Continuing our Community Series – introducing another new resident at Arbor Park

A new chapter at Arbor Park

After many years living in rural mid-Wales, Michele decided the time was right to move closer to her brother in Adderbury. She wanted to make the move while she could manage it independently and find a home that would be easier to maintain in the years ahead.

Michele’s previous four-bedroom home stood within seven acres and included five stables. Following the loss of her two elderly horses, the property and grounds were much more than she and her three Jack Russells needed. “I decided the time was right” Michele explains. “It seemed a bit silly living in a four-bedroom house with five stables and seven acres just for me and three little dogs.”

Her search initially focused on Adderbury, but she also wanted to retain her independence rather than live too close to her brother. Arbor Park offered the ideal balance: close enough for them to see each other regularly, while allowing them both to enjoy their own space.

Michele discovered Arbor Park online and was immediately attracted by the development’s distinctive stone-built homes. Having previously lived in the Cotswolds, the architecture felt familiar and full of character. “I loved the stone,” she says. “I looked at another new development nearby, but it was much larger and felt like a rabbit warren. Arbor Park felt different.”

Her wish list included generous living space, a manageable garden and practical access for her dogs. Her new home provides all three. The utility room opens directly onto the garden, making it easy for the dogs to come inside without bringing muddy paws onto the carpets. A separate downstairs room has also become their dedicated “dog room”, complete with their own beds.

Downsizing has significantly reduced the amount of outdoor maintenance required. A garden that once took around an hour and a half to cut using a ride-on mower has been replaced by one Michele can easily manage.

Inside, the open-plan kitchen, dining and family area has quickly become one of her favourite spaces. French doors connect it to the garden, while the breakfast bar provides a convenient place for Michele to sit with her laptop. The main bedroom also has an en suite – something she has never had before. “That is rather a treat,” she says. There is still plenty of room for visitors, with additional bedrooms for family and friends. The home even passed one very personal test, there had to be space for Michele’s much-loved Welsh dresser, a family heirloom dating back to 1947. “The Welsh dresser had to fit,” she explains. “If it didn’t fit anywhere, it wasn’t the right house – and it fits perfectly.”

The energy efficiency of a new-build home was another important consideration. Michele hopes its modern insulation will keep her comfortable and warm while making the property easier and more economical to run. The location also works well for Michele’s dogs. Nearby footpaths, open spaces and playing fields provide several options for daily walks, including routes with surfaced paths and lighting. Having lived in a very isolated rural property, Michele also appreciates the reassurance of having neighbours and amenities nearby. She has already received a warm welcome, particularly from the family next door, who have helped her settle in and answered questions about the local area.

Michele has only been at Arbor Park for a few weeks and, although there are still a few boxes left to unpack, she already feels at home. She was equally positive about the help she received from Lorraine and the wider Lucy Developments team throughout her purchase and after moving in. “Lorraine has been absolutely brilliant,” she says. “She always came back to me when I had questions, and everyone has been very helpful in sorting out the small things that come with a new home.”

Asked whether she would recommend Arbor Park and Lucy Developments to others, Michele’s response was unequivocal: “Absolutely. It just felt right.”