Trading Cornwall Retirement Plans For “Perfect” Romsey Home

A couple from Chandler’s Ford shelved plans for a “traditional” retirement to Cornwall and chose to stay close to family in an area they know and love – just down the road in Romsey.

Terry (65) and Elaine Stonham (61), who have lived in Chandlers Ford for most of their married life, moved into Barratt Homes’ Kings Chase development in July this year, and couldn’t be happier with where they’ll be starting their retirement together.

Originally planning to move to Cornwall after Elaine finished work, the couple decided that staying close to their family and friends was more important. They visited the Barratt development, within walking distance of Romsey town centre, and knew immediately it was ideal for them both.

Elaine said: “Terry and I have been together for 42 years and having spent most of that time living in Chandlers Ford, we were ready for a change in retirement. Home is where the heart is though, and although Cornwall was our initial thought, we decided we’d rather stay close to our family and friends in Hampshire. We also really like the town centre in Romsey, which has everything we could possibly need. Why would we go anywhere else?

“We began our search for homes in the local area. Four out of the six houses we’ve lived in have been new builds, so we were keen for this home to be brand new too – and when we looked around Kings Chase, we fell in love with it straightaway.”

It was the location of the leading housebuilder’s development that sold it for Terry and Elaine. Close to Romsey with all its amenities, and right next to Hilliers Garden Centre. Terry said: “Being able to walk into the town centre is great for us, and with the garden centre just around the corner, we’re never far from what we need.”

The retired couple have spent the last few months decorating their new home and are now planning to make a few changes to their garden. Terry added: “We will be regular visitors in the garden centre as we start work on our outside space.”

Terry and Elaine chose Barratt’s ‘Morpeth II’ style property. The three-bedroom home has a cosy lounge and an open-plan kitchen/dining area with French doors to the garden. Upstairs, there’s a main bedroom with an en suite, a further double bedroom, one single and a family bathroom. 

Elaine added: “Our home in this wonderful new community is the ideal place to start our retirement together. We’re both over the moon.”

Tammy Bishop, Barratt Homes sales director, Southampton division, is pleased to hear that the spacious development has become the home for Terry and Elaine’s later years. She said: “Kings Chase is a wonderful development in the beautiful market town of Romsey, and it’s great to hear that Terry and Elaine will be spending their retirement here. I wish them all the best as they settle into the new community.”

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