News

Continuing the strong partnership with social enterprise RAW, regional housebuilder Deanfield Homes has donated a picnic bench to Stanton Harcourt C of E Primary School, which sits within proximity of its Deanfields development. With intent to build further on the community bond in Stanton Harcourt, Deanfield Homes values giving back to the communities and continues to strengthen relationships in the locations where they build.

RAW is an Oxford-based social enterprise that delivers sustainable site recycling services and transforms wood waste into furniture and products for local communities. The picnic bench donated to Stanton Harcourt C of E Primary School was made from leftover recycled wood that RAW collects across various sites within the Oxfordshire area, creating a sustainable solution of the wood for the school to enjoy, with nothing left over going to waste.

Supporting those who have faced previous challenges in life, RAW employ and train young adults within the community and with every purchase made, the money is invested back into RAW to employ and support more adults. The donation of the bench from Deanfield homes generated 8 social impact hours which will be used to further provide employment and training.

Annette Gaskell, Sales & Marketing Manager at Deanfield Homes, said: “We are delighted to have been able to provide the picnic bench and know it will be well used by the school, especially as we start to enter the spring and summer seasons. We’re delighted to continue our partnership with RAW which allows us to use its recycling services and positively support the local communities that we create and in which we build.”

Deanfields is less than an hour away from two further developments in sought-after villages. These include, Deanfield Park in the village of Ickford, and Deanfield Green in East Hagbourne, where off-plan reservations are now being taken. Both developments highlight the thoughtful design and high-quality build seen in all Deanfield homes.

As we look forward to lighter evenings and the first signs of spring start to appear, we caught up with interior design experts Lifestyle Interiors to discover the top interior trends set to make a big statement this season…

Introduce Vivid Colours

Pantone’s colour of the year for 2023, Viva Magenta, is the perfect shade for the new season. The nuanced crimson red tone presents a balance between warm and cool allowing you to add pops of colour into your home and update the neutral palettes of greys and monochrome which have been popular for some time. The key decorating trend is to be more daring and expressive than ever before, make bolder colour choices, embrace more patterns and don’t be afraid to mix your styles.

Get Creative and DIY

Since the pandemic, we’ve seen more and more people get creative with their home interiors. One trend set to continue into 2023 is wall panelling; an effective and affordable way to transform your home. Wall panelling works perfectly in new builds as it helps to add character and feature elements. The opportunities are endless here – choose to keep it neutral or go bold with colour to create a feature wall.

Bring The Outside In

Houseplants are the perfect way bring a sense of calm to your space. With a pop of colour, greenery is a brilliant way to brighten up a space without resorting to manmade materials. From tall leafy plants in your living room to smaller herbs in the kitchen, you can help to purify the air and add a little extra flavour to your cooking.

Add Some Texture

Spring 2023 will see calm, natural materials and soft neutral textures. By introducing wood and natural elements to your styling you can create a calm space that’s sophisticated and on trend. Extend your entertaining space at home and make it cosy with natural textures such as linens, jute and wools. And as temperatures start to warm up, don’t be afraid to jazz up your outdoor space with a show-stopping rug, plush cushions and soft, warm blankets.

Interior design can be factored into many aspects of your home, and it really is what adds personality and character. By creating mood boards and understanding what you want to achieve you will be well on your way to creating your dream home.

For more interior design tips and regular inspiration from our professionally designed show homes follow us on Instagram @deanfield_homes_ltd

Buying new can come with a whole host of benefits and with energy prices set to rise again in the spring, recent research by the HBF states that the average new-build household could save £3,100* per year. The ‘Watt a Save’ report published this week, also revealed that 85% of new builds have an A or B EPC rating, while just 4% of older properties achieve the same standards.

With modern building techniques, new properties are proven to use far less energy than older homes, emitting just 1.4 tonnes of carbon a year, compared to 3.6 tonnes from existing properties. With built environment contributing 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint, choosing new is the greener choice – now and for future generations.

This week is National New Homes Week and to celebrate we’re pleased to share our top five reasons to buy new…

1. The Green Option

From the high levels of cavity wall and roof insulation to the double-glazed, thermally efficient windows, your home will feel warm and cosier in the winter and cooler in the summer. With homes fitted with A-rated boilers and many future homes to include air source heat pumps, your new home will offer the very latest in green heating technology.

