In their late 60s, Richard and his wife were looking for a new build home in South Oxfordshire that matched their lifestyle change in retirement and found the perfect home within our Rivermead Gardens development in Alton.
Having lived in a village nearby for almost three decades, the couple were eager to move closer to a town with amenities on their doorstep. After viewing our development in Alton, they knew they’d found what they were looking for. Their new four-bedroom home is just a four-minute walk to shops, the GP, and Alton’s railway station.
Richard said: “We wanted to be within walking distance to everything, which is exactly what our new home is able to provide. The setting is idyllic, with a stream right on our doorstep – we can even see the steam train now and then from behind our home.”
As keen travellers, Richard and his wife were looking for a place they could lock up and leave when they go away and not have to worry about maintenance. The couple wanted a smaller garden, a manageable property with an open-plan living space to make living more casual and comfortable.
Their previous home, a 1784-character property in Binstead, had become impractical due to constant repairs. The couple knew the area well and particularly liked the redevelopment of the former Molson Coors brewery, leading them to choose a home on our Rivermead Gardens development.
Richard added: “The Cala sales team really listened to our needs and found us the perfect match. Compared to our previous home, this feels like a lock up and leave – ideal for easy living.
“We wanted to enjoy retirement without the burden of repairs, which is almost guaranteed with a period home. We also love access to creative storage spaces – even though we’ve downsized, it is something our previous home lacked.”
Since moving to Rivermead Gardens the couple have found they’re using less energy, both inside and outside their home. Compared to their period property, their new home doesn’t cost as much to heat up: “We walk more and drive less now, enjoying the community feel – even our energy costs have dropped by almost 25%,” Richard said.
Their new home has also freed up their time, allowing them to fully enjoy retirement without restrictions. Richard added: “We felt listened to and supported throughout our journey with Cala, they made us feel welcome from day one. When we moved in, we were given a welcome package which included everything you needed to settle in: kettle, loo roll, cups etc which really settled our nerves.”
The development is located on Bingham Turner Way, Shrivenham in South Oxfordshire.
For those looking for new build homes in Alton, to book a viewing, find out more information or to register interest, please visit our Rivermead Gardens development page.
