Housebuilder Beal Homes has appointed a landscape design expert as it launches a unique new service helping buyers to make the most of their outdoor space.
Sam Theakstone has taken up the new position of Interior and Landscape Designer to lead the pioneering service aimed at capitalising on the increasing desire for homeowners to realise their dreams, inside and outdoors.
It adds a new dimension to East Yorkshire-based Beal’s acclaimed customer selections service which offers every buyer the opportunity to customise their home, from moving walls to change the internal layout, to picking from an extensive range of high-quality fixtures, fittings and finishes.
Sam’s appointment increases the company’s Design Lounge team to five and is the first time the company has offered a service of this kind.
The innovative new service will also be available to every Beal buyer and is showcased in the new show arena at Beal’s luxury Bishop’s Green development in Welton, Lincolnshire, which was launched over the August bank holiday weekend.
Visitors to the development are able to view the three bedroom Hackness and four bedroom Thornton show homes set in stunning landscaped gardens designed by Sam, featuring a potting shed, pergola, decking and sensory area, to attract wildlife and bees.
Sam said: “We want to show buyers how they can use their outdoor space as, effectively, another room. We don’t see it as a garden – you can create structure, seating, entertainment areas, or ‘grow your own’ spaces.
“During lockdown people have come to enjoy their outdoor spaces more than ever and that’s been one positive to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This new service enables buyers to see and realise the potential of their outdoor space, with our support.
“If customers aren’t armed with the ideas and knowledge to realise the potential of their outdoor and indoor space, or don’t have the time to do it themselves, we can guide their choices and make it a reality for them.”
The new Beal service responds to the growing trend for homeowners to make the best use of their outdoor space and create purpose-designed outside living spaces. It also reflects how the lockdown has caused people to re-evaluate how their gardens are used and enjoyed for leisure, relaxation and entertaining family and friends.
In addition to the huge range of choices already available to buyers to tailor the interior of their homes, new outdoor options include extended paving, selection and planting of trees and plants, and raised beds. Beal is also planning to extend the service to the design and build of garden home offices, summer houses, greenhouses and potting sheds.
Sam studied Spatial Design (Interiors and Landscape) at Bishop Burton College in East Yorkshire and has since designed interiors for care homes, restaurants and bars. She has entered three set designs in the prestigious Grand Designs Live competition, winning the Public Award in her first year for a dining room set up to mark Gardener’s World’s 50th birthday in 2017.
Sam, who previously worked for Beal as a Pre-Selections Coordinator, is currently studying for a garden design diploma with the National Design Academy, with the aim of increasing her already substantial garden and landscape knowledge.
She said: “I’m really excited about this service because it’s a brand new role for me, while also supporting the existing team, and it’s something we can continually develop.
“It’s wonderful to see peoples’ faces when they’re making their interior choices during their selections day. Being able to offer this service to maximise the full potential of their outside space is an added bonus.”
Sue Waudby, Sales and Marketing Director at Beal Homes, said: “For some time now, we’ve recognised that garden space and outdoor areas have become increasingly important and with this appointment we’re now extending our bespoke design service to offer far more external options to our homebuyers.
“Our customers can already have a fully-finished, ready-to-live-in home, designed exactly as they wish. With our new service they will be able to have the same for their garden and work with Sam and the team to create their perfect outdoor space.
“Whether it’s space to relax, entertain, work, enjoy gardening or grow your own fruit and vegetables, the possibilities are endless!”
