Peace and quiet sealed the deal at Furlong Heath, Sprowston

When Dr Steve Jones suffered a life-changing traumatic brain injury in 2018, he and his wife, Claire, soon realised that their old home simply wasn’t providing what he needed on his extraordinary road to recovery. The semi-detached property where they used to live offered little in the way of sound insulation - a critical issue for Steve, whose sensitivity to noise grew because of his injuries.

Steve’s story is remarkable. In June 2018, a serious motorcycle accident left him with multiple bleeds on the brain and fighting for his life. “If it wasn’t for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) and the NHS, I wouldn’t be here,” he said, recalling the day paramedics and doctors airlifted him to hospital, where he spent five weeks in a coma and a total of ten weeks in hospital. The devastating injuries meant that he had to relearn many basic skills, including walking and social interaction. Even so, Steve, now a lecturer at the University of East Anglia, credits his survival and progress to the incredible care he received, and has since dedicated himself to fundraising for EAAA who helped save his life.

Throughout his recovery, one thing became clear: to adapt to his new normal, Steve needed an environment that provided true peace and quiet. He and Claire found that searching for such a home on the open market was fraught with challenges - from noisy neighbourhoods to the stress and uncertainty of long property chains.

“We were keen to explore the new build route, as we felt a newer home may offer better noise insulation, which became our top priority after my injury,” Steve explains. Their search brought them to Furlong Heath in Sprowston, Norfolk and, having visited completed homes at Tilia Homes’ Roundhouse Gate in Cringleford, they were instantly reassured by the quality and quietude of the spaces on offer.

The layout of their new Tilia home (a blend of traditional separate living room and a bright, open-plan kitchen-dining area) offered not only a welcoming space for family and friends but also a tranquil retreat for Steve. The peace provided has made all the difference: “We love the quietness of the property - it feels even more soundproofed than we expected, which is perfect for my sensitivity to noise,” Steve adds.

Their 8-year-old house cat Arya has also settled in beautifully, clearly appreciating the serenity as much as Steve and Claire do. “Above all, the calm and privacy mean that everyday life is less overwhelming for me,” Steve shares. “It’s made a real impact on my ongoing recovery.”

Steve’s journey has inspired him to give back, raising thousands for the EAAA charity that saved his life - from long walks to mud obstacle runs to gaming events and beyond. At home, meanwhile, he’s found new passion and solace in gardening, dedicating a patch of the garden to growing fruit and vegetables… “Therapeutic, grounding, and so rewarding,” he says.

The Joneses have advice for anyone considering a new-build home, particularly those with specialist needs: “The development team is there to help you - especially Ellie, the sales executive at Furlong Heath. She went above and beyond to support us, even helping to quickly resolve all the minor snags you get with a new build,” says Steve.

While Furlong Heath’s final phases are still under construction, the site’s easy access to woodlands offers even more opportunity for outdoor peace and gentle recovery walks.

As Steve sums up: “After everything, finding a home that supports my needs - especially the quiet - has been transformative. Thanks to Tilia Homes, we’re where we need to be.”

For more information on the 2, 3 & 4-bedroom homes remaining at Furlong Heath, please visit Furlong Heath | New homes in Sprowston | Tilia Homes.