'Right-sizing' to a perfect home for a new chapter

Martin Everett (86) and his wife, Sue (84), recently moved from their four-bedroom house in the small town of Halesworth, where they had lived for 26 years, to a new five-bedroom home at St George’s Place. Excited to embrace this new chapter of their lives, the couple decided it was the right time to find a home that better suited their needs at this stage in life. Staying close to family and friends was essential, as they are very family-oriented and wanted to remain connected to the community where they had built their lives.

Having always lived in old, period homes and doer-uppers, they never saw themselves moving to a new build property. But, after deciding to visit out of curiosity, their perspective completely changed. Seeing the home in person made all the difference; they fell in love with the property. And, with their son living nearby in Reydon, this sealed the deal, and they moved in just a few months later.

Sue comments: “Although our new home has more bedrooms, in many ways we have now ‘right-sized’ and moved to the ideal home for us at our present stage of life. The garden is now a much more manageable space, which really suits us. Our old house had lots of steps, even just to get into the kitchen, and as we are getting older, we were starting to see this as a bit of a problem. This new home is far better suited to our needs.

“Both Martin and I enjoy gardening, but as we’ve got older, we appreciate having a garden that’s easier to look after – so this works perfectly. We have three children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, so we couldn’t exactly move into somewhere too small. We are always hosting family, and while we don’t have pets ourselves, our children do, so there’s always lots of life in the house.”

Martin adds: “What I love here is that the houses are all different shapes and sizes, and they each have their own character. It’s clear to see the quality of the workmanship, and we really like the mix of housing across the development. The homes are well spaced out, too; it doesn’t feel that we’re surrounded by other properties.

“Having a sustainable, modern home has also made a big difference; everything is new, efficient, and works as it should, which means lower energy bills. It feels like we’ve moved into the modern world, especially compared to our old house, which was built in the 1800s and always needed maintenance.”

St George’s Place’s close proximity to Southwold adds to the appeal of the new neighbourhood, providing easy access to the town’s beaches, harbour, and vibrant cultural scene.

Sue continues: “The surroundings here are absolutely beautiful. My favourite spot is the view from the kitchen window, which looks out across the trees and onto the common; it’s really stunning. We also love where our home is located, right on the edge of the old playing fields, which gives it a wonderful sense of space and character.”

St George’s Place offers the perfect balance between village charm and coastal character, ideally located to enjoy the best of both Reydon and nearby Southwold. Reydon is a welcoming village with a strong sense of community, featuring local shops, a historic church, a modern health centre, and a pharmacy. Residents benefit from a range of amenities, including sports grounds, community halls, and group activities that foster connection and wellbeing.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Reydon is a haven. The village boasts playing fields, playgrounds, and an extensive network of scenic walking routes that wind through the countryside and marshland. Just moments away, Southwold adds a vivid coastal charm with its iconic rainbow beach huts, traditional pier, and classic British seaside atmosphere. Here, you’ll find opportunities for freshwater fishing, golf, surfing, paddleboarding, and sailing.

Martin continues: “I absolutely love walking, and living here means I can step outside and be at the beach in just twenty-five minutes. I make a point of getting out every day to walk along the pier. Sue is passionate about fine art, and she finds the local area inspiring. She’s already discovered a few groups nearby that she’s looking to join now that we’ve moved in and settled. When the kids visit with all their children and dogs, it’s been wonderful taking them down to the beach.”

Southwold blends heritage and modernity with ease, with long-established hotels and pubs that sit alongside stylish cafés and restaurants, all anchored by the renowned 150-year-old Adnams Brewery. And for those needing to travel further afield, Darsham train station is just a 13-minute drive away, offering direct services to central London in under two hours.

Martin concludes: “The team at Hill has been very kind, helpful, and welcoming throughout the whole process. We’ve always felt in good hands, with clear communication right from the start, and we’ve already recommended Hill to our family and friends. They really understand what their buyers are looking for, and they helped us find a place that truly feels like home.”