2. Low Maintenance

Buying new comes with peace of mind. With brand new kitchens and bathrooms, newly installed plumbing and electrics and a fresh coat of paint throughout the house, you’ll be able to spend your spare time doing the things you love, not putting right other people’s DIY disasters!

3. Community Feel

There’s a unique sense of community on a new homes development, with your neighbours all moving in at a similar time. At Deanfield Homes, we build in village locations with a good range of local amenities, so our homeowners also become part of an established wider community.

4. Stress-free move

Because you’re buying your home directly from Deanfield, there is no upward chain when you buy new. So, with a shorter, or chain-free move, your house purchase should progress more quickly, smoothly and with less stress.

5. Ten Year Warranty

When you buy new, you buy with confidence. All new homes come with the reassurance of an independent ten-year NHBC warranty and our Customer Service team are on hand to provide extra  peace of mind for 2 years from completion of purchase. .

*According to research by HBF which compared average EPC ratings of new build homes vs older properties.

Since the launch of Deanfield Park in October 2021, over 80% of homes are now sold, and more than half are already occupied, resulting in a growing sense of community around the development.

This collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, set on the outskirts of Ickford village, has been sensitively designed with a mix of house styles and sizes, finished in traditional materials including brick, tile-hung and render, creating a varied street scene and adding to the village appeal. The community feel will be enhanced with a footpath around the open spaces and a children’s play area, to be incorporated as the development nears completion.

Deanfield Park combines modern energy-efficiency with the character you’d expect to find in a traditional village setting. All offer a superior specification, including quality branded kitchens, bathrooms and appliances, underfloor heating to the ground floor, fitted carpets throughout and built-in wardrobes. All homes have either a garage, carport or off-road parking, with electric vehicle charging points provided as standard.

Currently remaining at Deanfield Park is a small selection of two, three- and four-bedroom homes with prices starting from £390,000 and ready to move into this summer. With interest remaining high, homebuyers considering a move to Ickford are urged to visit the Fitzroy show home and see first-hand the quality of design and finish offered by a Deanfield home.

Annette Gaskell, sales and marketing manager at Deanfield Homes, comments: “Ickford is a charming village which offers a range of local amenities and is extremely well connected. We have been delighted with the success since launch and the development is now a well-established new community with many purchasers already moved in and calling Deanfield Park home. With just a handful of properties remaining, we would encourage interested buyers to move quickly to avoid missing out.”

Ickford has no shortage of beautiful views and local countryside walks. The village boasts a host of local facilities including a well-regarded primary school, idyllic countryside on the doorstep and easy access to Oxford. Ickord is ideal for commuters, close to the M40 and A40. Haddenham and Thame Parkway rail station, just seven miles away, offers regular and direct services to London Marylebone.

For further information, visit the marketing suite which is open Thursday to Monday 10am until 5pm

Buying your first home can be both exciting and daunting. There are many decisions to make, from the type of house and its location to understanding what’s affordable for you. Our handy guide outlines the top 5 costs you’ll need to consider, plus a bonus tip for ongoing expenses…

1) Deposit

Arguably the most well-known cost for any first-time buyer is the deposit. This is the amount you pay upfront towards your new home, with your mortgage covering the difference. For a mortgage in the UK, you’ll need to save at least a 5% deposit although if you can, it’s wise to save more as it gives you access to a wider range of mortgages with lower interest rates.

2) Mortgage

The size of deposit you’re able to save will determine the loan to value ratio (LTV) of your mortgage. For example, if you have a £20,000 deposit for a property worth £200,000, your deposit covers 10% of the value, therefore your LTV is 90%. For first-time buyers, 95% LTV mortgages are available with many high street lenders, but do your research as these can have higher interest rates and lower loan amounts. You can use a mortgage calculator to understand how much you can borrow.

Remember to always seek independent financial advice to understand the different types of mortgages available to you, plus any arrangement fees and whether the valuation fee (to check the property is worth the amount you wish to borrow) is included or additional. 

3) Stamp Duty

Stamp Duty is the tax you pay when buying a property, however the good news for all first-time buyers is there’s an exemption! If you’re buying your first home and its value is less than £425,000 then you won’t have to pay Stamp Duty. For properties between £425,001 and £625,000 in value, a 5% tax applies on the difference. The government has a helpful Stamp Duty calculator to work out any tax owed.

