Why live at Meon Vale?

Did you know that more than 30% of our homebuyers state that the main reason for choosing their new property is its location? With this in mind, we thought we’d ask some of our neighbours about what life is really like in the local area. First up is Charlotte McCarthy who has lived around Long Marston – home to our Meon Vale development – for 13 years. Here’s what she had to say…

“Being equidistant between Stratford-upon-Avon and Chipping Camden, yet living in the picturesque Warwickshire countryside means that you really do get the best of everything by living in this area.

“Perhaps the best time of the year is the summer when each of the local villages and towns hold their own fetes, including the Welford-upon-Avon Maypole event and the Stratford River Festival. Last month, the family and I went along to the Cotswolds Olimpick Games in Chipping Camden where there’s tug-of-war and a welly wanging competition to entertain the kids, as well as a torch-lit parade followed by a concert later on.

“This year, Stratford also held numerous celebrations to mark the 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, with parades, markets and street entertainment all taking place over the weekend. To be honest, there’s always plenty going on in Stratford, from exploring the independent shops, to hiring a boat on the river or taking the kids to an open day at the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) theatre, which they love, especially trying on the various costumes.

“We have more authors than just Shakespeare linked to the area as well. Did you know that J.R.R.Tolkein based The Great Watchtower of Amon Sul, otherwise known as Weathertop, in Lord of the Rings, on Meon Hill in Long Marston? It’s a great place for a walk on a Sunday afternoon.

“Sticking with the outdoors, I’d hugely recommend a visit to Lower Clopton Farm, which is around five minutes from Meon Vale and sells delicious meat and some beautiful gifts.

What’s more, every year in the spring, they hold an open day where you can take your children to see the baby animals.

“Other recommendations include both the Shakespeare Inn (which has a great beer garden) and The Bell Inn (serving fantastic food) in Welford-on-Avon, less than 10 minutes from Meon Vale and both great pubs. As a family, we also love the chippy in Lower Quinton. That’s also where you’ll find your local dentist and doctors. Anyone furnishing a new house should also pop to Barn Antiques Centre in Long Marston itself which has over 40 dealers selling antiques, furniture and collectables.

“People living at Meon Vale will also benefit from the amenities on site, including the Meon Vale Leisure Centre that opened last two years ago. Not only are my husband and I members but we’ve also been to numerous children’s birthday parties there and have signed the kids up to some of the all-day summer clubs whilst we’re working over the holidays. Additionally, there’s the Greenway which St. Modwen has extended as part of its redevelopment of Meon Vale. We’re currently there most weekends teaching the kids to ride their bikes and have used the footbath to walk directly into Stratford, helping to avoid any traffic at peak tourist times.

“It’s great to live somewhere where there’s so much going on, yet has all the benefits of a rural village life. We love living here and would very much recommend the area to anyone considering buying a new home.”