“WE FEEL WE’VE GOT IT ALL”

“The decision to leave our family home of over 30 years in Teddington wasn’t easy, but we knew the time was right to make our next, and probably final, move”, says Debbie.

With their children grown up and moved out of the family home, Debbie, a former British Airways hostess and now a successful freelance florist, along with retired police officer husband Steve, were not necessarily looking to move – but an advert for Broadoaks Park in a local magazine caught Debbie’s eye.

“I know of Octagon’s fantastic reputation, so I visited Broadoaks Park and was really impressed. Steve joined a second viewing, and we bought a home off plan there and then!

The parkland development in well-connected West Byfleet will eventually comprise 126 homes – a mix of Grade II Listed restorations and new build homes. With acres of landscaped open grounds, the award-winning development offers a perfect blend of luxury and community – which is inevitably part of its ongoing success.

The four-bedroom home was complete with secluded south-facing rear garden and enviable views across the communal green to the Grade II Listed Mansion House. The pinnacle of the 25 acre estate, the historic building is currently undergoing a full renovation – being converted into two expansive and unique homes, whilst retaining plenty of character and original period features.

“Broadoaks Park houses looked impressive, with classic and timeless exteriors and ample architectural detailing. Inside, the homes offered contemporary space and a high specification. We were impressed and we needed the space to house our collections of inherited antique furniture, books and paintings.”

Debbie explains how her and Steve’s paths had crossed with Octagon in the past:

“We were already fans of Octagon, as we have friends living in Octagon homes in Burwood Park and Hampton Hill – some years ago we tried to buy an Octagon home in Hampton Hill but were unsuccessful – which doesn’t feel quite so disappointing now!”

In December 2022, Debbie and Steve were handed the keys to their new Octagon home – and life has moved on at pace ever since.

“We feel we’ve got it all; a brand-new house that’s energy efficient and easy to run, and somewhere we could start to personalise, whilst enjoying all the period splendour of the distant Mansion House from our front windows”, comments Debbie.

Debbie was keen to create a dedicated space for her floristry and wreath making, so commissioned a stunning summer house to sit at the end of her formal garden. She has also installed a stone workbench in her grand workshop, and neighbours have already persuaded her to hold a Christmas wreath-making class. Embedding herself further into the community, Debbie has also helped set up the Broadoaks Park Book Club.  

The couple are delighted to have found not only the dream home for themselves, but for their precious collectables too.

If everything has its place, the Evans’ have found theirs at Broadoaks Park.