4) Conveyancing

Your conveyancing solicitor will handle the legal transfer of ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer, aka you! This includes drafting the contract, organising any surveys, checking mortgage terms, exchanging contracts, transferring funds and legally completing. Research by really moving suggests first-time buyers can expect to pay on average £1,432 in conveyancing fees in 2023.

5) Insurance

There are two types of insurance it’s sensible to take out when buying your first home. The first is buildings and contents, which is usually bought as a joint policy although can be sourced separately. This covers repairs or replacements to your home and belongings in the event of extreme weather, burglary or fire/water damage, and it’s compulsory if you have a mortgage.

The other is life insurance, which acts as a mortgage protection for your family, meaning if the worst happens, it will pay a lump sum to help them clear the mortgage. As with any insurance policy, shop around for the right level of cover.

So there you have it, our top five budgeting tips to get you firmly on your way to home ownership. But we did promise a bonus for your full financial checklist, so…

6) Moving Day & Monthly Bills

Other costs to bear in mind are any removal services you might use to simplify your moving day, and a review of your likely monthly outgoings e.g. council tax, energy, water, mobile phone and broadband bills. Don’t forget to include any luxuries such as TV/streaming packages or gym membership too!

For more first-time buyer advice, including our exclusive benefits and initiatives to help you move into your dream home sooner than you think, please ask your sales advisor or email us at info@deanfieldhomes.co.uk.

Deanfield Homes is launching a collection of character properties in the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Sibford Ferris. Set to launch in early 2024, Deanfield Heights, a development of 25 homes, will feature a range of two to five-bedroom properties, all traditional in design, in keeping with the development’s rural location.

The larger homes, which will be the most substantial properties Deanfield Homes has delivered to date, will feature exceptional quality specification, boasting additional studio accommodation above detached double garages. In keeping with the local architecture, many of the homes will be constructed in ironstone, with sash windows, stone cills and slate roofs. For those looking to improve their green credentials, the homes will also feature air source heat pumps, electrical vehicle charging points, highly rated kitchen appliances and low energy lighting.

Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, the homes will provide beautiful views of far-reaching open countryside, perfect for picturesque walks. Renowned for sensitive development in rural locations, the development will also boast a large area of open meadow and an ecological area to encourage wildlife and biodiversity.

The aspirational rural village of Sibford Ferris, is one of three neighbouring villages. Alongside Sibford Gower and Burdrop the three make up the ‘The Sibfords’, benefiting from a host of local amenities, including a village hall, the Wykham Arms pub, a village shop and post office and the historic Holy Trinity church. For those with children there are a number of highly rated schools including Sibford Gower Primary School and Sibford School, an independent school for ages 3-18.

The village lies approximately six and half miles west of Banbury on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds, with easy access to the M40. The popular market towns of Chipping Norton and Shipston-on-Stour are less than 20 minutes by car.

Construction is expected to commence on site in Spring 2023 with the first homes to be released for sale in early 2024. Peter Blades, Managing Director at Deanfield Homes, comments: “We are delighted to be building on our strong track record in Oxfordshire with another high-quality development in a prime village location. Sibford Ferris offers purchasers a peaceful rural setting and we’re proud to provide another beautiful development, including sustainable new homes which will sit at the heart of the local community.”

Deanfield Homes is an experienced housebuilder specialising in small to medium developments in rural village locations. It has completed a number of successful sites across the region and is proud to continue to invest in homes across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

Homebuyers have been quick to snap up a collection of new homes in the beautiful Oxfordshire village of Stanton Harcourt. With all properties now sold off-plan, Deanfields is the perfect example of how building aspirational homes in beautiful village locations can enhance a traditional rural community.

‘Deanfields’ is a collection of 40 properties by regional house builder Deanfield Homes, set on an 11-acre site, surrounded by picturesque countryside. The properties, which include a collection of three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, have already seen the first residents complete and move into their dream homes.

The sales success at this development is indicative of the strong commitment from Deanfield Homes to continually provide high quality homes in charming villages with established communities. With the change in work/life balance brought about by the covid pandemic, village life is ever more desirable, and with Deanfields at Stanton Harcourt providing a sought-after countryside lifestyle it’s no wonder the homes have been sold so quickly.

