When it comes to choosing the perfect home there are many factors to consider. For Louise (67) and Stephen (67) Painter, who had lived in a Victorian house in Chinnor, Oxfordshire for nearly 30 years, the work and cost of upkeeping it was proving too much.

Louise and Stephen realised that a new build home would mean less maintenance and could offer something different in their retirement years so started looking around the area.

Louise takes up the story. “We had raised our children in this family home. It was a lovely size and great for family get togethers, but having retired, the cost of keeping it up to date was becoming an issue. We had looked at the new build developments in the area but nothing really appealed to us, so when we went into the first lockdown, we decided to take the time to do some outstanding jobs that needed doing on the house.

“With the easing of lockdown, there was renewed interest coming through from the estate agent that we had previously had our house for sale with. Several interested buyers came to view the property and very quickly we had offers, but nowhere in mind to move to.

“With our three daughters living in Devon, Thame and Banbury we decided to broaden our search area. We hadn’t looked West of Oxford before so began researching the area looking at the new developments on offer. We came across Deanfield Homes’ development in Shipton-Under-Wychwood and arranged to visit the show home.

“We made an appointment to view the show home one Sunday in July 2020 and straight away we knew the house was different to others we had looked at. It was also the first development where we both said – we like it! Nearly all the four bedroom homes had been reserved but it was in fact the show home we particularly liked. Jackie the sales advisor informed us that it hadn’t been released for sale yet but we expressed our interest and asked to be kept informed.

“We really liked the spacious open plan kitchen/breakfast/family room which had patio doors leading out to the garden and the added bonus of patio doors also in the lounge, which wasn’t the case in many of the other four bedroom homes. The southerly facing garden was also a big draw.

“We decided to visit again the following week and still really liked the home as well as it’s location, with the lovely market town of Chipping Norton just a ten minute drive away.

“We went away for a holiday to Northumberland and whilst there were contacted to ask if we wanted to put in an offer. We jumped at the chance and were delighted when our offer was accepted.”

Louise and Stephen reserved the four bedroom Elstow show home at Deanfield Grange.

“The house is a very good design with decent sized bedrooms and a good sized study for my husband to work in. There is enough space for everyone, whether watching football in the TV/dining room, sitting round the table in the kitchen, or relaxing in the lounge.

“We also really noticed how warm the home is compared to our older home and with everything being brand new it works, which means less time needed to look after the house and more time to enjoy our retirement, playing golf or music amongst other activities.

“I would really recommend Deanfield Homes as they have been really helpful and polite. Moving from a home you have lived in for 30 years can be really daunting but everything went as smoothly as it could and we couldn’t be happier.”

Located on the edge of the sought-after Cotswolds village of Shipton-Under-Wychwood, in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, features a stunning collection of three-, four- and five-bedroom family homes, built using local materials to create attractive street scenes. All the homes are now sold.

Deanfield Homes launched its show home at its latest development, Deanfield Place at the start of March, in Cholsey, Oxfordshire where just one four bedroom home remains available. Deanfield Place features a collection of sixteen quality, two, three and four bedroom homes which are ideal for young families, first time buyers and downsizers alike.

In Marsh Gibbon in Buckinghamshire, work is underway at Deanfield View which will feature 10 new homes as well as a brand new village shop to serve the local community. Deanfield View sits in the heart of the picturesque village of Marsh Gibbon, which is approximately four miles east of Bicester and 11 miles north west of Aylesbury. Register your interest today. The homes will be ready for occupation in Autumn 2021