Ann, and her husband, both 67, recently embarked on a journey back to their beloved village, Ticehurst, to begin their new life at Hillbury Fields. After spending the last four and a half years in a house in Marlborough, Wiltshire, they both knew it was time for a change and to return to a place so close to Ann’s heart, only seemed right. “At our age, we knew our next move would be our last move, so we wanted to be back home,” Ann explains.

Ann’s journey began in Ticehurst, where she lived for 14 years before making the move to Marlborough in Wiltshire. Four and a half years on, the couple took the decision to return. They’d been aware of the Fernham Homes new development before they moved out of the village: “We always kept an eye on the new builds, and spotted Fernham Homes started to advertise the new homes around the area” Ann recalls. “When they launched the development, we went to have a look and just felt an instant connection. We knew the village and used to walk on the fields and the immediate feeling of community drew us back.”

Choosing a new build was a deliberate decision as the couple knew the wanted somewhere with modern features, large windows, and ample natural light, contrasting with the traditional cottages in Ticehurst. “We didn’t want to go into one of the smaller Ticehurst cottages,” Ann says. “We wanted somewhere new with good insulation and low upkeep.”

Ann and her husband decided on a semi-detached three-bedroom house and were able to take advantage of the ‘reserve before you sell’ incentive at Hillbury Fields. “Being able to reserve before you’ve sold your house is a great comfort when you’ve set your heart on a particular house,” Ann notes. “We knew the specific plot that we wanted, and it made such a difference that Fernham Homes was offering the incentive, which made the whole thing possible for us”.

The village of Ticehurst itself was a significant draw. “Your heart just takes you back,” Ann says. “We have friends there, and the village is a proper working place. It’s got lots of shops, pubs, and a great feeling of community – this was very important to us.”

The new development offered a perfect blend of space and community. “The site itself is not crowded. There is plenty of space, and you have the feeling of being in the village while being able to walk straight up to the high street,” Ann explains. “It’s not a huge development, and that was important to us.”

Now settled in their new home, the couple couldn’t be happier. “We love the huge room at the back of the house — it’s a sitting area, dining room, and kitchen all in one,” she shares. “It’s perfect for hosting friends and family.” Ann’s journey back to Ticehurst is a real testament to the importance of community, familiarity, and professional support. “It feels like we’ve truly come home,” Ann says with a smile. “We couldn’t have asked for a better place to spend our later years.”

For more information and availability, visit Hillbury Fields.