Deanfields combines modern, energy-efficient homes with the character you’d expect to find in such a historic village location. Their thoughtful design and traditional finish, using Cotswold limestone exteriors, give the properties great kerb appeal. All homes benefit from underfloor heating to the ground floor and electric vehicle charging points.

One purchaser waiting to move into their new home is sales advisor Valerie Gleeson. Having sold properties at Deanfields since its launch in March 2022, it was no surprise that when Valerie started to look for a new home, she chose one on the very development where she worked.

“With the final homes selling strongly, I realised I didn’t want to miss out on being part of the new community here and that this development was more than my workplace.” Explains Valerie, “I’m so looking forward to watching my new home progress and can’t imagine a better endorsement than to tell our purchasers that I’m moving in too!”

Annette Gaskell, sales and marketing manager, comments: “We’re delighted that all homes have been reserved off-plan at Deanfields and look forward to welcoming the new residents as they begin to move in. Stanton Harcourt is a charming village and we’re proud to offer another beautiful development which will sit at the heart of the local community.”

Stanton Harcourt has no shortage of beautiful views and local countryside walks. The village has a cricket club, community pub, village shop with post office, a village hall and St Michaels Church which dates back to the Norman era. The village is also home to Stanton Harcourt C of E Primary School, and further education is available in nearby Eynsham and Witney, both less than six miles away from the development.

Within easy reach of Oxford, Stanton Harcourt is ideal for commuters with easy access to the A40, A34, M40 and M4. The mainline railway station at Long Hanborough, just seven miles away, offers regular and direct services to London Paddington.

*Image is of a previous development.

The Christmas holidays are undoubtedly a period of festive spirit, spending time and sharing gifts with loved ones but there can be a lot of unnecessary waste which ultimately has a negative impact on the environment. If you’re dreaming of a greener Christmas, you might be surprised to learn how easy it is to make your festive season a little more eco-friendly.

From the 300,000 tonnes of card used for our festive missives, to the 230,000 tonnes of food that will end up in the bin – as a nation we waste 30% more than usual during the festive period. Here are our top tips to help you reduce your impact, without scrimping on the Christmas spirit…

1. Opt For A Real Tree

When you think of Christmas, one of the first images that springs to mind is the twinkling Christmas tree lighting up your living room. However, an artificial tree, though reusable, isn’t very sustainable. To reduce your environmental impact you’d have to use the same tree for around 10 – 20 years. Buying a real tree from a local, sustainable grower is the best way to minimise your impact on the environment. Unlike fake trees, real ones are 100% recyclable and biodegradable, so once Christmas is over you can either re pot it and plant it in your garden or take it to your local recycling centre where it will be chipped to provide covering for parks and pathways.

2. Get Creative With Your Decorations

Whilst you might reuse decorations year after year, many people purchase new ones when looking to create a whole new look. Why not get the whole family involved and create your own, they will last you for years to come and bring back all the fun family memories each year. Creating your own decorations such as reusable wooden hangings and homemade garlands is a great way to minimise the use of non-eco Christmas decorations such as tinsel, glitter and plastic.

3. Wrap Your Gifts The Eco Way

The amount of Christmas wrapping paper thrown away in the UK alone is estimated to be enough to wrap around the world 22 times – whilst most will appear to be recyclable many are not – especially those with foil or glitter. For both a green and cost-effective way to make your presents stand out, buy a roll of plain brown paper and get creative with items around your home or garden. From upcycling ribbons to finding twigs and evergreen materials on a country walk, you’ll be amazed at what you can find.

4. Reduce Food Waste

Whilst Christmas is the time for rustling up those special family recipes and fighting over the last pig in blanket, it’s also easy to overbuy and waste food. There are lots of ways to minimise this and still feel like you have enough. Make a clear list of exactly what you need for the amount of people visiting and stick to it. If you find yourself with leftovers read up on a few recipes so you aren’t just tempted to scrape it in the bin. Love Food Hate Waste have some fantastic ideas.

5. Switch To LED Fairy Lights

There is nothing cosier than twinkling lights on the tree lighting up your home, however, if you’re concerned about adding to  your energy bills then switching to LED fairy lights could typically use 25-80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.

