Another great tip is to try a bit of baking before viewers arrive. A home-baked treat will not only fill your home with a sweet, inviting scent and make sure viewers associate a happy memory with viewing your home.

If you have pets, be aware that some house hunters won’t be fond of your furry friends or have allergies that could put them off exploring your home. Even if you have animal lovers visiting they could be so distracted by Fido that they don’t pay any attention to your home. Have a friend or family member watch your pets during viewings, and keep pet bowls, toys and litter trays out of sight.

At Stewart Milne Homes, we understand how keen you are to move in to a beautiful new home, and we have some great ways to help get you moving:

Help to Sell Your Home

When you choose a new home with Stewart Milne Homes, our experts can help you value and advertise your home and even manage the sale through your estate agent; taking some of the stress and hassle away from selling your home.

Part Exchange

With our exclusive Part Exchange plan, we arrange two independent valuations of your home and provide you with a fair market price for your property in as little as 5 days. Once you've accepted, you can then complete the sale hassle free alongside the purchase of your new home.

Get in touch with the Stewart Milne Homes team today and found out how we can help get you moving into your perfect new home.

Buying Your First Home – It’s Easier than you Think

Tue, 24 Dec 2013 11:51:00 +0000

Press coverage on the housing market says that it’s easier to buy a first home today than it has been in the past five years - and the number of people who feel able to take that all-important first step on the property ladder is on the rise.

In recent years, renting seemed like a tempting prospect because many people believed that it meant paying out less each month for your own home. But with new mortgage products for first time buyers appearing on the market, you’re more likely now than at any time in the last few years to find an affordable home loan that suits you. And investing that monthly payment in a beautiful property that you own instead of simply giving it to a landlord can give you a real sense of independence.

At Stewart Milne Homes we’ve been giving people a helping hand onto the property ladder for over 35 years, so we have the knowledge and the experience to get you moving. While many house builders simply offer a hard sell or a discount, we offer valuable help and guidance in the most important aspects of buying a first home. Our aim is to make it easier to buy a new home, and here are just some of the ways we can help:

Independent Financial Advice

At Stewart Milne Homes, we can refer you for a consultation with an IFA at no initial cost. Take a look at the Buying a Home section of our website to find out more about our free financial advice service.

Help To Buy

The Help to Buy scheme has made buying a home in Scotland and England even more affordable – and it’s available to first time buyers.

With the help of a deposit as low as 4% in Scotland and 5% in England, an affordable mortgage and equity loan assistance from the UK Government and Scottish Government, Help To Buy could help you to afford the kind of new home you desire.

The First Time Buyers Plan

We understand that the cost of buying your first home involves more than just a mortgage, so we’ve added a few extras to our First Time Buyers plan that are sure to make you feel at home, including carpets, blinds, light fittings and a choice of furniture. We’ll even throw in a free 40” plasma TV with state-of-the-art home cinema system – something that’s sure to wow your first guests!

A Helping Hand

From the initial viewing of your new home with a sales consultant, who will explain all of the options, features and offers available on a new home, to assistance with solicitors, mortgages, interior design and all aspects of moving home; our team of experts will guide you through every step of the process and make it as easy as possible for you to get moving. We also have some great tips for saving for a deposit on this blog.

Search for your first home today, and we’ll help you start your journey to home ownership.

Christmas Decorating Tips

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 08:50:00 +0000

Are you looking forward to putting up your Christmas decorations, and seeking a bit of festive inspiration? Whether you love the traditional look or you want to try something modern and unique, we’ve got some great ideas to help you make your home look its best over the festive season.

Colour schemes

You can complement your home’s unique style by using decorations that fit with the look and feel of your home. One way to get a look that’s both festive and flattering is to swap the traditional red and green Christmas decorations with more contemporary colour schemes. Warm and neutral colour schemes look fantastic with bold colours, gold accents and bright decorations. Using strong, warm colours like rich red or regal purple will give you a Christmassy look that fits beautifully with the colours in your home. To get the look, try using soft velvet ribbons and shiny gold-coloured baubles in your tree, and lots of accessories in vibrant colours. If your home décor has lots of cool hues like blue, green and slate grey, try a fresh and shimmery winter palette of silver, white and ice blue. This is a beautiful, contemporary colour scheme that’s ideal if you want a modern twist on a traditional Christmas. Get this look with matte silver and blue, turquoise and teal baubles on the tree, with a simple scattering of white lights.

