The Beechcroft team helps Sue Markham ‘Manage Her Move’ to Castle Gardens, Watlington

“When my husband and I first moved to Watlington eight years ago, I made an effort to go out and meet people because I am an outgoing person,” says Mrs Markham. “Now I’m on the committee of the local Women’s Institute and a member of the bowling club. I also volunteer at the Florence Nightingale shop in Chinnor which raises funds to support Stoke Mandeville hospice.”

“I was widowed three years ago and, one day, sitting in the front room of my former home, I just decided I didn’t want to live there any longer. There was simply too much maintenance and I needed a fresh start. I called the estate agents and my house was sold in less than a week. At that stage, I wasn’t really aware of Beechcroft’s Castle Gardens and then it turned out that another member of the bowls club was already living at the development. She was one of the first people to move in.”

“I looked at three apartments and was completely surprised at how spacious they were. In the end, I chose the two-bedroom show apartment on the first floor because I really liked the layout and the size of the rooms. I paid my deposit and used Beechcroft’s recommended solicitor and both my sale and purchase went through smoothly.”

“I also used Beechcroft’s Manage Your Move service so my furniture and belongings were packed for me and transported to my new apartment. I couldn’t fault the removal company who were really well organised and came round the day before to plan the packing. One of my former neighbours moved to Castle Gardens just before I did – and I noticed that she had used the same removals company.”

“I am really happy with my apartment – it’s so well planned. I like being on the first floor and having lift access is useful especially when I’ve been shopping. Because my apartment was a show home, it came complete with soft furnishings and light fittings – and I never expected to walk into a kitchen with all the appliances included. With Beechcroft’s ‘Manage Your Move’ service, I am able to book the services of a handyman for a few hours and he’s coming over soon to hang some pictures for me.”

“Honestly, I am still surprised at the amount of space and my friends are amazed at the size of the rooms. I have a piece of furniture that my husband made for our former dining room and, even though it is large, it fits into the hallway of my new home perfectly. I have two bedrooms: I needed an extra bedroom for my son who comes to stay and he has his own en-suite, which is ideal.” 

“My children are pleased because they know that I am somewhere I want to be. I’m able to walk into Watlington and do my shopping. The Estate Manager has been as helpful as can be and I’ve been to the residents’ pavilion for a drink and also helped with the art exhibition we held there. I’ve met some very nice people here and a few of the residents at Castle Gardens have joined the bowls club.”

Anyone wanting to join Mrs Markham at Castle Gardens, will need to move swiftly. The final two-bedroom apartment in the first phase of development is on sale priced at £560,000.

Beechcroft has been granted planning permission to construct a further 25 new homes at Castle Gardens and there is already interest in these. The new apartments will be created within four two-storey buildings set around a landscaped communal gardens, each featuring a terrace, balcony or private garden along with allocated parking. The upkeep of both private gardens and the landscaped setting is the responsibility of the on-site Estate Manager who organises the cleaning and maintenance of the communal areas and keeps an eye on properties whilst owners are away.

For further information on Castle Gardens, please contact the Beechcroft team on 01491 743018 or visit the Castle Gardens webpage by clicking on the link below.