Member Article

Larder-dah! Housebuilder heralds posh pantry trend

Forget swanky wet rooms and built-in multi room surround sound systems, according to local Five Star Housebuilder, David Wilson Homes (DWH) North West, the latest “must-have” when looking for a new home is in fact the humble larder.

Customer research carried out by the housebuilder, currently building homes across Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Lancashire, reveals that the new breed of home buyers have an insatiable appetite for walk-in pantries and extra cupboard space, thanks to the nation’s love for TV show such as The Great British Bake Off.

Inspired by the new baking bonanza sweeping the region, DWH North West hosted a series of kids’ cupcake decorating sessions at its show home kitchens in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Support, so far raising near £300 for the cause. The activity was skilfully devised by one of the North West’s premium cake makers, Lisa Smith, from The Cake Box in Hazel Grove.

The new penchant for pantries, says DWH, has prompted the housebuilder to increase the number of homes it builds which feature walk-in utility/pantry rooms adjoining its luxury kitchens in line with this trend.

It has also seen a marked rise in those customers buying off-plan and requesting extra storage cupboards both in the main kitchen and adjoining utility rooms, creating a bespoke solution for baking enthusiasts across the North West.

Commenting on the trend, DWH Sales Director, Steve Jackson, said: “It’s interesting to see the demand for what was once considered to be an old-fashioned, frankly defunct home concept. Larders, pantries, whatever you want to call them, were once found in almost every home as a place to store essentials such as butter, milk and bread, as well as other items which need to be kept cool.

“These days, of course, we use refrigerators to store perishable goods, but thanks to the renewed interest amongst our customers in baking, we now need to accommodate all manner of store cupboard essentials - and address this desire when designing our homes.”

Lisa Smith, from The Cake Box, Hazel Grove, who caters for events and parties all over the region was on hand, helping to create some yummy treats.

Commenting on the collaboration, Ms Smith said: “It’s amazing to see the love for home baking has been revived over the last couple of years. It’s a fun way to spend time and the end product is enjoyable too. We have seen a massive increase in the demand of cupcake parties, with children of all ages getting involved. It is great to see that baking in general is now a very important part of many family’s lives”.

DWH North West is currently building homes across the North West, including Bollin Park in Wilmslow, Stapeley Gardens, Nantwich, Cromwell Heights, Longridge, and Charlotte’s Place, Winsford. Show Homes are open 5 days per week, Monday 12.30pm – 5.30pm and Thursday to Sunday 10.00am – 5.30pm.

For more information about David Wilson Homes, please visit www.dwh.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Corey Kitchener .