Finishing Touches

Beautiful baubles and sparkly snowflakes don’t just belong on the Christmas tree – why not use them in some other places too? Hanging your favourite ornaments from overhead lighting with some elegant ribbon makes a pretty and eye catching feature in any room. A simple glass vase or bowl can also be used to make a lovely seasonal decoration. Simply fill it with decorative baubles for a simple and bright decoration for a table or windowsill. You can also make feature photo frames and mirrors look great with a simple border. Instead of the usual lights and tinsel, try draping them in eye-catching holly branches or mistletoe. Last but not least, don’t forget the stockings! Not On The High Street has a great range of custom Christmas stockings which are sure to flatter any colour scheme and look great on your mantle.

Real tree or fake tree?

If you have a large, roomy lounge and plenty of space to spare, a real tree would fit perfectly and fill your home with a gorgeous pine scent. Real trees are also kinder to the environment than fake trees, and can be easily recycled. In fact, many councils even arrange special collections in mid-January for Christmas trees. To pets and very young children falling pine needles can be irresistible, so these could be a bit of a hazard. Also, if your lounge is quite compact, then a real pine could be impractical and dominate the space. No matter what your preference is be sure to think about what would fit the space you’ll be decorating, so you can get a tree that’s just right for your home.

Look good and save money

For a festive look with plenty of magic and sparkle you’ll be using lots of fairy lights. Unfortunately, as pretty as they are, they can use a lot of energy and make a real impact on your utility bills. Did you know that LED bulbs use as little as 25% of the energy needed for a standard bulb and last as much as 12 times longer? Swapping your traditional Christmas bulbs for LED lights could save you money on your energy bill this Christmas, and this year’s bulbs could light up your living room for a few years to come. Another way to save on your energy bills this festive season is to remember to turn Christmas lights off when you leave home or go to bed. You can also try setting a timer switch on your decorative lights for those forgetful moments. If you’d like some more great tips on saving money on your energy bills you can find more great tips on the Energy Savings Trust blog.

How will you be decorating your home this Christmas? Tell us in the comments and connect with us on twitter, Facebook and Google+ to share your festive photos.

Perfect Hosting Part 3: Cocktails & Canapes

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:29:00 +0000

In the 3^rd instalment of our Perfect Hosting guides, we help you to throw an unforgettable cocktails and canapés housewarming party. Missed the last part in the series? Find our Perfect Hosting guide to Getting Ready for Overnight Guests here.

What better way to unveil your new home to family and friends than by hosting a lavish housewarming party? An elegant evening of cocktails and canapés is the perfect way to introduce family and friends to your new home and the sophisticated atmosphere will complement your stunning new home perfectly. To help you to create an unforgettable evening, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips and advice for the perfect cocktail and canapés housewarming party.

1 Chic Canapes

Canapés are the perfect finger food for simple sophistication. When deciding which canapés to make, look out for recipes that can be put together in the afternoon and stored in the refrigerator. This will give you more time to enjoy the evening with your guests when they arrive. If you need some inspiration, try one of our favourite recipes:

Thai Chicken Skewers

This tasty Thai dish is guaranteed to impress your guests. Fragrant Thai Chicken Skewers are easy to make and can be prepared in advance. To prepare, marinate strips of chicken in a mix of zesty lime, coriander stalks, sugar, fish sauce, garlic, ginger and curry paste for at least two hours. Then thread the strips onto pre-soaked skewers and grill until golden. To finish, arrange the skewers on a plate and serve with a garnish of coriander leaves and a pot of sweet chilli sauce.

