After more than a decade living in Barnes, Chris and Michelle Edwards felt ready for a new pace of life. With their daughter Charlotte growing up fast, the couple set their sights on finding a spacious family home that offered balance, community and countryside, without losing touch with London.
Today, the family of three are happily settled at Elivia Homes’ Coppice Meadow development in Haslemere.
Chris, who works in the television industry, and Michelle, a creative director, had been based in Barnes since 2013, and had both lived in other areas of London since 2005.
While they loved their time in the capital, a fast-growing eight-year-old daughter and a desire for a slower pace of life prompted them to reassess their priorities.
“There were a number of reasons behind our decision to move,” explains Chris. “We were looking for more space and a lifestyle that felt a little less pressured, particularly as our daughter gets older. Internal space, outdoor space and access to good local schools were all key drivers.”
Value for money was also a significant factor for the couple who were keen to see what awaited them outside of the capital.
“One of the biggest surprises for us was just how much more we could get for our budget,” Chris says. “The quality and size of property available just an hour down the A3 is remarkable compared to the capital. We now have far more space, both inside and out, but we’re still within easy reach of London for work. It’s a much better balance of lifestyle and affordability, without feeling disconnected.”
The move to Haslemere also carried personal meaning. Chris was born in the area and lived in Churt as a child, so had known and loved the location for a long time.
“We were initially attracted to Coppice Meadow following a recommendation from a friend who lives locally and spoke very highly of both the development and the surrounding area,” he says. “The familiarity, combined with such strong personal recommendations, made it feel like the right place to put down roots.”
From the moment they saw their chosen home they knew it was something special.
“We simply think it’s beautiful,” says Chris. “From the design and layout to the setting itself. We genuinely can’t believe we were fortunate enough to secure it, and it feels like a very special place for our family to call home.”
The family chose a four-bedroom detached home, located near to the ample green spaces afforded at Coppice Meadow, including the play area and 2.3km path which weaves through nearby woodland.
Discussing what the family enjoy most about their new home, Chris adds: “There are so many things we loved as soon as we saw our new home for the first time. It immediately stood out. Moving from London, having a home with more space was vital and straight away we noticed the sense of light and openness in this property, created by well-proportioned rooms and large windows flooding it with natural light. The open plan kitchen and living areas feel sociable, but we still have quieter rooms for both working and winding down in the evening. Having a young daughter, outside space is just as important as the inside and between our own garden and the lovely open spaces at Coppice Meadow she has plenty of room to play, against the calm and leafy backdrop of the woodland near our home.
Chris’ favourite space is the additional studio above the garage, which provides a dedicated area away from the main house for his work and creative projects. Michelle loves her bright front-facing office, while Charlotte is thrilled with her spacious bedroom, which has quickly become her own special place to relax and play.
Although they explored second-hand properties during their search, the couple were always drawn to the advantages of buying new.
“We knew from the start that we wanted a new build,” Chris explains. “The appeal was always clear to us - modern design, energy efficiency and a high specification, which gives peace of mind in terms of quality and maintenance. We also liked the idea of being the first to live in the property, which means everything is fresh and clean, and ready to personalise to our own tastes.”
Now settled in, the family are thoroughly enjoying everything Haslemere has to offer.
“We absolutely love living here,” says Chris. “The local pubs and restaurants are fantastic, and it’s so easy to meet friends and socialise. At the same time, the countryside is right on our doorstep – we can head out for walks or bike rides whenever we like.”
With shops, schools and amenities all close by, day-to-day life feels both convenient and connected at Coppice Meadow.
For the Edwards family, the move from London to Surrey has delivered exactly what they hoped for: more space, a stronger sense of community, and a beautiful home designed for the future.
Thinking about putting down roots or buying your forever home? Find out more about Coppice Meadow and the range of homes available.