A helping hand! Exeter housebuilder trades new builds for historical local venue
Team members at an Exeter housebuilder traded new builds for 18th-century history when they stepped in to help restore the grounds of a local heritage site.
Barratt Bristol, currently building at Victoria Heights in Alphington, recently teamed up with the team at Poltimore House, a historic manor house dating back to the 18th century, to help bring back the beauty of its gardens.
Volunteers from Barratt Bristol employees pulled up their wellies and zipped up their waterproofs to get stuck into the grounds, which had become overgrown during the recent colder months. Over a couple of days, the team cleared shrubs and trees, dismantled an old greenhouse, and laid a new path for the enjoyment of locals.
Poltimore House has been thrilled by the progress the team has made and has invited them to carry on their volunteering this year – much to the Barratt Bristol team’s delight.
Chris Lloyd, Volunteer Coordinator at Poltimore House, said: “As we entered Autumn, Poltimore House and Grounds were fortunate to have two great teams of volunteers from Barratt Bristol to help move some of our bigger projects. We were impressed with the willing energy and 'can do' spirit of Barratt's teams.
“There's a long way still to go, but with the help of Barratt Bristol, we are confident that the Poltimore site will soon become a favoured venue for local community activities.”
The garden transformation reflects the housebuilder's commitment to supporting communities and helping local organisations thrive for both new and existing residents in Exeter.
Richard Lawson, Sales Director for Barratt Bristol, said: “Building communities is at the heart of everything we do here at Barratt Bristol – which our volunteering at Poltimore House is a brilliant example of.
“This ethos is embodied by our team members, many of whom are passionate about local causes and volunteer regularly outside of work. Volunteering has a wealth of benefits, beyond making a difference to the local community, it’s also great at building self-confidence, developing leadership skills – and creating invaluable relationships between local businesses and groups.
“We’re looking forward to hearing about the progress made at Poltimore House and can’t wait to return this year.”
Barratt Bristol’s Victoria Heights is situated in Alphington, just a stone’s throw away from Exeter. There are easy commuter links to Exeter and Bristol. The housing development only has one property remaining.
To find out more about Victoria Heights, please call 0330 057 5252 or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/victoria-heights.
