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Customer case study: discovering their dream home at Riverbrook Gardens

June 2026

Tracy, a content creator and stylist, and her husband Anth, a sales manager for a global shipping company, recently moved into their Charlton home at Riverbrook Gardens.

Designed with flexible family living in mind, The Charlton offers five bedrooms, a spacious open plan kitchen, dining and family area, a separate study, and an impressive principal suite, making it the perfect home for modern lifestyles.

Having admired Story Homes for several years, the couple knew they wanted a home that combined exceptional build quality with a beautiful countryside setting. We caught up with Tracy and Anth to hear why they chose Riverbrook Gardens, what they love most about The Charlton, and their experience with Story Homes.

Tracey and Anth outside their Charlton home at Riverbrook Gardens

What made you start considering a new build rather than a second-hand property?

We wanted a home that felt fresh, energy-efficient and low maintenance. Having owned older properties before, we liked the reassurance of fewer unexpected repairs and the opportunity to start with a blank canvas.

How did you first hear about Story Homes and the Riverbrook Gardens development?

We’d visited a Story Homes development previously and were really impressed with the quality and attention to detail, so we kept an eye on the website and social media. As soon as Riverbrook Gardens launched, it felt like the perfect opportunity.

What initially drew you to this development?

We’ve spent many years visiting Northumberland and always dreamed of living closer to the countryside. Riverbrook Gardens offers the perfect balance of beautiful surroundings and easy access to shops and everyday amenities, making it feel like the natural next step for us as a family.

Which house type did you choose and why?

We reserved The Charlton because it suited our lifestyle perfectly. The large open plan kitchen, dining and family area was a huge selling point, as it’s the space where everyone naturally gathers. We also loved having a separate study for Anth to work from home, while the spacious principal bedroom gives us our own private retreat. With our four grown-up children regularly visiting, we wanted a home that works just as well for the two of us as it does when the whole family is together.

Which room do you spend the most time in?

Without a doubt, the kitchen. It already feels like the heart of our home. It’s flooded with natural light, and the layout flows beautifully, making it a wonderful space to cook, relax and spend time together.

Did you consider other housebuilders?

Yes, we looked at other developments, but we’d actually visited another Story Homes development back in 2021. Although the location wasn’t right at the time, we fell in love with the quality and finish. When Riverbrook Gardens became available in our ideal location, we knew it was the right choice.

How did you find the process of reserving your home?

The whole process felt straightforward and reassuring. Rebecca, our Sales Executive, was always clear, honest and incredibly helpful throughout. There was never any sense of a hard sell, just supportive, straightforward guidance. We received regular updates, and every question we had was answered, no matter how small.

Would you recommend Story Homes?

Absolutely. From our first visit to moving into our home, the experience has exceeded our expectations. The quality speaks for itself, and now that we’re living here, we completely understand Story Homes’ reputation. We’ve found our dream home and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Story Homes to others.

Visit a Charlton show home

If Tracy and Anth’s story has inspired you, why not experience The Charlton for yourself?

Visit our show homes at Scotby Grove in Carlisle or Heritage Fields in Tanfield and discover why this thoughtfully designed home is such a popular choice.