Downsizing to a new-build community was our right move
Eddie and Jayne had lived in their Surrey home for 26 years before deciding it was time for a change. Their renovated 1970s house was a home they’d loved, and where they’d raised their two children. But after their son and daughter had flown the nest, they found themselves with more space than they needed. And having both retired, the nearby motorway that was once the perfect drive-to-work link, became something they’d rather leave behind.
Eddie says: “We wanted to move away from such a busy commuter town, to somewhere more peaceful. We’re very keen on campervanning, so geographically we wanted to be closer to the countryside, so we can explore different areas more easily.”
Location was important to Eddie and Jayne, but so was the type of property they were to move to. They were looking for somewhere for the two of them and their miniature poodle, Harry, that was still big enough to fit the family when they came to stay.
Eddie says: “Our children have both moved out to start their own lives, so we were looking for a downsized property. But we wanted three bedrooms, so that when our children and their partners come to visit, they have space of their own.”
As well as moving to a space that was better suited to them, downsizing had other benefits, too. Eddie and Jayne were able to support their children in the next steps of their lives. “Our daughter’s wedding is next year, and our son is looking to buy his first home. So, these seemed like the perfect things to put the extra money we’d have from our house sale towards,” adds Eddie.
On (the road) to new beginnings
Through the couple’s love of campervanning, they’d already explored lots of potential areas to move to. And the village of Shrivenham, in Oxfordshire, stood out as somewhere that ticked all the boxes.
“Having stopped in the village on one of our holidays, we knew it was where we wanted to be. Both of our children work nearby, and we’re only an hour away from our parents, so we’re still able to visit them regularly,” says Eddie. “We looked at properties for sale in the area on Rightmove, and that’s when we came across Cross Trees Park.”
Surrounded by lush Oxfordshire countryside, Cross Trees Park is a new village development from Legal & General Homes. It’s close to both Oxford and Reading, and less than 10 minutes’ drive from Swindon. The two, three and four-bedroom homes are set in 13 acres of parkland, and the homes feature slick finishes and fittings, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances. Homes are also fitted with high-thermal-performance, argon-filled windows, that minimise heat loss, and reduce energy usage.
Just outside the development, the neighbouring idyllic village of Shrivenham has several pubs, shops and golf courses.
“Knowing that almost everything we could need was just a short walk away and in such a beautiful location was a huge positive for us,” says Eddie. “As location was high on our wish-list”.
And having nearby walking routes for miniature-poodle Harry, was another selling point. Shrivenham has two main footpaths – an inner circle around the village, and an outer one – both connected directly with Cross Trees Park. “It means we can walk from our front door the whole way around the village without crossing any major roads, which has been great for walking Harry,” adds Eddie.
Adding their own stamp to their “perfect plot”
Now settled in their new detached home, Eddie and Jayne are putting their own finishing touches on their new, downsized space. They can focus on decorating, rather than the DIY jobs that can inevitably come with moving into an older property. “Moving to a new-build has given us a clean slate and a fresh start from a house maintenance point of view. We won’t have to think about anything like that for several years,” says Eddie.
There’s a designated study at the end of the living room, but, having retired six years ago, Eddie has found another way to utilise his would-be workspace. “The study has become a gin bar for us, and houses our collection of bottles from everywhere we’ve travelled in our camper van,” he laughs.
Eddie and Jayne also love where their home is positioned in Cross Trees Park, “We know everyone must say this, but we really feel our home is in the best possible place. Our garden is a great size, there isn’t a house in front of us, and the ones behind don’t back onto us.”
Finding a new community, as well as a new home
As more people move into Cross Trees Park, the couple can feel their network widening. “We’d lived in our previous home for almost three decades,” says Jayne. “We were naturally apprehensive about starting afresh. But you can really feel the community growing here, even though it’s a completely new development. And that is certainly easier with a dog. People always want to come and meet Harry – he’s a great conversation starter!”
“This is definitely a forever home for us now, and we couldn’t be happier with the way it’s turned out,” says Eddie.
