A retired couple has found the perfect setting for retirement at our Bilsthorpe Chase development in Newark, Nottinghamshire, where they are enjoying the benefits of bungalow living alongside a newfound sense of community and connection.
Wanting a comfortable yet manageable home for their retirement years, Karen and David sought a bungalow that would provide them with the space they needed without unnecessary upkeep.
David and Karen made the move all the way from Durham County to be nearer to their daughter, who lives in London. After exploring areas around Grantham, Newark, and Lincoln, where they had holidayed previously, they discovered Bilsthorpe Chase and were immediately drawn to its charm and community feel. Their new location makes visits to their daughter much easier, giving them more opportunities to spend quality time together.
Karen said, “We knew we wanted a bungalow. We certainly didn’t need a two-storey property anymore, and we wanted a home that would be easy to manage so that we could enjoy our retirement. When we visited Bilsthorpe Chase, we immediately got a feel for the place. The service from the sales team was excellent, and we could tell that this was a community where we would be happy.”
The couple’s new two-bedroom detached bungalow – one of only two on the development – provides them with a spacious yet manageable home.
David commented, “People are often surprised by how spacious bungalows can be. The layout is open and practical, giving us plenty of room to entertain guests while still feeling cosy and easy to maintain.
“We’ve already hosted friends and family during Christmas and we’ve now also welcomed visitors from Denmark during the spring, so space is no issue!
While their new location has helped the couple maintain current friendships, it’s also helped them build new ones, with a close-knit community in their cul-de-sac made up of just seven homes. Remarkably, the couple met some of their neighbours when they first visited the sales office, discovering that they were moving from similar areas in the North East into homes in the same cul-de-sac.
Karen added, “We’ve made some wonderful friends here. It’s amazing to have moved somewhere new and instantly feel like we belong. We go out for coffee, shopping trips, and we enjoy spending time together. It’s a real community, and that’s something that’s so important as we get older.”
David added, “They say that people in the North East are friendly, and that’s definitely true, but people here are just as friendly, and it’s been wonderful to get to know everyone!”
With the added benefit of easy access to green spaces and local amenities, Karen and David have settled into a lifestyle that balances social connections with relaxation. Karen enjoys taking their elderly lurcher for walks and meeting fellow pet owners, while David is eager to explore Nottinghamshire’s rich history, with plans to visit local historical sites.
David said, “The entire process was straightforward. Hannah and Meryl from the sales team were amazing, and the construction team was incredibly respectful.”
Natalie Griffiths, Sales and Marketing Director at Harron Homes North Midlands, said: “When you retire, it’s important to find the right house, but you also want to find the right lifestyle. We’re delighted that David and Karen have discovered the perfect blend of comfort, community, and convenience at Bilsthorpe Chase. Their story highlights why bungalows remain such a sought-after option for retirees looking to embrace this next chapter in life.”
Bilsthorpe Chase is located at Kirklington Road, Bilsthorpe, Newark, NG22 8SH and offers a selection of two, three, four, and five-bedroom homes in a scenic location with excellent access to local amenities. To find out more, visit www.harronhomes.com or contact the sales office on 01623 549018.

