The three-bedroom Heather is absolutely perfect for me

Having visited Newtonmore for over 20 years and lived here permanently for the last five years, Lillias has always felt at home in the area. However, when she sadly lost her partner during lockdown, she knew it was time to downsize from her large house and find a home that would be easier to manage while allowing her to stay in the village she loved.

After many years of visiting Newtonmore with my partner in our campervan and living between our house there and home in Edinburgh for 20 years, I made the move here permanently five years ago. This village has always held such special memories for me.

I feel so fortunate that, just as I was thinking about downsizing, Tulloch Homes began building the Spey Green development with such a wonderful variety of homes. My previous house in the village was beautiful, but at over 100 years old it came with a lot of upkeep. I am in my 70s so I wanted something more manageable.

The three-bedroom Heather is absolutely perfect for me, it’s modern, easy to run and designed with real thought. The reassurance of the 10-year NHBC Buildmark policy was another comfort, it gives real peace of mind at my stage of life. 

Tulloch Homes has an excellent reputation in the North, and I can see why. The quality and finish of the houses are second to none. My home is light and spacious, with French doors opening onto the turfed garden and beautifully positioned windows that bring the outdoors in. I’ve enjoyed putting my own stamp on it too, I’ve turned one of the upstairs rooms into an office and library, lining the walls with bookshelves to create a cosy reading room.

I have always been drawn to the mountains and the moors. I love looking out the window and seeing the dramatic rolling hills, even if I’m not climbing them as much these days. I’m lucky to have a good sized, flat garden with my new house which my cocker spaniel, Poppy, is already enjoying and I’m looking forward to making my own.

The transport links in Newtonmore are fantastic. Having lived and worked in Edinburgh for most of my career, a lot of my friends are based in the central belt.  I travel up and down frequently on the train, which is just so convenient with the station just 10 minutes' walk away. As the years roll on, I didn’t want to be somewhere where I felt cut off and be isolated without good transport links. I also enjoy being just five minutes off the A9 going north to Inverness, which means lots of friends and family drop in as they head off on their holidays. 

The development itself has been thoughtfully designed. The homes aren’t laid out in rows, instead they are offset, so each one feels private yet part of a neighbourhood. I’ve never once felt overlooked, and there’s already a lovely sense of community here.

I have been delighted by the standard, professionalism and warmth of the Tulloch Homes’ team, both in the sales department and the workers onsite. A big part of that is thanks to Jacqui, the sales consultant, who has been simply outstanding. She answered every question with patience and charm and has gone above and beyond by introducing me to my new neighbours. She’s as much our social secretary as she is the sales lead!

There’s a genuine friendliness here, and I’m excited to see it grow even more as the remaining homes are completed and the playpark is finished. Poppy and I feel so at home here. Moving to Spey Green has been a joyful new chapter in my life, and I haven’t given my old home a backward glance.