Wild Mushroom Tartlets

If you’d like to include a vegetarian option, wild mushroom tartlets are a delicious combination of crisp puff pastry and tender, seasoned mushrooms. These canapés are so tasty that even your non-vegetarian guests will want to snap them up. Prepare the dish by lightly frying mushrooms in butter and season with Parmesan cheese, parsley and garlic. Once fried, spoon the mushrooms onto a circle of puff pastry and bake until the pastry is puffed-up and golden. Find the full recipe online here.

2 Cocktails

When creating cocktails, half the fun is in the experimentation so don’t be afraid to try out different combinations of flavours. For the ultimate in cocktail chic, use a Prosecco or champagne base and a few other choice indigents.

For a modern take on traditional Prosecco cocktails try a Rose Prosecco Cocktail by adding fragrant rose syrup. Simply drizzle the syrup on top and allow it to settle on the bottom before serving. This stylish cocktail is perfect for welcoming guests into your home upon arrival.

Alternatively, try a refreshing Campari Mint Spritz for simple sophistication. Mix 1 part Campari, with 1 part cranberry juice and 3 parts Prosecco over ice. To finish, add 5 fresh mint leaves and bruise or twist in the glass.

Start your journey to your new home today - take a closer look at our fantastic range of new homes.

Getting to know your new neighbours

Wed, 20 Nov 2013 09:52:00 +0000

A big part of moving to a new home is getting acquainted with your new surroundings and learning about your new neighbourhood. To do that, one of the most important things to do is get to know your neighbours.

While the days of everyone on the average British street knowing each other have passed, having a good relationship with your neighbours can make a big difference to your quality of life. Becoming friends with the people you share a street with can have other benefits too – it’s been shown that close-knit communities tend to be more secure, as all of the residents take care of their neighbours and look out for each other.

When moving to a new home, it can be daunting to approach your new neighbours for the first time, so we’re sharing five simple ways to get to know your neighbours.

1 Choose the right time for introductions

Sometimes, the best approach is to meet the neighbours the old fashioned way – by simply knocking on the door and introducing yourself and your family. If you decide to go with this tried and true approach, be sure to exercise a bit of common sense and choose the right time to ring the bell.

If there are lots of cars outside, it’s possible they may have guests and don’t want to be interrupted. It’s also a good idea to avoid introducing yourself around evening meals; as we all know, no one is happy to receive guests in the middle of dinner.

2 Bring a gift

The best way to make a great impression on your new neighbours is to bring a small gift to the home when you introduce yourself.

If you have any culinary skills, this is the perfect time to show them off. Who wouldn’t appreciate a visitor who arrives with delicious baked muffins or cake, or a hearty one-pot dish that the whole family can enjoy? We suggest turning up with one of the delicious dishes from the Good Neighbour Cookbook. (http://thegoodneighborcookbook.com/)

3 Send an invitation

It’s likely you’ll be hosting a housewarming for friends and family at your home – so why not extend the invitation to neighbours too?

Inviting the neighbours to your housewarming gives you a chance to get to know them in the kind of relaxed, social setting that puts everyone at ease. And even if they can’t make it, they’ll appreciate the offer and the courtesy of informing them that there might be a bit of noise or music coming from your home that night.

4 Let the kids handle it

Children are social and curious by nature, and as soon as you move in they’ll be really keen to go out and play with new friends on their street.

Once you know which neighbours have children the same age as your own, get in touch to arrange a play date with the kids. You could even earn yourself some extra brownie points with the neighbours by offering to have the kids over at your home, which allows them to enjoy a bit of precious free time.

5 Have a drink in the “local”

The social heart of many communities, particularly in smaller towns and villages, is often the local public house.

Take a wander to the venue and find out if they have any social events coming up such as party or cabaret nights and pub quizzes. These events are usually well-attended and give you a great chance to meet people from the wider community, not just the families on your street. Take the plunge and attend one of these events – it’s the ideal atmosphere for being sociable and enjoying great conversation.

Moving to a new home in a modern development means that all residents have the opportunity to build a new neighbourhood together. Discover your new neighbourhood today, start the search for your new home:http://www.stewartmilnehomes.com/find-a-home-search.aspx