While the festive period is associated with excess, staying mindful of your waste doesn’t mean putting a stop to celebrations altogether. By making informed choices and simple swaps you can make the very most of the holiday without putting any extra strain on the planet or your pocket. Whether you’re spending Christmas at home or visiting loved ones, by following these simple tips and making small changes you’ll be on your way to a greener, more sustainable, feel-good Christmas.

Sales advisor Valerie Gleeson is no stranger to the quality homes built by award-winning regional housebuilder Deanfield Homes, having sold properties at the company’s Deanfields development in Oxfordshire since it launched earlier this year. So when the time came to purchase her own new build home, it was no surprise that Valerie chose a home on the very development she worked.

“Strictly speaking I wasn’t looking to move but after seeing first-hand how popular the homes at Deanfields were, it was an easy decision,” explains Valerie. “With the final homes selling strongly, I realised I didn’t want to miss out on being part of the new community here and that this development was more than my workplace; it was my ideal home too.”

Deanfields is located in the ancient parish of Stanton Harcourt, just under ten miles west of Oxford and six miles from Valerie’s current home in Witney. Comprising an exclusive collection of three, four and five-bedroom detached homes, Deanfields has attracted purchasers looking to make the most of town and country living.

Valerie continues: “The village’s location on the outskirts of the Cotswolds, yet commutable to Oxford, has been a huge attraction for many of the couples and families who are soon to become my new neighbours. It’s also a very traditional setting with thatched roof cottages, a village post office/ shop and 17^th Century pub so it’s very picturesque. Deanfields has been thoughtfully designed to blend in, so homes here have a traditional appearance including Cotswold limestone exteriors, meaning plenty of kerb appeal!”

Another key factor in Valerie’s decision to move was the fixtures and finishes Deanfield Homes include as standard. Valerie adds: “Moving home can be stressful so knowing that my new home will be built with integrated appliances, landscaped gardens, security lighting as well as all-important energy saving measures such as an A-rated boiler, underfloor heating and an electric vehicle charging point, offers real peace of mind. It’s this attention to detail that Deanfield customers can be assured of and is how I believe the company turns a house into a home.

“I’m so looking forward to watching my new home being built and can’t imagine a better endorsement than to tell our purchasers that I’m moving in too!”

Regional housebuilder Deanfield Homes is helping to spread some festive cheer this season at the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Andrews Church in the village of East Hagbourne in Oxfordshire.

Committed to supporting the local communities in which its developments are built, Deanfield Homes is delighted to be sponsoring one of the church trees within St Andrews Church and is donating a luxury hamper for the Festival Raffle. In addition, they have purchased a further four Christmas trees, the proceeds of which go towards this fundraising initiative, which will bring some Christmas sparkle outside their Deanfield Green development in East Hagbourne.

The annual festival will light up both East and West Hagbourne and will see gardens in the village lined with over 100 trees and 30 sponsored trees inside the church. This year, the money raised through the purchase of trees, donations and the annual raffle will be split between the church and Albie and Beyond, a local fund-raising group for Brain Tumour Research.

Albie Bayliss-Watts was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive brain tumour after having a seizure. less than a year after his diagnosis, on 28 November 2021, Albie died aged just two years old. Albie and Beyond champions the fight against brain tumours and raises money to support vital research.

Annette Gaskell, Sales, Marketing & Customer Liaison Manager for Deanfield Homes, comments, “We love the concept of the Christmas Tree Festival, ensuring both East and West Hagbourne are filled with twinkling lights and spreading Christmas spirit throughout the village. We are delighted to support both causes and were deeply touched by Albie’s heart-breaking story. There is a wonderful community spirit within the village and we are proud to support this wonderful initiative.”

The annual Christmas Tree festival will launch on 9th December with ‘Carols in the Close’, accompanied by the Cholsey Silver Band, followed by the lighting of the trees. As well a bumper programme of entertainment throughout the week, the festival will close with the Festival Raffle Draw and a public vote for the favourite tree.

Deanfield Homes takes a sensitive approach to development, building well designed and high-quality homes in rural village locations across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Hertfordshire. Its current developments include Deanfields in Stanton Harcourt, Deanfield Park in Ickford and Deanfield Green in East Hagbourne.