Family feel more connected to rural community thanks to new home

A Somerset mum has said her new Stonewater home has changed her family’s life and helped her feel more connected to the rural community she works in. 

Kayleigh Batt, who lives with her 18-year-old son Jake, moved into one of the leading provider’s new affordable rented homes at Foldhill Lane, Martock, just over a month ago.

Having grown up in rural Somerset, Kayleigh has always had strong roots in rural communities. However, the family had been left feeling isolated in their previous home due to a lack of amenities or community links.

Thanks to her new home, the self-employed micro provider, who delivers care in the community, has been able to remain close to her support networks and the clients she supports.

Jake, who studies personal training, previously found it difficult to get around for study and socialising, but is now able to travel to college and be independent.

Kayleigh said: “Getting this home with Stonewater has changed our lives for the better. It feels like we can be part of village life again, but without being cut off. 

“Our new home still feels rural, but we have everything close by. It feels like we have the best of both worlds now – a rural, affordable home but connected to local transport and amenities too.”

“Before we were really isolated, but now everything is on the doorstep. It’s the perfect location and we feel really settled."

Kayleigh’s story reflects the many social and economic benefits of affordable housing to rural communities, highlighted each year by the National Housing Federation’s Rural Housing Week.

People in need of rural housing can face limited housing options, poor transport links and the risk of being forced away from the places where they work, study and have support networks.

Having previously experienced mental health issues, both Kayleigh and Jake feel more connected and secure being surrounded by a vibrant rural community.

The home itself has also brought practical benefits. Kayleigh says she is getting more for her money in a house that feels warmer, more comfortable and better equipped for modern life.

The 23 homes built at Foldhill Lane, in partnership with Ashcot Construction, are designed with sustainable energy-saving features in mind including high levels of thermally efficient insulation together with air source heat pumps to help customers reduce their energy bills. Each home is also well equipped for the future with electric vehicle charging points, work from home spaces and water butts allowing our customers to keep their gardens well-watered through heatwaves.

Kayleigh added: “It’s made a massive difference to our lives. It’s the perfect location and we feel really settled already. It means we can make more of a life for the future.”

James Bradbury, Stonewater’s Chief Investment Officer, said: “Kayleigh’s story highlights the role affordable housing can play in sustaining rural communities – a key theme of the National Housing Federation’s Rural Housing Week. 

“In rural areas, limited housing options, fewer transport links and reduced access to local services can make it harder for people to remain close to work, education and support networks.

“For Kayleigh and Jake, their new Stonewater home means they can stay close to their roots, access the services they need and build a more stable future in the rural community they call home – a fantastic example of the far-reaching impacts of well-thought out and sustainable rural homes for the future.”