The Perfect Home After A Year-Long Search For Downsizing Couple

Finding the perfect home to downsize took Ray and Sarah Kill over a year of extensive searching but it was all worth it now they have settled in at Bewley Homes’ Bellmount View development in Faringdon.

Initially, the couple who lived in an Oxfordshire village for over 20 years looked at cottages and smaller older properties, but they couldn’t find anything to suit their needs. They therefore broadened their search to include new build homes in the region.

Ray, 63, explained: “We were very thorough when it came to doing extensive research. We read reviews, talked to other buyers about their own experiences of buying a new build and found out about the reputation of local developers. We wanted to feel confident that we would be buying a new home built to a very high standard, and that the sales service, site management and interaction with the housebuilder throughout the process would be reliable and personable.”

The couple also wanted to remain close enough to their local network of friends and to familiar places, so a five-mile radius was drawn up. Faringdon was ideal, being an easy commute for Sarah to the Great Western Rail Swindon office. Ray, who is semi-retired from a career in the oil and gas industry, wanted enough home office space to work in his three-day-a-week role, helping to support people with disabilities to re-train and find employment.

The search led the couple to Bewley and when they viewed the ‘Epsom’ show home both knew that it was the ideal style for them. Sarah recalled: “First impressions were impressive. A double-fronted semi-detached three-bedroom house, with 9ft-high ceilings, wider than average heavy internal doors and, all important, windowsills – rare to find in today’s new build homes.

“Bewley offered a fantastic choice of materials – worktops, flooring, tiles, and quality appliances which helped us create the kind of home we really wanted by putting own stamp on it.”

Ray added: “We love each room had its own media centre and we could have a bespoke security system installed. The landscaping work in our garden has been done really well and we now have a lovely relaxing outdoor space and don’t have to worry about a big garden.”

Both Ray and Sarah like the way the homes on the development are well spaced to give residents more privacy. Also, the elevated position of the site gives them lovely views of the hills and surrounding countryside, where they can walk their dog.

Bewley Homes’ marketing and sales director, Elaine Stratford, commented: “Phase one of our Faringdon development at Bellmount View has proved a great success with a lovely cross section of people choosing to make it their home. For downsizers, like Sarah and Ray, it doesn’t feel like a compromise on space. The layout and design has been created to maximise a feeling of light, airy accommodation throughout. I was fortunate to meet these customers and wish them every happiness.”

The collection of homes at Bellmount View includes two-, three- and four-bedroom properties with prices ranging from £315,000 to £550,000. Find out more from Bewley Homes.

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