Georgia Smith receiving the keys to her new home at the Old Timberyard in Box from White Horse Housing Officer Ann Norvill
NEW tenant Georgia Smith says moving into her own affordable home with her son in the village where she grew up is a dream come true.
Georgia, 26, and Frankie, two, have been sharing a room in her parents’ cottage in Box but will now be renting a brand new two-bedroom apartment from White Horse Housing Association at Stonewood Homes’ Old Timberyard development in the village.
“To be living here in such a lovely home is just incredible,” she said. “I’ve been so excited I can’t sleep at night.”
Georgia, who has her own cleaning business, moved back with her mum Gail and dad Hayden because she couldn’t afford her own place after a relationship ended. “I really wanted to stay close to my family and friends because I grew up here and to be honest I’ve suffered with a little bit of anxiety so it’s a comfort blanket to know they are close by,” she said.
“Not only being close to my parents but work, friends and Frankie’s nursery, I think that all contributes to your mental health. Having good friends, your family and your work nearby is really important.”
She said she spent months looking for somewhere to live but with too few places in Box available or within her price range she found herself looking further and further afield. “I was looking in a 15-mile radius of Box but there was still nothing suitable and I was giving up hope,” she said.
She saw the signs for the Old Timberyard going up and inquired as soon as she could. “I’ve know the site all my life, ever since Oscar Windebank the timber merchant was here, we used to walk along the edge to the ByBrook,” she said. “I never dreamed I would be living here one day.”
The weeks before her move have been a frenzy of buying new furniture and household items. “It’s hectic but I am so excited,” she said. “I am the eighth and Frankie is the ninth generation of the family in the village so I am so grateful to have got the apartment. It's a lovely development, the homes are all so well built and so much time and effort gone into them.”
The apartment is one of two at the development owned by White Horse, the other is a two bed apartment being offered for shared ownership sale. Operations Director Belinda Eastland said: “We are so pleased for Georgia, Frankie and the family because this is exactly what we are all about, offering homes in rural locations for local people who could not otherwise stay close to their roots.
“Georgia is a perfect fit because of her family connection but also the contribution she makes to the community with her business. We wish her every happiness in her new home with Frankie.”