For one couple, downsizing to a new build bungalow allowed them to stay in the location they loved, live next to the golf course they had been members at for over half a century and purchase a home which required no building work or renovations. Bishop’s Stortford locals, Peter Goodey (85) and Christine Goodey (79) sold their 1950s three-bedroom bungalow to relocate just around the corner to a two-bedroom bungalow at Stonebond’s Stableford Green development.
Peter, a retired carpenter, and Christine, a retired legal secretary, had lived in their previous bungalow for 36 years, and during this time raised their two children and became passionate members of Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club. Peter explains: “Our previous home had 11 rooms and a huge garden which became unmanageable and the house itself was much too big for just the two of us. We are committed members of the golf club; playing a couple times a week and I was the captain in 1988 so we really wanted to be as close to the club as possible. Also, having lived here for so long, all our friends are here and the area is our home so we knew we didn’t want to leave.”
Living so close to the golf club, the couple were aware of the Stonebond development being built and were immediately intrigued. Peter comments: “Stonebond hosted an open day at the golf club and were taking bookings to view the new homes. The minute we saw the plans for the development, Christine and I not only knew we wanted to live there but knew the exact plot we wanted to buy, so we registered our interest straight away. We completed in October 2022 and have been thoroughly enjoying our new home ever since.”
The couple were impressed that although they were downsizing, they still have a wonderful amount of living space and storage options. Peter comments: “I really love the open-plan layout of the home; the kitchen and living area is one big room which is very different to our previous home. The ensuite bathroom is excellent and it is amazing to still have a private and spacious garden, but one we can easily manage and enjoy. One thing that stands out to me is the exceptionally large size of the garage. It is just a single garage but the storage it provides is incredible – I haven’t had to store anything in the garden or the loft which is very useful.”
Although living in a bungalow is not a new experience for the couple, purchasing a new-build bungalow was, however, Peter and Christine could see the benefits and advantages that buying a new property would provide for them. Peter explains: “A great thing about buying this home was knowing it would require no maintenance; as we are getting older, we didn’t want to have the worry of updating, renovating or having to start any big projects, so a new build bungalow was the perfect option. We decided to sell most of our furniture and mark the move by buying everything new! Christine, in particular, has been enjoying getting creative with the interior design of our home and making it our own. Downsizing and moving into a new build has lowered our energy bills, which is another huge advantage.”
Although very familiar with the area, Peter and Christine have continued enjoying the rural surroundings of Bishop’s Stortford and often go walking around Birchanger Woods, as Peter explains: “We love keeping active and as well as playing golf, we also go on lots of walks, either around the woods or down the road to get the daily paper. Bishop’s Stortford itself has changed a lot over the years but it continues to be a wonderfully peaceful place to live with a fantastic community, and it is only 20 minutes from our daughter which works very well for us.”
Peter continues: “Having a career in the building industry meant it has been interesting for me to see the construction of the development and watch the new neighbourhood start to form. A lovely community has already started to develop at Stableford Green which is nice and Stonebond have hosted a series of events to help us all get to know each other. At Christmas, they hosted a Meet the Neighbours event and invited the residents who live on Manor Links too, which was brilliant.”
Speaking of the Stonebond sales team who helped Peter and Christine on their journey to purchasing their new home, Peter concludes: “Veronica was very helpful, supportive and has continued to keep in contact with us. We appreciate the community events that Stonebond have organised for the new development and we are so grateful that we found our perfect smaller bungalow in our perfect location.”
