As December takes hold, Michele and Bruce are celebrating 12-months of living in one of Bruton’s most exciting and energy efficient new developments. A year, they say, that has been marked by space, warmth and an unexpected sense of community.
We caught up with them to discover what buying a new-build home really means and what it’s like living on the edge of one of the UK’s most-sought-after places to live.
After years of Victorian renovations and “far too much time getting them up to a suitable standard” a new-build home felt like a welcome exhale. “Here, the only thing we need to think about is painting the walls at some point,” says Michele, “the insulation is incredible in winter and we’ve just experienced how good it is in summer too.”
For the couple, and their dog, Longcroft has struck a perfect balance: cleverly planned energy-efficient living space for two, yet easily able to welcome friends and family.
But it’s not just the house that’s charmed them. “Everyone is friendly and willing to answer questions. It’s a lovely place to arrive as newcomers” says Michele, who longed for the countryside, but didn’t want to feel isolated, the location is pitch-perfect. Bruton’s cafés, post office, vets, dentist and doctors are all just a walk away. “A decent coffee on foot is very important,” Bruce laughs.
Originally from London, the appeal of gentler roads and a slower pace was a big draw for the Settle’s – “We originally looked along the Dorset coast,” they say, “but Bruton gives us so much more and the sea is only an hour away, so we go often. We have the best of both worlds living here.”
With so much to offer on the doorstep, naturally, the couple have already mapped out their culinary favourites. Briar, a farm-to-table restaurant tops the list: “The food is on another level, all local produce and easy to walk home after a glass of wine!” At The Chapel is their go-to for breakfast – and the all-important takeaway pizzas – while the Roth Bar and Da Costa at Hauser & Wirth offer great food and a great atmosphere.
After just a year, Longcroft feels less like a new chapter and more like home — warm, friendly, perfectly placed and ready for the Settle’s to enjoy Christmas.
Now in its third and final selling phase, find information on Longcroft at Cubis Bruton and latest releases here.
