A FAMILY has been celebrating this week after the life-changing moment they were handed keys to new custom-built bungalows which have been specially adapted for their disabled son.

Jonathan, Andy and Rose Hunt, have lived together for 25 years in an old farmhouse near Bromyard.

Although it was a good family home, the house has slowly become less suitable for Jonathan, who has agenesis of the corpus callosum – a neurological disorder that affects his mobility.

Affordable housing provider Stonewater and regional contractor J Harper and Sons, have worked together with Herefordshire Council to build a pair of two-bedroom bungalows in Bodenham which will allow Jonathan to live independently next door to his parents.

His home, which has been purpose-built to meet his mobility needs, features wider doorways and level flooring and a track and hoist system throughout the building so he can move easily around the house in and out of his wheelchair. A large wet-room adjoining his bedroom has also been installed.

His father, Andy, said: “We have been able to visit the bungalows a few times during their construction and they look great.

“They are tucked away in a cul-de-sac where there aren’t many cars on the road so it’s nice and quiet. It will be great for Jonathan who will be able to be taken out in the fresh air on nice days in the autumn and winter.”

He said the family’s previous house was in a hilly area which was quite dangerous. The new location is much flatter and safer for Jonathan’s wheelchair.

“We’ve lived here in Herefordshire for about 27 years so it’s great to be able to stay in the area. My wife and I are nearing retirement, and like all parents, we want our son to be independent and set up for when we are not able to help as much,” Mr Hunt added.

Previously a farmer’s field, the bungalows’ site was leased to Stonewater by Lower Hope Farms owner and Mr Hunt's boss, Clive Richards.

Jonathan's bungalow also features underfloor heating and floor-to-ceiling windows which will benefit him as he spends much of his time at home on the floor out of his wheelchair.

The new energy-efficient bungalows have been built with high levels of insulation to help keep the family’s running costs down. They will also achieve Life Time Homes standard and Secured by Design a national police crime prevention initiative that uses smart building designs to ensure people’s homes are safe and secure.