The Cannon’s found new development was key to happiness
FINDING a home that their young family could grow into was the number one priority for Gary and Hannah Cannon when they were house-hunting.
Drawn to the Lepton area because they felt its well-regarded schools would be perfect for daughters Elizabeth, four, Phoebe, three and eight-month-old son Henry, the couple put down roots.
They found the perfect solution after looking at plans for a brand new development in Fenay Bridge.
Gary, who works in energy recovery for a Sheffield-based firm, explains: “We knew that the area was well-thought of for schools and were looking for somewhere else anyway because our two-bedroom house in Netherton wasn’t big enough!
“Then this house came up, which was being built as part of a new development.
“It was designed over three floors and all the rooms were spacious – just what we were looking for!
“Because we got in at the planning stage we had our say on the finishes, like the flooring, and upgraded the kitchen to a top-spec one.
“While the house was being built we kept driving past to see what was going on. It was quite a nice experience, having a house built for us and knowing we would be the first in it and have everything brand new.”
After a short wait for the build to be completed, the couple were excited to get the keys to their shiny new three-storey home.
And they soon found that being part of a family-friendly estate really suited them and their expanding brood.
Gary says: “With parks and play areas, the estate was geared up for families and had a really nice feel.
“Since we’ve been living here, six of our neighbours have had babies so the children have grown up with each other and played together. ”
Having lived in an older property in Newsome, Gary and Hannah found the slick, modern design a real contrast to the period features they were used to.
But says Gary having a new home came with plenty of plus points – and they didn’t have any trouble injecting it with personality.
“With older properties there’s always work that needs doing to them but this house was clean and modern and very easy to move into, which with young children was perfect for us.
“For me I liked all the practical things associated with a new house, the fact that it was so cheap to run and that we probably wouldn’t have any problems with it.
“We liked the fact that everything was done but we have done bits and pieces to put own stamp on it.”
Hannah, who works from home making children’s clothes, used her creative flair to add flashes of colour and real warmth to the family’s house.
She didn’t want to overwhelm the rooms with strong shades, so created feature walls to add colour and picked out the colours with accessories and soft furnishings.
This works particularly well in the couple’s bedroom, where a rich plum feature wall works beautifully with matching curtains and striking chandelier-style lighting.
The couple also added a personal touch by dotting around their home large, bright picture portraits of their children.
Says Gary: “We’ve got one of these pictures in the dining room and it’s nice to sit round the table and look at how the children have changed – that’s always going to be a part of wherever we live.”
The girls also love the big bedroom they share, which with its pretty pink shades and castle and flowers theme is a real princesses bedroom.
For mum and dad though, their sanctuary is the light first-floor lounge, decked out with a comfy leather sofa.
Gary says: “We love the lounge, because its our own personal space where we can chill out after a busy day.”
The couple are selling their home because they want to move back to Netherton to be closer to Gary’s family.
But Gary says the house and its surroundings have been perfect for his young family.
He says: “It’s the ideal place for families and we have enjoyed being a part of it. We have grown close to the neighbours over the years and our children will miss many playmates.”
l Hanby Close, Fenay Bridge, is on the market with Bramleys estate agents. For more information call 01484 530361.
