Married couple Tim and Lucille Pine, aged 62 and 60, are embracing the next chapter of their lives as they edge towards retirement. After 25 years living in a three-storey, five-bedroom family home in Basingstoke where they raised their children, who have now grown up and flown the nest, the couple felt it was the perfect time to follow their downsizing dream in an idyllic location.
Searching for something more manageable and better suited to their future needs, they decided to downsize and relocate to the peace and beauty of the New Forest. That’s when they discovered Oakwood Grove by Pennyfarthing Homes; a thoughtfully designed development offering modern, high-quality homes within a tranquil setting. Now happily settled into their brand-new bungalow, alongside Lucille’s Mum, Anne and their much-loved dogs Casper and Lola, Tim and Lucille are enjoying the calm, comfort, and convenience that their new home brings.
Tim comments: “Downsizing wasn’t the challenge we thought it would be, as our new bungalow still offers plenty of space. The real task was sorting through everything we had collected over the years. But in the end, it felt refreshing to let go of the clutter. We ended up giving away most of our things, including the sofas! It was a chance to start fresh and create a home that works perfectly for us now.”
What’s more, one of the main factors for the couple’s decision to choose a bungalow was to find somewhere that also accommodated Lucille’s Mum.
Lucille says: “Mum has lived with us for quite some time now, and we wanted to find a property that suited our future needs as well as her current ones. In our previous home, we were both struggling quite a lot with the stairs, so a bungalow seemed like an ideal and futureproofed solution. It was rare to find a new development that included bungalows, so we felt very lucky to find this at Oakwood Grove.”
Tim and Lucille moved into their three-bedroom bungalow at Oakwood Grove in early June this year, after nearly a year of searching for their dream home. They found exactly what they were looking for in The Chestnut, a beautifully designed three-bedroom bungalow that offers a well considered open-plan kitchen and dining area, three double bedrooms, and the added convenience of a private garage. Surrounded by greenery, the homes at Oakwood Grove range from two to five-bedroom houses, bungalows and apartments. All homes include an attractive
exterior, combining traditional red brickwork with contemporary grey weatherboarding for a finish that’s both timeless and modern.
Oakwood Grove is a vibrant new community nestled in Alderholt, Dorset, just three miles from the town of Fordingbridge, and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Ideally located, it offers easy access to the New Forest, is just 30 minutes from Salisbury, 24 minutes from Bournemouth, and just over an hour by train to London Waterloo. As part of the development, Pennyfarthing Homes has also created a dedicated SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace), featuring woodland paths, a tranquil pond, and protected natural habitats for residents to enjoy.
Lucille states: “We were looking for somewhere to live that was peaceful and not too busy. After years of living in a bustling town, we were ready to embrace a quieter pace of life, but we also didn’t want to feel completely cut off. Oakwood Grove works for us because we’re just three miles from Fordingbridge and four miles from Ringwood, providing us with access to an excellent range of local amenities.”
Tim adds: “I actually grew up in Bournemouth, so I’m very familiar with the area. Our children are now spread from Hampshire to the Dorset coast, so this location works brilliantly for our family life. We’re in the best place for our children to be able to visit us regularly, which is just what we were hoping for.”
For Tim, the focus on family and the strong sense of community at Oakwood Grove was also a major selling point. He says: “It was important for us to find somewhere with a true sense of community and opportunities to get involved in village life. We’ve got five children and nine grandchildren, so we wanted a place where they could visit us and instantly feel at home. We were especially impressed that the children’s play park was built before some of the houses were even completed – it showed a real commitment to creating a place where families can thrive, and children can play safely.”
Tim and Lucille are also looking forward to pursuing their hobbies in an inspiring environment which allows them to embrace their creative and active interests.
Lucille continues: “We love being outdoors, going for walks and spending time in the garden with our grandchildren – so we’re excited for many family adventures together exploring the New Forest! I also have a passion for photography, and I feel so inspired living here – I have beautiful scenes to capture every day. Tim is a keen fisherman, so he’s especially happy to be just three miles from a fantastic fishing lake. This area truly offers the perfect balance of inspiration and relaxation, and it’s just right for us to enjoy the hobbies we love.”
Tim concludes: “From the very beginning, Pennyfarthing has made us feel genuinely welcome. Every interaction has been positive – the team have always been helpful, kind, and it’s clear they truly care about the people moving into their homes. It really does feel like we’ve found the perfect spot for this next chapter.”
