For Niamh and Eoin, their story began at a time when the world was defined by restrictions. Introduced through mutual friends just after COVID, the couple’s first date came with an unexpected time limit.

“We only had an hour and a half in the restaurant before we had to leave because of the restrictions,” Niamh recalls. “At the time it felt completely normal, but looking back it’s hard to believe.”

Eoin and Niamh enjoying a coffee in their luxurious new kitchen.

What neither of them could have imagined then was that just a few years later they would be hosting a housewarming dinner party in their own Braidwater home, with no restrictions at all.

Since those early days, life has moved quickly. Niamh, originally from the Waterside, completed her Doctorate in Educational, Child & Adolescent Psychology at QUB at the end of Summer 2025, and was delighted to secure a Psychologist role in Derry, despite knowing she could have been placed anywhere. Eoin, from the Cityside, works in the hospital, and with his nine-year-old child, they knew they wanted to put down permanent roots in a location that was both welcoming and family-friendly.

Their search for the perfect home was far from straightforward at the start. They viewed refurbished homes, other new builds and countless resales across the city, often finding themselves caught in frustrating bidding wars. “We were getting outbid every single time,” says Eoin. “Eventually we were bidding on houses we weren’t even completely convinced about.”

Everything changed after viewing a resale property with CPS, when Beech Hill View was suggested. Curious, they drove around the development the evening before attending a show home event and were amazed by its size and setting. Although every available home had already been reserved, they left determined that this was where they wanted to live. Then, just two days later, came the phone call that changed everything, a home had become available.

“Securing a new build beats any bidding war,” Eoin says. “You pay your deposit, choose your finishes, organise the mortgage and legal work, and before you know it you’re preparing for handover. Knowing the timeline made everything so much less stressful.”

Watching their home take shape allowed them to plan ahead. Furniture was ordered, accessories were chosen and, as Niamh jokes, “We even had every spice we needed bought before we moved in.”

Niamh, Eoin and family dog, pictured outside their new Beech Hill View home.

When Kevin, the site manager, handed them the keys on a beautiful April day, it was an emotional moment. Supported by both families throughout, the move went smoothly, with Conaire of CPS always on hand to help in the build up and any minor snags resolved quickly by the site team.

Ten weeks on, they have embraced everything their new home offers. Niamh enjoys working from home in a dedicated workspace, the upgraded kitchen island has become the heart of the house, energy bills have pleasantly surprised them, and friendly neighbours have already lent a helping hand. Best of all, they have found the perfect balance, close to the city, yet surrounded by open views and countryside walks right on their doorstep.

Since moving in they’ve celebrated a major milestone in Niamh’s 30th birthday and welcomed family and friends for their first dinner party. It was a full-circle moment. The couple whose first date had been cut short by restrictions were finally the hosts, gathered around their own table, sharing laughter, good food and memories with the people they love. This time, there was no clock to watch, just the comfort of knowing they were exactly where they were meant to be.