Mike and Emma share the story of their housing journey and their move into a new Coastline home in Lostwithiel.
Caravans, off-grid living and the loss of a private rented flat through no fault of their own were just some of the many hurdles support workers Mike and Emma experienced as they tried to find a home in the area they both worked and loved.
The couple are both support workers and, as key workers, they worked tirelessly from the start to finish of the Covid pandemic and the various lockdowns.
They were living in a flat rented from a lady they both supported with care but, unfortunately, the time came when it needed to be sold and they had to move out due to circumstances totally out of their control.
Having no luck with finding any other suitable local rental properties Mike and Emma decided to get a loan and buy a large caravan to try to live off grid.
Mike explains: “Unbeknown to us, we had no idea the challenges that stood in front of us trying to live this life. We managed for three months living in a static caravan on a piece of farmland then we had to switch to a 17 foot caravan in the garden of a friend’s property where we stayed for nearly three and a half years trying to save some money so we could get married and find more permanent accommodation.”
Although their housing situation was challenging, Mike and Emma continued to work hard and saved up to have a handfasting commitment ceremony in June 2024 on a piece of land owned by friend in Perranporth.
During this time, they never stopped bidding on Home Choice and hoping that a suitable property would come up for them. Luckily Emma contacted Home Choice to update their preferences and indicate that Mike had been working as a Support Worker in Lostwithiel for two years by that point, hoping that this additional local connection might open up some more doors.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect – Coastline was about to advertise a number of homes for rent at its Bartholomews Meadow development recently completed in the town.
Mike says: “The day came when we got the magical call from Charlotte in the Lettings Team at Coastline that we had both been waiting for so desperately! We had finally been chosen for a beautiful new build property and it was all thanks to my career as a carer and key worker which meant I was eligible for the new housing scheme in the local area.”
Emma and Mike moved in at the end of June and got married ten days later – a whirlwind of a new adventure all at once.
Mike adds: “Everything went so smoothly and our wedding went better than we could have ever have expected, it was amazing from start to finish. Before we knew it, it was time to pack up and move into our new home.
“Our welcome package was first class and we had a step-by-step explanation about all areas of the property by the very knowledgeable Coastline staff when we arrived. We’re very impressed at how easy and stress free the whole experience was!
“Our new home is finished to a very high standard and looks absolutely stunning. We are so happy and finally feel secure at last. Thank you Coastline crew!”
