After leaving corporate life in 2013, Anna Allen took her passion for gardening and turned it into her second career. At first, she worked alone, but as the number of enquiries grew, her small business blossomed into a team of 11 gardeners working in 200 gardens around North Oxfordshire.
However, after finding she was spending more time doing admin than gardening, Anna decided to downsize her business and go back to getting her hands dirty.
Having lived in a large family home in Steeple Aston for 28 years, she also decided it was time to downsize her house. Although the five-bedroom property had its perks, with a big garden and a utility room for washing down the dogs, Anna found she was only using part of it, while still having to maintain all of it.
So, in October 2020, at the age of 60, she took her first steps towards a new life.
“My initial property search started by looking at a map and picking out a location that was close to a train station. I wanted to live somewhere peaceful, but still with easy access to transport links. Bicester seemed ideal, with Bicester Village and Bicester North station, and it was a town I felt at home in. Being only a stone's throw away from Steeple Aston, it was my place to go for shopping and other amenities. Plus, it meant my friends would still be close by.
“Once I was set on a location, it was a matter of trawling through properties online. I knew I wanted a new, modern home, and when I came across the terraced houses at Graven Hill, I thought they suited my needs perfectly. I especially liked that they were close to the copse of trees at the top of the hill itself.
“Graven Hill has always been a point of reference for me, as it rises above the landscape, but I had no idea there was a housing development there. It was like finding a hidden gem.
“As soon as I rolled up Graven Hill Road, the site instantly piqued my interest. My dad is from Norway, where they are a lot more experimental with their housing developments, and it had a similar feel. The houses of all different shapes, sizes and materials, and the range of communal spaces stood out to me. Even the practical elements, such as visitor parking, all added up.
“Graven Hill felt like it offered something unique, perhaps even futuristic. It was well thought out and, although unfinished, still had a strong sense of community that was clear to see.
“Moving from a five-bedroom house to a two-bedroom terraced home has been quite a change. However, I don’t feel limited by the space.
“The entrance is truly impressive, with mirrored sliding doors giving a modern edge to the property. Upon entering, the bright and airy feel of the home is immediate. It’s wider and longer than many two-bedroom houses, with an open-plan sitting area that leads to a generously sized kitchen.
“Large patio doors provide plenty of light and a paved patio area means I can relax in the garden during the summer months, without having to ruin the grass! Although modestly sized, the garden gives me more than enough space to potter about in and keep my green fingers active.
“As soon as I stepped through the front door, I knew it was the one. There were no doubts in my mind. I made an offer in October 2020, and just two months later, I was handed the keys. The pandemic may have made the buying process a little challenging at times, but the clear communication from the Graven Hill team helped everything to run as smoothly as possible in the circumstances. The speed in which I was able to complete also meant I could make the most of the Stamp Duty holiday, which was a nice bonus.”
“As a lover of nature, the woodlands and wetlands that surround Graven Hill were a huge draw for me. Being able to walk out of my front door and into a place filled with greenery and wildlife has been brilliant, particularly during lockdown.
“For five years, I was treasurer of the Steeple Aston Allotments Association, so when I heard that allotments were due to be built at Graven Hill, it made it all the more perfect. Gardening is such a great way to meet new people and I can’t wait to get to know my neighbours over homegrown fruit and vegetables.
“I also took up beekeeping a few years ago and was involved with the Oxfordshire Beekeepers’ Association for three years. I’d love to be able to link up with fellow beekeepers at Graven Hill and see if there are any sites close by that can be used to set up some new colonies. I still have a couple of hives that would make a good home for the local bees.
“Finding a home amongst nature that ticks every box has made downsizing from my beloved family home so much easier. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for myself and Graven Hill.”
Find out more at www.gravenhill.co.uk.
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