NHBC Awards

Sweet success for Gerry Rice at The Limes

NHBC The limesGerry Rice has won his first NHBC award for his work on the Barratt development The Limes in Lindfield West Sussex.

“It feels really good to have done it,” he told us. “It’s taken a lot of hard work.”

Asked what it was that made his site stand out from the thousands that were inspected, Gerry said “I should think it’s the quality of the site, and the finish of the completed units,” adding that it was a team effort. He said that the site team had reacted really well to the news, commenting: “It’s really good for them, and the company too.”NHBC The limes

The Limes comprises one hundred and twenty family and one-bedroom homes in various sizes and styles, maintaining a village atmosphere close to the historic Lindfield high street from which the development takes its name.  The main road through the town is lined with lime-trees and features forty timber-framed houses dating back to the medieval period.  It is an attractive setting with a country-feel and it boasts friendly pubs and a communal attitude which continues traditional celebrations on the village common. Down the lane from the historic centre, a natural spring-fed pond is home to plenty of birdlife, while Eastern Road Nature Reserve is just a little further out.NHBC The limes

The new houses are sure to attract many to this welcoming community – in particular young people and families. Styles are traditionally finished with features including timber cladding and tile work. Most of the houses and apartments are two storeys high, while the Woodcote design is a three-storey, four-bedroom terrace with dormer windows to the impressive master bedroom, which is served by its own en-suite and spacious dressing room.

Barratt’s also offer an extensive range of options for interior finish to allow buyers to create their perfect home. Outside, the site incorporates wide verges and grassy areas to complement the open spaces and countryside which characterises the local area, and invites the families in the community to make the most of the outdoors. Most of the properties feature off road parking, whilst the Woodcote and the Virburnum have their own integral garages.NHBC The limes

Elcom Electrical Ltd carried out all of the electrical works on site from start to finish and J L O’Rourke & Sons Ltd were the carpentry contractors for the whole development.

The development also backs onto open land punctuated by mature trees, creating an exclusive, friendly environment in a location that is ideal for reaching many popular towns and cities. Near the border between West and East Sussex, London is within easy distance of the development, and Brighton is just fifteen minutes away. If it is an escape to some peace and quiet that is required, the South Downs or the coast are just short drives away.

Gerry is still at work on site, where there is good customer interest in the homes – several of which are already sold. Four of the larger detached houses were sold in a single week, and the Site Manager said that the encouraging sales were good for morale, commenting: “it’s good to know. It’s quite a tight market at the end of the day.”

Like many site managers Gerry has been in the industry since he left school, finding an apprenticeship as a bricklayer on a five-year college course in Scotland. He also has experience in ground work. Twelve years ago he joined Barratt’s as an Assistant Manager and since then he has worked his way up to Site Manager.

Gerry has another project lined up once the Limes is complete, and will be celebrating his NHBC success with the team at the awards ceremony in September.

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Roma Publications