CommunityAd took a sneaky look into the life and work of Lydia Layton, the fantastic Ebbsfleet Blogger writing about life in lockdown.
So, Lydia for those readers who are unaware when did you first move to Ebbsfleet?
We first moved into our new-build home in Castle Hill at the start of August 2018, so we have been residents here for the past two years.
What attracted you to this new area of Kent?
We wanted to move out of London, yet still be within a short commuting distance on public transport. Ebbsfleet is the perfect location as you can be in the countryside within five minutes, and in London in half an hour. From previously living in a two-bedroom flat in East London, we were able to move into a four-bedroom detached home with a garden for a similar price. We also knew that there would be a lot of future development in the area, with the addition of amenities such as schools, shops and healthcare hubs. Being parents of young children, we also really liked the fact that there was already a good, recommended school with great facilities at the end of our road, which both our boys now attend together.
You’ve been writing a fantastic blog for the Garden City about family life, like many mums across the globe you’ve had to adapt to having the kids around a bit more than normal, how was your lockdown experience?
Thank you! Well, the first two months of lockdown was absolute chaos! Both myself and my husband were continuing to work from home, so we had to tag-team between work, home-schooling and looking after our 3- and 5-year-old boys. There was no time for boredom or Netflix in this household! We coped by making sure to utilise our one walk a day to go out all together on bikes/scooters/foot and explore more of our local area, finding new parks, lakes, and fields for the boys to expend some of their energy in.
What element of life in Ebbsfleet has surprised you most would you say?
The really strong sense of community and willingness of neighbours to help each other, particularly during the difficult circumstances of the past 6 months. Coming from London, it was much more difficult to get to know the people living around you, I think everyone seemed busier and more transient. I was so pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to meet people and build lasting friendships with our neighbours.
What makes this part of the world such a pleasant community to be a part of?
Everyone I have met has been very open and friendly, and genuinely interested in building relationships with others in the community. Perhaps this is because of the nature of a new-build development where everyone is new and looking to put down roots. You also get the feeling that most people really care about the area and how the community progresses moving forwards.
Anything else you’d like to add at all please do feel free?
I run an interior and lifestyle blog on my Instagram channel, @lydias_layton_life, where I share my new-build interior styling tips, DIY projects and insight into our family life in Ebbsfleet.