When a South African couple moved into their new home on a development in Wiltshire they didn’t waste time in getting to know their neighbours – they threw a party.

Tammy Hassel (36) and her husband Bernd (36) posted invitations through the letterboxes of the houses which were already occupied on the Cotswold Homes development of 46 homes currently underway in Corsham’s Potley Lane.

The couple feared that British reserve would mean few if any would turn up on the day but in the event more than 40 people arrived.

‘Everyone got to know each other and we now have a close-knit community on our doorstep,’ says Tammy.

‘Already people are helping each other with dog-walking, as well as grass-cutting and putting out refuse for collection when neighbours are away on holiday.’

Tammy, a microbiologist, and engineer Bernd arrived in Britain in 2006 and loved it so much that they decided to stay.

After years living in rented accommodation in Swindon they decided to buy a place of their own.

‘House-hunting was easy for us,’ says Tammy. ‘The first property we inspected closely was the showroom at Corsham Rise. We were so impressed that we felt it was pointless to look anywhere else.

‘We made the decision to buy as soon as we had inspected the plans and specifications for our four-bedroom detached home with its spacious layout and high quality finishes. We also loved the fact that, having paid £425,000 for the property, there were no hidden extras on top.’

As they were buying off-plan, the couple also paid close attention to the site layout.

‘That appealed to us as it showed that we would not be overlooked and would retain the privacy which is important to us,’ says Bernd.