It was love at first sight when Eoin and Gillian Atkinson visited the former HMS Ganges site and the couple have become the first people to move in to what is now called Barrelmans Point.

So impressed with Shotley Gate and the development plans the couple, looking to move from Witham in Essex, cancelled two other appointments to view new builds in Suffolk.

This was last February and now, almost seven months later, Gillian and Eoin made history over the weekend by moving into their four-bedroom home, with pet dog Stan, on the historic former Royal Navy Training Establishment.

Neither had ever been to the Shotley peninsula before, or knew the history of HMS Ganges but instantly fell in love with the area.

A walk down to Shotley marina and back up Marsh Lane after completing the show around by Shotley boy Callum Byford, with estate agents Connells, was enough to convince the couple to move in.

"We were looking to move and we know Suffolk a bit from going to Kessingland with the caravan and we just stumbled over this." said Gillian. "We were not particularly looking for a new build either but as soon as we came here and saw what it was going to be, that was enough to put a deposit on the place straight away."

Eoin added: "We went for a walk, saw all the boats and looked along the bay and we realised it was just what we were looking for. It is fair to say it was love at first sight.

"I love all the water sports, paddle boarding and kayaking and I used to surf, so this is ideal."

Since making the decision Eoin and Gillian have not hung around and swiftly sold their former house in Witham, where they had lived for more than 50 years.

Eoin said: "We have watched this house being built from footings, first brick laid, the whole process."

Given Eoin's connection with the water, and Gillian's sociable nature, the couple are looking to join the nearby Shotley Sailing Club and being part of village life.

"We really want to be part of the community," said Gillian. "I know she people moving in won't but we will and others we have spoken to feel the same.

"All the people we have met in Shotley have been warm and welcoming and when we tell then we are moving in here, they are really supportive."

Being the first to move in means the pair will have to wait, along with everyone else, for the facilities, including the convenience store, most probably a Co-op, cafe, gym, small cinema , co-working spaces and open spaces, to be completed.

They are also prepared for building going on around them as Phase One is completed, and Phase Two started, although they are delighted to see the mast completed.

"We have looked at all the history and I'm amazed that the boys used to go up that mast, can you imagine the health and safety now?" said Gillian.

Gillian is an insurance administrator who works from home much of the week, while Eoin is an experienced builder, so can handle any disruption as the site is developed.

Gillian added: "We knew what we were going to let ourselves in for but I have to say the guys are all really good.

"They are very respectful, they don't start until eight, then are gone in the afternoon. You get used to the noise and we are not bothered by it.

"The site manger is lovely and the workers can't do enough for you.

"We know it is a building site and the blinds will go brown for a while but we can clean those and they have already said they will come and clean our windows for us."

While neighbours for Gillian and Eoin are due to move in over the next few weeks, there are still houses available for sale.

So, take a tour of the stunning new show homes at Barrelmans Point, next Saturday, 16 September from 10am - 4pm.  

Book an appointment at www.bmpoint.co.uk or call the team on 01473 233 966.

*Planning permission for 285 homes on the former HMS Ganges site was first given permission by Babergh District Council's planning committee in March 2015.

The scheme, is being built out in a joint venture between and Galliard Homes and Wavensmere Homes, who were this week named Residential Developer of the Year in the Insider East Midland regional awards, with 81 houses being completed in the first phase.

The iconic HMS Ganges mast was renovated, ahead of schedule, last month. More details here.

A detailed application for phase two has been lodged with Babergh showing how assisted living homes, a convenience store, and a mixed use for Nelson Hall will be built out. More details here.