Shipping Pretty - Sunday Mail Interview
New Riverside Home Means Happy Couple Are Banks Of The Clyde
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Barbara and Scott Banks didn't miss the boat when they spotted their dream home in the heart of Scotland's historic shipyards.
They've moved into a two-bedroom flat in the gh2o complex on the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow.
Music teacher Barbara said their Victorian villa conversion in Paisley, the family home for more than 20 years, seemed too big now that their three kids had flown the nest.
So they decided to buy something smaller and, as lawyer Scott is originally from the west end of Glasgow, they started looking there.
She said: "I didn't want an old tenement-style flat, so we compromised and bought a modern flat in the same area. What really struck us was the style of the flat - it's so modern - and it's right on the river. It's also got a huge balcony, so we can look right across the Clyde.
"A lot of apartments have balconies but this is like having your own garden or an extra room.
"We can't wait for the sunshine so we can make the most of it."
Their new home is just minutes from the shops and restaurants of bustling Byres Road and Ashton Lane.
Barbara also loves the contrast between the high ceilings and dark wood panelling of the couple's old home and the bright, modern finish of their new flat.
She said: "We loved the kitchen as well because everything has clean lines and is new and the finish is fantastic."
Barbara, 54, added that the clever design of the flat, which features built-in cupboard space, meant downsizing didn't mean cutting back too much on their possessions.
She said: "Because we came from a large house, we really wanted some space and the cupboards are huge.
"The bedrooms are superb as well and, having lived in an older property, we appreciate the fact it's fuel efficient.
"We didn't put the heating on until the end of November and we put if off in February.
Flats in the first phase of gh2o are available at £161,950 for a studio, while prices for a two-bedroom property start at £177,950.
The second phase of the award-winning development is due to launch soon, complete with a showflat created as part of the sales office.
For more information, call 0800 008 7008 or visit www.dandara.com
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