When designer James Boughton began his home-buying journey, he was determined to create a space where he and his ten-year-old daughter Lara could thrive.
After years of careful saving and hard work, his dream became a reality when he purchased a three-bedroom, three-storey Hulsfield home at Cala Homes’ Hampton Lakes development in Peterborough.
James, aged 40, had been living with his parents in nearby Orton Malborne for five years while saving for a deposit. As a solo buyer, it was a challenge, but his determination never wavered.
He explained, “I knew from the start that I wanted to buy, not rent. Everything I do is for Lara and her future. Renting would have meant no long-term stability, but now I have something that’s truly ours.”
James first discovered Hampton Lakes several years earlier when visiting friends who lived there. The design, layout and atmosphere of the development left a lasting impression.
“I loved how the homes looked and how peaceful the area was,” he said. “There’s a real sense of space and calm here, and I could see it would be perfect for raising my daughter. It took a while to get to this point, but once I had saved enough, I knew exactly where I wanted to buy.”
In October 2024, James reserved his home off-plan, selecting the showhome’s interior design as inspiration. Cala’s team kept him informed throughout the build, even sending video updates as his new home took shape – but one person who wasn’t informed was his Lara, for whom the whole process was kept secret until moving day, when James surprised her with her new home. Having lived with James’s parents for years, the father and daughter were thrilled to finally have their own home. He completed the move in July 2025.
James recalled, “The process of buying off-plan was actually really exciting. The team were brilliant at keeping me updated. I made a few special requests too, like having ethernet and data cables installed throughout the home for my office, security cameras and smart doorbell, and Cala was happy to help.”
His three-storey, semi-detached home provides the ideal balance of family space and practicality. Lara has her own floor and bathroom, while James uses one of the bedrooms as a dedicated home office.
“The layout was a huge selling point,” he said. “As Lara gets older, having her own space will make such a difference, and I have a proper office to work from. I love the feeling of entering the home, the open space in the living room, the big garden, and, most importantly, not having to queue for the bathroom anymore! Everything feels modern and comfortable, and I still can’t quite believe it’s mine.”
As a freelance designer who works with fashion and technology brands across the UK, James often works from home and commutes to London a few times each month. Having a calm, well-connected base in Peterborough was essential, and Hampton Lakes is only five miles from Peterborough train station.
“I’ve worked from home for around ten years now, so having the right setup was key. The space here makes it easy to switch off at the end of the day, which is something I’ve not had before. It’s also great that London is only an hour away by train,” he shared.
The support James received from Cala stood out. He used Cala’s recommended mortgage advisors, Mortgages First, and credits the sales team for their consistent guidance.
“Waisum was brilliant and helped with all my technical requests, while Katie made the key collection day feel really special. Coralie supported me throughout and went above and beyond to help make everything work. I couldn’t have asked for more,” he said.
Now settled in, James and Lara are enjoying life at Hampton Lakes and the sense of community it brings.
James added, “It’s even better than I expected. It’s quiet, there are lovely green spaces and three play parks nearby, and a five-kilometre lake walk, which is great for us and our dog, Boogaloo. There are nice restaurants close by too, and the neighbours are really friendly. Cala even organised a social Meet the Neighbours event in one of the showhomes with pizza and drinks, so everyone could meet each other.
“There’s also a local WhatsApp group where everyone stays in touch, shares updates and arranges get-togethers. It’s been brilliant for Lara, as I can message in the group to find other children for her to play with. I’ve even joined a local Sunday basketball league. The whole community has made settling in feel easy and really welcoming.”
Looking back on his journey, James is proud of what he has achieved and grateful to Cala for helping make it possible.
“This whole experience has been life-changing. The team made the process straightforward and personal, and now I have a beautiful home that truly feels like ours. I couldn’t be happier.”
At Hampton Lakes, prices range from £292,950 to £ 519,950 and properties span two-bedroom apartments and three-, and four-bedroom houses.
The development is open daily from 10.30 am – 5 pm and is located on 354, Four Chimneys Crescent, Hampton Heights, Peterborough, PE7 8SR, with showhomes and apartments available to view now.
To book a viewing, call 01733 808 705 or to learn more information or to register interest, please visit the Hampton Lakes page here.
