June 2025: After three decades in their beloved family home in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, Karen and Mark Cox decided it was time for a new chapter. With their children grown and flown the nest, and the home lovingly renovated over the years, the couple felt ready to make a fresh start.
They put the house on the market and spent the next 18 months exploring a wide range of properties – many of which were swiftly ruled out.
“We were determined to find something different,” says Karen. “We’d lived in a traditional home on a traditional street where we barely knew the neighbours. This time, I wanted light, masses of it, and a real sense of community. Plus, it still needed to be within easy reach of London, as we’ve both still got work there.”
Karen, an experienced interior designer and founder of Cox and Co Interior Design, was no stranger to the property market. “Each morning, before work, I’d quickly check to see what was new online. One day, I saw a listing for a new development, Manor Farm in Oxfordshire and said to Mark, ‘Let’s take a look, it’s not somewhere we’ve considered before.”
Curious, Karen reached out to Savills for more information. She learned the development was located on a former farm and was being brought to life by Lucy Developments.
“We booked a viewing for that weekend, more out of curiosity than anything else,” Karen continues. “But as soon as we arrived, we were both struck by how different it felt. The setting was beautiful, surrounded by countryside, but the homes themselves were really contemporary, full of light, and clearly designed with care.”
They initially viewed another property which already had an offer, and it didn’t quite feel right. But then they saw what would become the one, still under construction, surrounded by scaffolding and without windows.
“Luckily, I can read plans and immediately saw the potential. With the vision Lucy had for the landscaping and how the homes were positioned on the plots, it was outstanding. The whole scheme had clearly been thought through with real vision.”
Karen and Mark had kept their options open, including renovation projects. “I was managing three renovation jobs at the time, but we realised how costly it would be to get what we really wanted, especially with the large windows and lots of glass I had in mind. That’s when new build started to make sense, especially with features like heat pumps.”
“The minute we saw this house, we thought ‘Wow.’ We just knew it was the one. It was nerve-wracking because our home hadn’t sold yet, so we weren’t sure we’d get it, but thankfully, everything fell into place.”
As an interior designer, Karen has high standards. “The design stands out the most, I absolutely adore it. It ticked every box on our wish list. And because of what I do, I’m very critical of fixtures and finishes, so I worked closely with the Lucy team to review what was going into the house. Ironically, the tiles were from a supplier I’ve used for years, and I knew the kitchen quality. I was genuinely impressed.”
“The finish is exceptional, even the grouting and mastic work was faultless. There’s a real sense of pride in what they do, and it shows.”
Now, a month into living in their new home, the couple couldn’t be happier.
“We feel like we’re on holiday,” Karen smiles. “Our plot overlooks a field at the back, and the garden is southwest-facing, something I really wanted after years of a northeast-facing garden with no sun. The landscaping has been done with such care too, using native species and attention to detail that’s just fantastic.”
And there’s more: “We’ve spoken more to our neighbours in the first month than we did in 30 years at our old home. There’s a genuine sense of respect and friendliness, it’s lovely.”
Looking back, Karen reflects, “If we’d sold our house sooner, we might never have found this property. Everything happened as it was meant to. We’re just thrilled.”
About Manor Farm, Chinnor
Nestled within the rolling foothills of the Chilterns, Manor Farm is an exclusive development of just eight bespoke homes, thoughtfully designed and beautifully executed on the grounds of a former working farm. Brought to life by Lucy Developments, this unique collection blends contemporary architecture with heritage-inspired details, drawing on the rich agricultural legacy of the site.
These elegant, light-filled homes offer the best of both worlds—modern, sustainable living within a picturesque countryside setting, just a short commute from London.
All home at Manor Farm are now reserved but for further information about other available homes, and upcoming developments, go to the Current Developments page.
