Homeowner Stories

Dave

The Dairy, Pendle Farm Worsthorne
Worsthorne
Dave Bertrum - Plot 33 The Dairy - Pendle Farm, Worsthorne
“It's perfect for me, ticks all the boxes.”
AI of the Laithe
Completed
Development

Pendle Farm, Worsthorne

A New Chapter in The Dairy: Dave’s Story at Pendle Farm, Worsthorne

Sometimes, finding the right home isn’t about having more space. It’s about finding somewhere that feels just right for the life you want to live.

For Dave Bertrum, finding The Dairy at Pendle Farm in Worsthorne marked the beginning of a new chapter.

After 30 years in his previous home, he was ready for a quieter way of life, somewhere surrounded by countryside, with village amenities close by and plenty of walks to enjoy with his Border Collie, Floss.

“It’s just a new chapter in my life. This is all mine now.”

And just a few weeks after moving in, it’s already beginning to feel like they’ve always belonged.

Finding the Perfect Fit

When Dave began searching for his next home, location was at the top of his list.

Having previously lived close to the M65, he was looking for a quieter setting with countryside walks on the doorstep, but without losing the convenience of village life.

Worsthorne offered exactly that.

From the local pub and village shop to the much-loved fish and chip shop, everything he needed was close by.

Then he discovered The Dairy.

One of just five unique barn homes at Pendle Farm, The Dairy offered something a little different from a traditional new build. With beautiful stonework, characterful details and a thoughtfully designed single-storey layout, Dave could see its potential before it had even been completed.

Buying off-plan, he trusted what he saw in the plans and the quality of the development.

“It just ticked all the boxes.”

Dave Bertrum - Plot 33 The Dairy - Pendle Farm, Worsthorne - Floss the dog

A Smaller Home, With Everything He Needs

Moving from a three-bedroom semi-detached house to a one-bedroom home was a big change, but for Dave, downsizing has been anything but a compromise.

In fact, it’s made everyday life that little bit easier.

With everything on one level, no stairs to navigate and low-maintenance outdoor space, The Dairy is a home designed to work for him now and in the years ahead.

“It’s fantastic. Easy to clean, no stairs, and it’s future-proofed me for getting older.”

Dave laughs that he can vacuum the entire house in around ten minutes!

And while he’d initially worried the home might feel too small, stepping inside completely changed his mind.

“It’s like a TARDIS. It looks small on the outside, but it’s a really good size. It doesn’t feel cramped.”

It’s proof that a thoughtfully designed home doesn’t need to be large to feel spacious.

A Barn Full of Character

Part of what makes The Dairy so special is its history.

As one of the restored barns at Pendle Farm, the home combines the character of the original agricultural buildings with the comfort and convenience of modern living.

For Dave, the stonework is a particular favourite.

He loves the little imperfections and natural variations that give the building its personality, helping it feel like a traditional barn rather than a conventional new build.

“It’s the stone, particularly. There are little imperfections in it which I really like.”

And he’s not the only one who’s impressed.

Dave tells us that local residents have commented on how lovely the barns look now they’ve been restored, while a friend who has worked in the building trade for more than 50 years described the stonework as some of the best he’d seen in years.

It’s a lovely reminder of why taking care with traditional materials and craftsmanship matters, especially when restoring buildings with such a strong connection to their surroundings.

The Barns Complete pendle farm

Finding His Place in the Village

Perhaps the loveliest part of Dave’s story is how quickly he and Floss have become part of the Worsthorne community.

Despite having lived there for only around eight weeks when we visited, Dave had already got to know his neighbours and plenty of familiar faces around the village.

A keen walker who loves a conversation, he’s been making the most of the surrounding countryside with Floss by his side.

“I’ve been out for a three-hour walk today, and people were saying, ‘Oh look, Dave and Floss are here!’ Everyone knows us already.”

From discovering new walking routes to visiting the local fish and chip shop and enjoying a trip to The Crooked Billet, Dave has embraced everything village life has to offer.

And the peace and quiet?

That’s something he still appreciates every day.

“Where I used to live, you could always hear the motorway. Here, it’s just silent, even at eight o’clock on a Monday morning.”

After years of road noise, the calm of Worsthorne has been a welcome change.

Dave Bertrum - Plot 33 The Dairy - Pendle Farm, Worsthorne - Floss the dog
Dave Bertrum - Plot 33 The Dairy - Pendle Farm, Worsthorne

The Simple Joys of Home

Ask Dave about his favourite spot in The Dairy, and the answer is wonderfully simple.

Lying on the sofa, looking through the patio doors and watching the birds outside.

It’s those little everyday moments that make his new home feel special.

A peaceful morning, a long walk with Floss, a chat with the neighbours, or simply relaxing in a home that feels comfortable and easy to enjoy.

Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that mean the most.

 

A Journey Made Easier

Moving home after 30 years is a big decision, but Dave remembers his experience with Verity & Co Homes as a positive one.

From reserving The Dairy to collecting his keys, he felt well supported throughout.

“Everything went swimmingly.”

He particularly appreciated the help of Karen, his Sales Advisor, and Jess Mackenzie, the solicitor recommended to him, who supported him with both the sale of his previous property and the purchase of The Dairy.

And since moving in, the team has continued to help with the finishing touches.

Dave was pleased with the quality of his new home and how quickly the minor snags were resolved, even giving a special mention to Joe, the painter, for his help.

When asked what he’d say to someone considering buying a Verity & Co home, his answer was simple.

“I’d strongly recommend that they did!”

Dave Bertrum - Plot 33 The Dairy - Pendle Farm, Worsthorne

What Home Means Now

For Dave, moving to The Dairy has meant more than simply finding somewhere smaller to live.

After spending three decades in his previous family home, leaving behind so many memories was always going to be a significant step.

But as the months passed between reserving The Dairy and moving in, Dave found himself looking forward to what came next.

“It’s just a new chapter in my life. This is all mine now.”

And what a lovely new chapter it’s becoming.

A characterful home that feels just right. A peaceful village full of friendly faces. Beautiful countryside to explore. And Floss, of course, always by his side.

We loved spending time with Dave and Floss, hearing his stories and seeing just how happily they’ve settled into their new home.

Dave and Floss, we wish you both so much happiness at The Dairy, with plenty more countryside adventures, friendly conversations and peaceful days ahead.

Because sometimes, the right home isn’t about having more. It’s about finding everything you need.