When Cheryl, 70, and Malcolm, 73, decided it was time to make a change, they weren’t simply looking for a new home, they were searching for the ideal location that would bring them closer to their family while allowing them to embrace the tranquillity of the countryside. Having lived in several locations over the years, always with the goal of being closer to their daughters, they finally found exactly what they were looking for at Orchard Park by Bovis Homes. This charming development, nestled in the picturesque village of Kirdford, offers the perfect balance of peace and convenience.
Cheryl reflects: “We knew we wanted to be close to our daughters and grandchildren, but we longed for the calm and beauty of the countryside. As soon as we saw it, we knew Kirdford was the place for us.”
Before settling into their current home, the couple, who have now retired, spent three years in a two-bedroom bungalow in Ash Vale, a town situated between Guildford and Aldershot. Prior to that, they lived in Yateley but chose to relocate to be closer to one of their daughters.
The couple, who have three daughters and are affectionately called "Grumps" and "Granny" by their five young grandchildren, aged 13, 11, 8, 7, and 6, had found their time in Ash Vale to be a wonderful chapter, but ultimately decided it was time to start the search for a better fit for their lifestyle.
Malcom shares: “Two of our daughters are single, working parents, one living in Alfold and the other in Ewhurst. We’ve always had a strong desire to be there for them, and so sought a location that would offer easy access to both families. We wanted to be able to help with school runs, dinners, and the little things that make life easier for them, while also being a part of our grandchildren’s everyday lives."
They found their perfect solution in Kirdford, a village just 10 minutes north of Billingshurst and 20 minutes from Cranleigh. Cheryl comments: “This idyllic location strikes the ideal blend of serene countryside living and modern amenities, while also keeping us close to our grandchildren.”
The couple moved into their beautiful two-bedroom house at Orchard Park on November 14th and couldn't be more thrilled with their decision. Cheryl shares: “Our new home is everything we hoped for. We were searching for a stunning property in a tranquil area, and that’s exactly what we’ve found. We love being in the village but nestled on the outskirts. We are close to everything we need but it’s incredibly peaceful. There are no streetlights, so we can see the stars shining every night and we’ve
grown fond of the gentle hoot of the owl that we often hear. The view from the front of our property is nothing but trees, adding to the calming atmosphere.”
The couple are overjoyed with their property and its layout. Malcolm shares: “It feels like our new home has been designed for us. We love the open-plan design. Cheryl and I can be doing different things, like cooking, reading, or watching TV, yet still be in the same room, able to chat with each other. The two bedrooms are a great size. Our bedroom features a king-size bed, while the second bedroom has a comfortable double bed, perfect for when our daughters and their children come to stay. We love hosting them and sharing this amazing space with them.”
Cheryl adds: “The house fulfils our wish for a new build. We didn’t want to have to worry about extra work. While we’ve made this place our own, it was wonderful to know that all the fundamentals would be ready for us from the moment we walked in. The property is so well thought out. It's spacious, bright, and airy. Orchard Park’s design really works for us.”
Malcolm, a former carpenter, immediately recognised the quality of the home. “I can tell the craftsmanship is top-notch,” he says. “As a carpenter, I know what to look for, and the attention to detail here is excellent.”
The property also boasts two parking spots and electric charging points, which Cheryl uses for her hybrid car. She comments: “The additional features are great and show an extra level of thought. We also love that the homes have been designed to be energy efficient. We haven’t had to use the heating upstairs at all so far.”
The couple enjoy their garden, which offers them a private retreat to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. “For a new build, the garden is huge,” says Malcolm. “We can’t wait for the warmer months to arrive. We’re especially excited for the children to have a fantastic outdoor space to enjoy. The garden is so important to us, as it provides a setting for relaxation, for family gatherings and for creating memories.”
Orchard Park’s location offers more than just tranquillity, it also provides easy access to everything the couple needs. Cheryl shares: “We absolutely love the local community shop, which is just a three-minute walk away. They offer hot food, sandwiches, coffee, and the most delicious homemade cakes. It’s even community-owned, giving it such a warm atmosphere that makes it truly special. Plus, there is a fish and chips van that visits twice a week, along with a fresh fish van that stops by once a week."
Malcolm adds: “There are other nearby amenities, like a florist, dog groomers, and excellent pubs. Just a few minutes' walk away from Orchard Park is the locals' favourite, The Foresters Arms, serving classic pub dishes. A couple minutes’ walk in the other direction, is The Half Moon which serves a range of food. It’s also dog friendly so there is no need to leave our beloved Maltipoo, Pickle, at home.”
Cheryl continues: “Everyone in the area is so friendly, and the whole place has such a lovely vibe, with people really supporting the local businesses. The village of Kirdford is a wonderful community.”
When they set out to find their perfect home, one of the couple’s top priorities was finding a setting with plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces for Pickle and their grandchildren to enjoy. They couldn’t be happier with their new home, which has given them exactly what they were looking for. Cheryl comments: “The location is ideal for Pickle, as we can step right out of our front door and take a leisurely walk through nearby fields. Just a short stroll away, we have access to a football pitch with woods behind it, offering Pickle and the children the perfect outdoor space. The nearby playground has also been a hit with our youngest grandchild.”
Orchard Park residents can have hours of fun exploring the fascinating local landscapes. For a woodland stroll, they can head to the Ebernoe Common National Nature Reserve or The Mens Nature Reserve. Both are brimming with wildlife thanks to an array of ponds, streams and reclaimed farmland. Just 20 minutes from the homes, is the South Downs National Park where visitors can hike, jog or cycle through the breath-taking scenery.
For families with children, there's plenty to do. Kirdford's Great Common is just a minute away from the development, while Fishers Farm Park offers everything from animal enclosures to tractor rides and adventure playgrounds. Older children will relish a trip to The Spitfire Experience to learn about the iconic WW2 fighter jet. The Amberley Working Museum also offers a fantastic experience for children. Nestled in the beautiful South Downs, this charming museum brings history to life with interactive exhibits on country crafts, electricity, trains, and more, making learning both fun and engaging."
The location isn’t just ideal for four-legged companions and children, it’s also perfectly suited for the couple’s personal passions. Malcolm, an avid fisherman, has already joined the Pulborough Angling Society, gaining access to their grounds and six private lakes. “This area is a fisherman’s dream. It makes it so easy for me to escape and fully unwind while doing something I love,” he says. “I’ve also heard there’s a fishing society in Ifold I can join in May, which I’m looking forward to.”
Cheryl is equally thrilled about the proximity to the Cranleigh Golf and Leisure Centre. “I can’t wait to use the facilities there,” she shares. “It’s so close, and I know I’ll absolutely love it.”
From perfect walking routes with Pickle to the nearby leisure and fishing opportunities, this home caters to all their hobbies. More than just a place to live, it offers them the freedom to do everything they love with ease. “We’ve found a home that suits us in every way,” Cheryl says. “We’re not planning to move again. This is it for us.”
They had high praise for the team that helped with their move. Malcolm reflects: “The sales team was brilliant, and the site manager is fantastic. He really goes above and beyond and cannot do enough! We joke that we’ll follow him to wherever he’s working next!”
For Cheryl and Malcolm, Orchard Park is the perfect setting for their next chapter, offering peace, convenience, and a deep sense of community.
