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Jul 13 2008 Raymond Hainey

New Homes Duncan And Linda's Downsized Pad Is Built On Rugby Pitch

A flat built on a former rugby pitch scored for one couple looking to downsize from a detached house.

Linda and Duncan Galbraith were happy in their old home until they saw Dickie & Moore's new development being built near Linda's parents' home in Greenock.

And they liked the look of the flats so much, all they needed to do was look at the plans before deciding to slap down a deposit.

Duncan, 53, said: "We just decided we fancied a change - we hadn't any plans to move but we decided to take the plunge.

"The location was the main thing because it's close to Linda's family.

"And when we looked at the plans, the rooms seemed a good size and I was struck by the ceiling height - they're much higher than you usually see in modern flats.

"The standard of things like the kitchen units was also very impressive and all the applicances are SMEG, which are really good quality - we're delighted with the entire package."

Retired NHS Managers Duncan and Linda, 52, had lived in a three-bedroom detached home in Gourock for years but their first floor, two-bed flat was just too good to pass up.

It boasts an ensuite to the master bedroom, a spacious main bathroom and even a utility room and balcony.

Duncan said: "You don't often see a utility room in a flat but it's already proving to be extremely useful. It's a really nice touch. The bathrooms are also well laid out and are obviously high quality as well."

Duncan had not heard of Dickie & Moore but looking at the website and talking to friends convinced him they were a safe bet.

He said: "They seemed like a good company. They won an industry award for large housebuilder just after we started looking at the flat and we spoke to a few people who said they were good, so that was very encouraging."

The couple's new home is only a few minutes from the railway station and a fast connection to Glasgow, while shops and supermarkets are only a five-minute walk from their front door.

Duncan said: "I'm from Greenock originally and it's definitely an area on the up. There has been a lot of improvements and there's a lot of building going on, especially along the waterfront.

"We're really happy here and we're glad we made the move."

Just four flats remain at the development of 14 apartments, with prices ranging from £219,980 for a two bedroom property to £268,500 for a three bedroom home.

For more information, call 01475 637456 or visit www.dickieandmoore.com