New developer Ida Homes bringing high-quality homes to Northumberland

Ida Homes has been unveiled as Northumberland’s newest local housebuilding company, as it prepares to start work on its first development in Morpeth.

The company has been founded by Tom Bell, Jerry Ellis and Charlie Maling-Dunn. The founders have worked together on independent developments in Northumberland and Central London and have now formalised their partnership under the Ida Homes banner.

Tom is a quantity surveyor with a strong track record as a housebuilder in Northumberland. Jerry runs the financial and investment side of the business from his base in the South East. He and Tom have worked together on numerous new homes developments.

Completing the trio, Charlie is a former army officer who has worked in land and planning since leaving the military, progressing to Head of Land at Bellway Durham before his move to Ida Homes. Together they have built a portfolio of new developments which will put Ida Homes on the map in Northumberland.

Charlie said: “From its breath-taking countryside and farmland to its outstandingly beautiful coastline, Northumberland is our home. We feel a great sense of responsibility as we look to provide more high-quality housing across our county. We will build homes that we are proud to put our name to, with characterful designs and exceptional standards of finish.”

Tom said: “Our previous developments include a stunning conversion project in Chatton, where we transformed traditional farm buildings into eight uniquely designed homes.

“We have also built a range of luxury new homes at sites in Christon Bank and Ellingham, combining modern design with traditional architecture to deliver developments that serve as a natural extension to the communities they adjoin.

“These developments inspired the creation of Ida Homes. We will look to emulate our achievements to date as we secure more land and design new homes to complement their surroundings.”

Jerry said: “Northumberland’s popularity among homebuyers continues to grow. People are moving to the county from all over the UK, many taking advantage of fast rail connections from the South East. We have identified what we believe to be the right homes in the best locations to help meet the needs of people who already live in the area, and those who are looking to relocate here.”

Ida Homes’ first development is in the market town of Morpeth where the company is building 18 apartments on Cottingwood Lane. Plans have also been lodged for Ida Homes to build 37 homes on the outskirts of Belford. Both Charlie and Tom live in Northumberland and they didn’t look far away when it was time to select a name for the new company.

Charlie said: “Ida Homes is named after Ida of Bernicia, the first known ruler of the kingdom which later merged to form Northumbria. It was important that we chose a name that would reflect the heritage of the county and our commitment to it.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily