How one Okehampton man embraced sustainable living in his new-build home

Dr Steve Lo, an expert in sustainable environmental engineering, has recently settled into his new home at David Wilson Homes Exeter’s Hampton Mill site on the outskirts of Okehampton. With a career spanning four decades, Dr Lo's expertise in construction and his passion for lower-carbon living have shaped his decision to invest in this new development.

Dr Lo's journey in the sector began when he first worked in the R&D department for a mainstream housebuilder. He later went on to a career as a university lecturer in Building Physics before retiring in June 2023. Having owned four new-build houses over the years, Dr Lo's commitment to sustainable homes has been a consistent driving force behind his choices.

Moving from Wiltshire to Okehampton, Dr Lo and his wife, Shelley, found the Hampton Mill development through online research. Their familiarity with the area, having family living nearby, and the allure of a new-build community made Hampton Mill an ideal choice for their next home.

Taking advantage of David Wilson Homes' Part Exchange offer to help facilitate the timely sale of their old home, Dr Lo and his wife secured a beautiful four-bedroom property at Hampton Mill. While the house's layout closely resembled their previous home, meaning their furniture was moved over without a hitch, its prime location on the edge of the site which offers stunning views of rural Devon fields, set it apart.

Energy efficiency played a crucial role in Dr Lo's decision-making process, with the home boasting an EPC rating of B on which to improve. Since moving in, Dr Lo has also taken steps to further enhance his new home’s sustainability credentials, including the installation of a 5kW PV array and a solar battery pack for storing energy.

Beyond the features of their new home, Dr Lo and his wife have been enamoured with the tranquility of the Hampton Mill community. Despite initial concerns about site traffic during construction, the project’s phased approach and the attention to detail by David Wilson Homes have mitigated disruptions for both him and his neighbours.

Reflecting on their experience, Dr Lo highlights the charm of the surrounding area, particularly the scenic approach to the Hampton Mill site and the homes’ architectural synergy with the local area. Moreover, any issues encountered with their home have been minor, affirming their confidence in David Wilson Homes' commitment to quality craftsmanship.

As Dr Lo and his wife continue to settle into their new home at Hampton Mill, their story serves as a testament to the blend of sustainability, comfort, and community that David Wilson Homes strives to achieve in its developments across Devon.

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are currently building much-needed new homes in Devon, including at Hampton Mill and Okement Park in Okehampton. Wherever you are in your new home journey, Barratt Homes is here to support you and offers a range of schemes including Part Exchange Guarantee and the Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme