Janet (77) was looking for a home to downsize too at the same time as her friend Derrick (78). When setting out on their homebuying journey they pinpointed Tenterden in Kent as the perfect location.
Janet, said, “Though my most recent home was in Coulsdon in Surrey, I have previously lived in Kent and have always liked Tenterden. My daughter and granddaughters live in villages around Ashford, while Derrick’s family live in Tunbridge Wells. So being based in Kent makes a lot of sense for being able to easily visit family.”
The appeal of Tenterden was not just proximity to family though. Janet and Derrick both researched what was going in the local area and found out what clubs they could join to become part of the community.
Janet said, “It was really important for us that there was an active lifestyle on offer in Tenterden. We researched online and found that there is a Women’s Institute, which I am interested in joining and an Arts Society. For Derrick finding out that Tenterden has both an archery club and U3A was a big selling point.
“Tenterden also has a leisure centre where you can swim and do exercise classes. Finding out what was happening in the local area was a very important part of the decision-making process for us. We wanted to make sure we were going somewhere where we could meet new people and enjoy ourselves.”
With the location sorted for them both, Janet and Derrick began looking on the second-hand market for their new homes. They quickly found it difficult to find homes they both liked close enough to make it convenient to pop round and see each other, so started looking at new builds.
Image: Derrick in front of his home in Appledore Green
Janet, continued, “I realised that finding one home on the second-had market that fitted my requirements would be difficult, let alone finding two and making sure they were close to each other. I wanted a home where I didn’t need to do much work and upkeep would be minimal, so we started looking at the new build communities in and around Tenterden and found Redrow’s Appledore Green.
“It was ideal as Redrow had two Ludlow semi-detached homes available. The three-bedrooms and downstairs layout was ideal for what we both needed and being new we could rest assured that it would be nice and easy to maintain. And it could not get more convenient then having Derrick as my neighbour. It was the ideal solution to our house hunt and in a beautiful setting.”
Both Janet and Derrick have benefitted from the current Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday, which is often viewed as a barrier to downsizing. They were both moving from larger detached properties and looking for something to suit them in retirement.
Appledore Green features a stunning selection of Arts & Crafts inspired homes. Our award-winning Heritage Collection, carefully combines the traditional aesthetic of the early 20th-century movement with beautiful, functional, and modern interiors.
Image: Janet in front of her home in Appledore Green
The new homes are positioned close to Tenterden town centre, known as the jewel of the High Weald AONB, Tenterden has a historic tree-lined High Street with a combination of charming independent stores and recognised high street brands. A weekly market offers fresh farm produce, and the surrounding schools offer good quality education for all ages. Tenterden is also home to successful winery, Chapel Down, which boasts a 22-acre vineyard. Other local attractions include the restored steam train that takes people on a journey through the beautiful Kent countryside.
Prices for currently available homes start at £389,995 for three-bedroom homes.
To find out more about the homes at Appledore Green visit: www.redrow.co.uk/appledoregreen.
