Couple get engaged on doorstep of new home

Church bells beckon for one couple at Bellway’s Vicarage Gardens development in South Marston.

The two were engaged on the doorstep of their brand-new home.

Warren Wright surprised girlfriend Jessica Matthews by getting down on one knee as they were about to receive the keys to their first house together. 

To the delight of the watching Bellway staff, a stunned Jessica said accepted, completing what she described as “...truly the best day” for the couple.

Jessica said: “Just getting the keys to our new home was an amazing feeling. We were having photos taken as the site manager handed us our keys and then Warren got down on one knee and I burst out crying in shock. 

"I wasn’t expecting it, I could only think about moving in, so struggled to find my words as there was so much to take in, but it was amazing and truly the best day.”

Buying their first home together was the realisation of a long-time dream for Jessica and Warren, who had both been living with their parents in Eldene and Purton while they saved up for a place of their own.

Jessica said: “I’ve always wanted a house of my own. We had been looking for about six months before we came across Vicarage Gardens and fell in love with the development.

“Originally we weren’t thinking about buying a new build but it’s great because you move in and everything is done for you. The house is clean and it’s a blank canvas for decoration - you can make it your own, which is nice for a first home together.”

Jessica, who works at Pets at Home, and Warren, who works for BMW in Swindon, have seen slight changes to their individual commutes since moving from Eldene and Purton, but Jessica says the benefits of living in South Marston far outweigh the disadvantages of a longer drive to work.

Jessica said: “I used to come to South Marston when I was younger and never thought I’d be able to live here but now I do, and I love the area.

“My commute to work in west Swindon is now a little bit longer while Warren’s commute is shorter, but I can work my hours around the peak traffic times and it’s worth it. South Marston has so many lovely houses, it’s a quiet area and there’s plenty of big fields for dog walks and you meet a lot of new people on walks.

“When things are back to normal there’s also a lot of community groups in the church and you feel like the community really looks after each other here. At the development our neighbours are lovely; we all sent Christmas cards to each other last year and we’re hoping to have a street party together when we’re allowed so we can really get to know everyone.

“The staff and builders around the site are also lovely. Julie, our sales advisor, is always available if we have questions and helped us as much as possible through the house buying process. We can’t fault her. We also always see Tom, the site manager, and say hello.

“We really love it here and we could never move back. Bellway have been great, and we’ve already told friends that are looking to move to check out Bellway first.”

Warren and Jessica purchased a two-bedroom Olive house which features an open-plan living and dining area with French doors to the garden, two double bedrooms, an en-suite shower room to the main bedroom, plus a family bathroom and downstairs cloakroom.

Jessica said: “Our favourite part of the house is the French doors that look out into the garden. We’re looking forward to spending more time out there in the summer.”

While Jessica admits that decorating has taken a back seat to planning the wedding, she and Warren can’t wait to invite friends and family round for the first time.

“At the moment, all we really want to do is have people over, show them around the house and enjoy the garden.”

A selection of three and four-bedroom houses are currently available to purchase at Vicarage Gardens, off Old Vicarage Lane, in South Marston. Prices start at £288,995.

For more information, visit bellway.co.uk or call 01793 352658.