How two of our residents found their move to Newlands.
Retired Royal Navy Submarine Commander, Martin Bourdillon, wife Patricia, and their doe-eyed lurcher Zoe moved to Newlands around eighteen months ago. They live in an elegant three-bedroom detached Cotswold stone cottage set in corner of the delightful formal gardens. So what led to them deciding to make the move in the first place, how was the whole process and what do they think of Newlands having settled in? It makes sense for them to tell you in their own words.
Martin
“I have to say that our natural base was always in Herefordshire, it’s where I was born and bred. However as you might expect, over the 47 years I served in the Royal Navy we travelled a great deal. This was around the British Isles as well as countries such as Greece and Singapore. Following on from that, Patricia and I returned to Hereford and lived in a large family home with an acre of garden that was much enjoyed by us, our friends and a succession of beloved lurchers.
As the years progressed, maintenance became more of a concern. I decided that we needed somewhere smaller. As luck would have it, we came to Newlands to visit a friend who had moved into one of the apartments. We liked everything about the place, and the Stow area. We were attracted to this house in particular so we decided to buy it. We felt we didn’t need to look elsewhere because everything just seemed right on so many levels”.
Patricia
“After living in a number of different places over the years it was really just another move to us. I had thought that it would be hard to scale down on all our accumulated bits and pieces and we certainly gave a lot away to charities because we felt that was a nicer thing to do. However, we brought masses with us, probably too much, yet I was pleasantly surprised how much fitted in - even our upright piano is right at home in the dining room.
Everyone made us feel very welcome and was so helpful - there was even a picnic basket full of goodies waiting for us plus a few treats for Zoe. It was unfortunate that not long after we arrived lockdown started but Steve the chauffeur has been amazing and has shopped weekly for any food and supplies we have wanted.”
Martin
“Everything fell into place. Our decision to move here didn’t rest on any one reason but many. The house and maintained small garden were perfect for us. You can’t fault the beautiful grounds and environment of Newlands along with easy walking access to the countryside, which Zoe greatly appreciates too! Without doubt having qualified nursing care on hand here was a real boon when my wife needed regular treatment for skin cancer. And there’s a great collection of the most interesting people at Newlands and when restrictions change, we’re aching to get to know and engage with them more.
Added to that we have a niece, cousin and daughter who live nearby in Oxford and a few old school friends in the area as well. Stow itself is lovely place with a great many attractions so, as I still drive, we’re just waiting until we can get out again and visit places. I think that just about sums up Newlands for us”.
