After spending 25 years in Burgess Hill, newly retired couple Jeremy and Michelle Bagley were ready for a new chapter in a home that better suited their lifestyle. Their search led them to The Woodlands in Sayers Common, where they found a three-bedroom detached Elivia home that ticked every box on their wish list.
The Bagleys knew exactly what they were looking for when they began their search. “We wanted a three-bedroom detached home with a garage and utility room,” explained Michelle. “The detached aspect was really important to us, as we feel gives us that bit more privacy; and the garage was particularly important for Jeremy to store all his tools and fishing equipment – which we definitely wouldn’t want to keep inside the house!”
Although they initially viewed a couple of second-hand properties, the appeal of buying a brand-new home soon became clear. “We loved the idea of moving into a new build,” said Michelle. “There’s no renovation work to do and it’s easy to keep clean having had no one live there before, which really appealed to us.”
After exploring a number of developments, The Woodlands quickly stood out. The couple were drawn to the smaller and more boutique feel of the development, as well as the village setting and convenient location.
“The development is small, which we really liked,” said Michelle. “Sayers Common is within easy reach of local towns and shops, but still has a lovely village feel, which is exactly what we were looking for in our retirement. There’s a local village shop, a pub, and lots of beautiful dog walks nearby which our Cockapoo, Billie, loves – it really is a wonderful lifestyle.”
Their chosen home also offered features they struggled to find elsewhere. “Other three-bedroom detached homes we looked at on different new-build developments didn’t include garages, and we also particularly liked the ample space in the kitchen for our dining table too” Jeremy added. “So, when we found this home, it really stood out as it offered us all the space we need without having to compromise on anything.”
Since moving in, the couple have been enjoying the comfort, layout and design of their new home. “The house is so light and bright,” said Michelle. “The dual-aspect windows in both the lounge and main bedroom bring in plenty of natural light and offer views of the surrounding area and wildlife. We regularly see deer, foxes, ducks and ducklings, and it’s so lovely to feel so connected to nature, without feeling too-far removed from local amenities.”
Their favourite room is the kitchen/diner, which has quickly become the heart of the home. “It has two windows as well as patio doors opening out into the garden, which is perfect for Billie,” Michelle added.
The couple have also been impressed by the overall quality, specification and layout of their home and The Woodlands development itself.
“We can’t fault the quality of our new home and there’s so many nice touches which immediately made it feel homely. We particularly love the underfloor heating which makes the downstairs so cosy, and being able to control the temperature in different rooms is really convenient and energy-efficient,” said Jeremy.
“Visitors have also commented on how well laid out the development and our home is. It doesn’t feel overcrowded and everything has been thoughtfully planned.”
The buying experience with Elivia Homes was another highlight for the couple, who felt well supported throughout the process. “Elivia Homes were amazing at keeping us informed about the progress of our new home,” they said. “The whole experience was really positive.”
Now settled into life in Sayers Common, the Bagleys are enjoying the peaceful surroundings while still having plenty of amenities close by. “The area really suits us,” said Michelle. “It’s quiet, but there’s lots nearby and we genuinely feel as though we’re on holiday every day.”
Want to enjoy the peaceful lifestyle offered in Sayers Common, like Michelle and Jeremy? Visit The Woodlands to find out more.
