One Delighted Downsizer: Yoga Teacher Makes Lasting Move in Kent Countryside
When Susan Wainwright, a yoga teacher and sports massage therapist from Kent, was looking to make a fresh start, she decided to downsize and find a home that would support the next chapter of her life.
At 72, she knew now was the time to prioritise her wellbeing and her future and make a lasting move to enjoy the years ahead to the fullest. With her daughter already living in Cranbrook, she was drawn to Hartley Acres, a charming collection of new homes from award-winning, five-star housebuilder The Hill Group. Set within the picturesque town and surrounded by the beauty of the Kent countryside, her new home offered the perfect place to settle in, continue her active lifestyle and look ahead with excitement.
Susan says: “I wanted the next move to be a meaningful one. I started looking at new houses with the aim to not move again, so this home needed to be just right for me. I’m so happy with the home I’ve chosen, and as soon as I visited the development, I could see myself happily living there.
“Downsizing is certainly a challenge when you have so many precious memories to sort through, but I worked through it, motivated by the thought of my wonderful new home in a location that suits me perfectly. I had lived for 50 years in Headcorn, just 10 miles down the road, but as I’m getting older, it’s so nice for me to now be living closer to my daughter and my grandchildren, who just love living here in Cranbrook.”
Hartley Acres, a new development by The Hill Group, offers a beautifully crafted collection of two‑ to five‑bedroom homes. Inspired by its surroundings, Hartley Acres blends the timeless charm of Cranbrook and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with contemporary living. An ideal setting for enjoying countryside life at its best, across the development, generous green spaces create a sense of openness, while each home has its own distinctive appeal. From substantial red‑brick family houses with tile‑hung upper floors to weatherboarded, rural‑inspired designs, every property reflects quintessential Kentish architecture with modern flair.
Susan purchased The Willow, a detached house style built in traditional red brick and surrounded by picture-perfect white picket fencing. The home comprises three spacious bedrooms and an open-plan living, kitchen and dining area.
She says: “I previously lived in a four-bedroom home that became too much to manage on my own, so moving to a three-bedroom house with an open‑plan layout has been ideal. It works perfectly when my grandchildren visit because we can all spend time together in one space. Even though I’ve downsized, the house still feels wonderfully spacious. I’m grateful to have a detached home, as I love playing the piano in the evenings without worrying about disturbing anyone.
Susan continues: “I really appreciate the quality of the build and the overall feel of the development. When an architect friend visited soon after I moved in, he immediately remarked on how well-built the house was. What’s more, even though it’s a large development, I still feel I have plenty of my own space. It’s private and beautifully rural without feeling remote. There’s a genuine sense of community, and I love seeing neighbours out walking my dogs in the pretty meadow just across the road.”
Susan has an incredibly active lifestyle alongside her long-standing career in sports massage and teaching yoga, so living in the vibrant town of Cranbrook allows her to continue her hobbies.
She explains: “I can get to the sports centre easily, where I love to swim, cycle and run. It’s so important for me to stay active – fitness is my passion! Overall, Cranbrook is a wonderful place to live; you almost never feel the need to go elsewhere. The town is known as the ‘Capital of the Weald’, and has a great High Street with cobbled streets, historic architecture, and an excellent and varied range of independent shops and cafes. There is always something to capture your interest.”
Susan continues: “I’m so happy that I have moved to Hartley Acres in Cranbrook. It was daunting completing a big move on my own, but the Hill team was incredibly supportive. I’m looking forward to embracing the next chapter of my life in my lovely new home, which truly ticks all the boxes for me.”
