WHAT I OWN: I SWAPPED MY HIGH MAINTENANCE COTTAGE FOR A £347,500 SUFFOLK THREE-BED

Welcome back to What I Own – Metro’s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.

When Lorraine Boreham started looking to move house a couple of years ago, she knew she wanted something more modern.

She was living in a 18th-century cottage in Norfolk, and while it was visually very pleasing, it ended up being a little bit needy. Things were breaking every five minutes, and the replacements were becoming increasingly expensive.

So, to save herself some money, Lorraine decided to up sticks and move to a three-bedroom newbuild home in Haverhill in Suffolk, where she grew up.

Using the proceeds from the cottage plus a little bit of inheritance, she was able to secure her future and avoid a mortgage completely.

Here’s what Lorraine had to say about her property journey…

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Lorraine Boreham, I’m 61 and live with my two golden labradors, Lola and Luna, in a new build community in Suffolk. I work front-of-house in hospitality and love the interaction and pace of my role.

I’m a mum to six and a grandmother to nine lovely grandchildren who keep me on my toes! After a lot of life changes, I moved back to Haverhill, where I grew up and purchased my new home. It’s been a fresh, much-needed new chapter for me.

Whereabouts is your property? What do you think of the area?

I live at Redrow’s The Parklands development at Great Wilsey Park in Haverhill. Being a new build development, everyone moves in around the same time, making it easier to meet neighbours and make friends – there’s a real social feel.

I love the location of Haverhill, as it’s an easy hop to Cambridge, Bury and Newmarket. It’s so well-connected.

Growing up in Haverhill, I have most of my family and closest friends nearby. Although Haverhill has changed over the years, I’ve got so many memories here because of my mum and dad, who’ve now passed, so moving back felt like coming full circle. I even play golf where they used to…how lovely is that?!

When did you move in?

I moved into my home in December 2024. Having lived here for just over a year now, it’s like watching a little village pop up around you. This year, I was able to host a lot of friends and family over the festive season, which was a great way to show off my home now that I’m settled in.

How much does your property cost?

I bought my home, which is a three-bedroom semi-detached property, for £347,500.

One of the big reasons I chose a new build home was to rid myself of the upkeep and potential renovation costs that come with a second-hand home.

I used to live in an 18th-century cottage in Norfolk, which I bought following my divorc e, and although it was charming, I was constantly having to fix things.As a single person, I didn’t want to spend the time or money on that house anymore – my new home feels so much more me.

I feel like my home now is a real mix of old and new. It has a charming Arts and Crafts style exterior, with diamond window details and sloping roofs, plus all the modern, efficient features.

How much was your deposit?

I paid a £1,000 holding deposit and 10% deposit on exchange of contracts – a total of £36,000. I didn’t need a mortgage this time, which took a lot of pressure off.

What is the monthly cost of living here now?

My old home was a nightmare in terms of ongoing maintenance costs and was constantly damp and cold! I was paying over £200 a month just to keep warm, and even then, I’d be showering in a freezing bathroom as the heating was so poor.

My new home is like a little cosy refuge and miles cheaper than my old 18th-century cottage – literally half the price. The insulation, the smart meter and even the layout have made such a difference. I can heat the house in minutes, and it stays warm.

On average, I pay just under £400 a month for all bills and council tax. I really think the insulation and efficiency of the home have made a massive difference to my monthly outgoings.

What made you want to buy rather than rent?

When you buy, you’re investing in your future. I like knowing something is truly mine; it gives me security.

How did you find this property? What made you choose it?

I’d already been looking in Haverhill to be closer to friends, family, and my nine grandbabies. I put a deposit on another Redrow home initially, but saw this one and fell in love.

As well as wanting to be closer to friends, I really needed a home that worked for me, not against me – particularly when it came to maintenance costs and upkeep.

What really drew me in was watching the homes being constructed as I kept passing through Haverhill. The Arts and Crafts style and the layout of the homes felt like stepping back into my comfort zone, but elevated.

I have slightly downsized, technically, but it doesn’t feel like it at all. Everything feels big and open – and I don’t miss the low cottage ceilings one bit. In other ways, I have upsized, with the high ceilings and an en-suite, which I could now never live without.

How have you made the property feel like home? What’s the inspiration for your interior decor style?

My decor theme is love. I’ve lost a lot of people close to me, and I’ve not always been the luckiest in love, so I’ve filled the house with hearts as little reminders that love is still very much around me.

I also love greenery. I’m very outdoorsy, but struggle to keep plants alive, so I’ve used realistic faux plants that I’ve placed all around the place.

The house already has a heritage feel, so I’ve mixed in quirky cottage-style pieces from my old home.

My palette is black, white, creams, and warm neutrals – lots of candles, soft throws, and comforting touches. It’s warm and cosy.

How many properties have you owned before this?

This is my sixth! And the third I’ve bought completely on my own.

Is this your favourite home you’ve ever lived in? Why/why not?

Absolutely – without a doubt. It fits exactly where I am in life. It’s the first time I’ve felt truly settled.

I love all the simple pleasures in this house – a warm ensuite, a garden that’s the right size for my dogs, and space to host my family. I’ve got six children and nine grandchildren, and now I’ve got room for all of them!

What’s your favourite room and why?

My lounge. It’s warm, cosy, full of candles and cushions – it’s my sanctuary. I curl up there with the dogs, and it feels like a hug.

What’s your favourite piece of furniture in the house?

My dressers from my old cottage, they fit here like they were made for the house. And my new bed! My old one creaked constantly. This one is bliss.

Do you feel like you have enough space?

Yes – more than enough. The high ceilings make the house feel much larger than most new builds. Every room feels generous, and I never feel cramped.

Do you have plans to change the property?

I want to transform the garden into an outdoor living space with a firepit and a pergola – somewhere I can enjoy a glass of wine. That’s my next challenge for spring, and I can’t wait!

This is my forever home. The only thing that would tempt me away is having a little place abroad one day – but this will always be my UK base.

Are there any problems with the property that you have to deal with?

Only that I own too many appliances – I’m drowning in air fryers and coffee machines! Definitely need to reorganise and refine a bit.

What do you want people to know about buying a home?

Go with your heart. Know your non‑negotiables, be willing to compromise on minor things, and when you find the right place, you’ll feel it. I never thought I’d love a home this much again.

Shall we take a look around?

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2026-02-07T08:44:04Z