Meet Heather, aged 80 she decided to make the move from her hometown of Stroud to Thornbury to be closer to family. Here she tells us why no matter how old you are, you shouldn’t be put off if you want to make that dream move!
‘It was Christmas time sat with my Granddaughter looking at bungalows on Rightmove for sale in Thornbury when homes by Sovereign at Cleve Wood popped up! Perfect - I thought – this is exactly what I’m looking for!’
New Year’s passed and Heather visited Cleve Wood with her family where they were welcomed by Nas, one of the Sales Consultants on site, who showed them around the homes for sale.
They viewed a couple of properties on the day, but it was The Filnore, a 2 bedroom detached bungalow, that really stole Heather’s heart. ‘It was my birthday the day we visited Cleve Wood and I made the decision there and then that this was the home for me!’
The buying journey
Fortunately, Heather’s current home in Stroud sold quickly so preparations could be started straight away with the sales process.
‘The team at Sovereign were so helpful and set expectations right from the start that my new home would be ready in the Summer – this gave me plenty of time to clear things out and make plans to move in temporarily with my daughter.
I found the legal part had changed a lot since I bought my last home many years ago, it’s all online these days which I found really straightforward to be honest.’
A few weeks later the sales process was complete, and by the time Summer came around Heather was ready to make her move.
‘The day I was handed the keys to my new home was very emotional, I was so happy to have a brand new home. Having lived with my daughter for a few weeks beforehand I was also excited to get my own sense of space back!’
Now Heather has settled in, we asked her to share more about her new home…
‘I really was astounded by the high ceilings and sense of space for a bungalow. The kitchen is my favourite room, its big enough for a dining table and a comfy armchair – I spend a lot of time here. There are French doors that open out onto the garden and when the weather is warm I often potter outside… I’m no gardener but the size is just right for me, it doesn’t feel too overwhelming to maintain.’
Community at Cleve Wood
‘The day I moved in, my neighbour popped by to say hello and introduce themselves which gave me such a welcoming feeling. Cleve Wood is starting to become such a friendly community now more new people are starting to move in; its exciting to see it become more established’.
We asked Heather what advice she would share if someone is unsure about moving home in later life - ‘I’d say never get daunted by the thought of moving, if you feel it’s something you want then no matter how old you are, you shouldn’t let that put you off!