Author Archives: heather.eastwood@hills-group.co.uk

Mark Tinson appointed Divisional Managing Director at Hills Homes

Posted on by

Mark Tinson

Swindon-based Hills Homes Developments, has appointed Mark Tinson to the new role of Divisional Managing Director. Mark is currently Divisional Director – Operations at Hills Homes and will take up his new position on 01 May 2025. 

Mike Hill, Chief Executive of The Hills Group commented: “Hills is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2025, so I am reassured that the stewardship and future success of our Home building division is secure in the hands of Mark. His time spent working with our retiring Group Director, Nick King will stand him in good stead. I would like to congratulate him on his appointment and wish him all the best in his new role.”  

Mark Tinson, commented on his appointment: “I am both proud and honoured in equal measure to accept the role of Hills Homes Divisional Managing Director. I will look to build upon the foundations that Nick King has worked tirelessly at, in establishing Hills Homes well-earned reputation as a leading regional brand when it comes to family and community place making. Whilst there will no doubt be new challenges ahead, the guidance Nick has given, and time spent sharing his knowledge over the last three years make me feel that I am well prepared to meet them head on.”

Nick King added: “I am delighted and reassured that after 30 years involvement with Hills, since building the first Hills Home, I am handing over the reins to Mark’s very capable hands. He has shown in his role as Operations Director, a focus and commitment to quality, which I am sure will help the business push forward in the coming years.”

Hills Homes has a number of developments underway in 2025, including sites at: Midsomer Norton in Somerset, Fairford in Gloucestershire, with a development at Sutton Benger in Wiltshire starting soon.

If you have any queries relating to this article, please contact our Communications Team at comms@hills-group.co.uk.

History at Fairford’s Old Yells Yard

Posted on by

Ground has been broken on the Old Yells Yard development at Fairford, Gloucestershire. This collection of nine new homes will be developed and in-line with adjacent 18th century listed buildings within the Fairford Conservation Area, whilst also incorporating sustainable modern features, such as solar panels.

Adjacent to this development sits an open meadow area to the southeast and the grade II listed Ivy Villa, an 18th century dwelling. The building is strongly linked to the Yells family, who have strong links to the area throughout Fairford’s history.

The site originated as a small agricultural holding in the 18th century. From 1858 to 1978, it was used as a family-owned building firm, which the name ‘Yells Yard’ reflects. They are known to have constructed and worked on several Fairford buildings and houses, making Yells Yard an important link to the history of the town.

A recent member of the Yells family recalls that the family business pivoted from mainly agricultural work to a building during a boom during the post-war years: “They built a huge number of properties in the area, including Burdocks and Palmer Hall. They worked at The Retreat for Dr A C King-Turner, Palmer Hall and flourished during the building boom after the war.”

According to the Fairford History Society, Palmer Hall is still in use as a community Hall to this day. The Burdocks also still stands today, as an impressive Queen Anne-style country house.

The new homes at Yells Yard aim to bring a new lease of life to this forgotten, yet historically significant area of Fairford.

Mark Tinson, Divisional Director, said: “We have worked closely with planning and heritage consultants to achieve very stylish homes which carefully follow local, Cotswolds design codes.”

To enquire about properties on this development, please contact Richard James: available by email at newhomes@richardjames.uk, or call on 01793 688705.

If you have any queries relating to this article, please contact our Communications Team at comms@hills-group.co.uk.

West Hanney Home: Refurbished Four-Bedroom Farmhouse

Posted on by

 

West Hanney New Home: Farmhouse

Looking for your new West Hanney home? The award-winning Hills Homes is proud to present our beautifully refurbished, traditional four-bedroom farmhouse, 1 Spring Close, nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of West Hanney, Oxfordshire.

Adjacent to the Spring Close collection of seven homes in the rural West Hanney village, this refurbishment of the former Deans Farmhouse seamless blends together timeless charm with modern comforts. The character of the original building is thoughtfully preserved throughout, whilst incorporating contemporary features.

This West Hanney home offers generous space for family life and entertaining. There are four spacious bedrooms, two elegant bathrooms, and generous ground floor living space. The garden is south-facing, and there is an expansive front courtyard for ample parking.

The property offers a beautifully fitted kitchen with integrated fridge/freezer, separate oven/microwave and automatic dishwasher. This West Hanney home features a gas-fired central heating, sealed unit double-gazed windows and doors. Moreover, there is a log-burner in the sitting room, and floor coverings throughout the property. In the garden features a lawn laid to turf, complete with close board fencing to the rear garden.

West Hanney affords access to comprehensive facilities in the nearby Wantage, Abingdon, Faringdon and Oxford, with the mainline rail link from Didcot Parkway.

With no onward chain, this stunning property is ready for you to move in immediately. Discover how you can make this house your home with Green & Co. estate agents.

If you have any queries relating to this, please contact our Communications Team at comms@hills-group.co.uk.

Calne New Homes: Last Remaining High Penn Park Properties

Posted on by

Our housing development, High Penn Park, has two remaining Calne new home properties available, each complete with furniture as former show home properties.

With stamp duty rates changing from April 2025, this could be your last chance to purchase a new home under the current residential property rates. With no onward chain, these properties are ready for you to move in immediately, complete with furnishings and fittings as former show homes.

Kington

The Kington is an attractive, spacious three-bedroom, two-storey semi-detached home with two parking spaces. It features a good-sized lounge with French doors to the garden, impressively equipped kitchen/dining room space with dishwasher and fridge/freezer, as well as a contemporary bathroom suite with heated towel rail. Moreover, the master bedroom contains a fitted wardrobe and ensuite.

Kington Floor Plan - Calne New Home

Barbury

The Barbury is a substantial, detached four-bedroom family home with a single garage and landscaped rear garden. The property features a beautifully equipped kitchen with range style cooker and microwave. Upstairs, there are four double bedrooms with two en-suites and fitted wardrobes. Additionally, downstairs boasts a study and utility room.

Barbury Floor Plan - Calne New Home

High Penn Park is an attractive development adjacent to the countryside, situated in the historic market town of Calne. Made with modern methods and traditional materials, constructed from a mix of brick, stone and render under a tiled roof. These new homes have been built to Hills’ exacting standards with modern methods and traditional materials.

These Calne new homes ensure a warm, safe, low energy, sustainable living space. Hills Homes make sure its new homes are built with care and attention. It’s important to balance the best of contemporary convenience with traditional character and excellent build quality.

Interested in securing your new home? Seize the opportunity to explore our last remaining High Penn properties here.

Hills Homes is an award-winning local developer with a strong reputation for building high-quality homes on carefully selected sites. We don’t just build houses, we build homes.

If you have any queries relating to this, please contact our Communications Team at comms@hills-group.co.uk.