Phil and Sandra had lived in their family home in Solihull, south of Birmingham, for 40 years however they were looking to begin a new chapter closer to family.
The couple, who are both retired, regularly travelled to see family in Newbury for more than 12 years so they knew the area very well. Together they decided that it was time to move closer to the people who mattered the most.
Phil previously worked as a bank manager, while Sandra worked at the BBC before becoming a full-time mum, and both were keen to find a home that would suit a relaxed yet active retirement.
Their family home had served them well; however, they felt it was time to downsize to a more manageable property that suited their lifestyle while allowing them to stay independent and active.
They discovered Cala’s Knights Grove development in Newbury and reserved a three-bedroom detached home, bringing them within minutes of their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.
Sandra explained: “We had been travelling down to visit our family for around 12 years, so we already knew Newbury well. Moving has meant we are now less than three miles away instead of 90, which has made such a difference. Being able to see our family more often was our main reason for moving.”
Rightmove helped us find a house that “ticked all the boxes”
The couple spent a long time searching for the right home, viewing a wide range of properties before discovering Knights Grove through Rightmove.
Phil said: “We looked at a lot of houses and different builders, but Cala really stood out. The development felt well thought out and peaceful, and the house itself ticked all the boxes.”
Phil and Sandra reserved their home when the exterior of the house was already in place. This meant they could choose flooring and tiles, helping them to personalise the space before moving.
Their new home strikes the perfect balance between space and ease of maintenance. The open-plan family room, kitchen, and dining area open directly onto the garden, creating a bright and welcoming space for everyday living and entertaining family and friends.
“We absolutely love the layout,” Sandra added. “The main bedroom and ensuite are beautiful, and there is plenty of space without it feeling too much to look after. We achieved exactly what we were hoping for.”
Enjoying Newbury’s welcoming community
Since moving in, Phil and Sandra have wasted no time in embracing the local area and settling into the community. Both enjoy staying active – Phil plays tennis and chess, while Sandra enjoys pickleball and swimming. They are also planning to join the University of the Third Age to meet new people and take part in social activities.
The warm welcome from neighbours has helped them feel at home from day one.
“They were incredibly friendly straight away,” Phil said. “On the first night, we were greeted with cards and flowers, and everyone was happy to help. It made the move feel really positive from the start.”
The couple were equally complimentary about Cala’s sales team and aftercare service.
Sandra said: “The aftercare team kept us fully informed, and everything was explained clearly, especially the smart heating and Wi-fi, which gave us real confidence in using the technology in the home.
“Any queries were dealt with promptly, either by email or with someone coming out to see us, and nothing ever felt like too much trouble. The aftercare has been excellent and very reassuring.”
“This move has given us exactly what we wanted”
Looking ahead, Phil and Sandra are enjoying the comfort, convenience and peace of mind their new home provides.
“This move has given us exactly what we wanted,” Phil added. “A modern, low-maintenance home, close to our family and in a friendly community. We feel very settled already and are really enjoying this new chapter.”
And advice for others thinking of downsizing?
For those considering a move later in life, Cala encourages homeowners to think about not only the home they need today, but how it will support their lifestyle in the years ahead.
Whether it's reducing the upkeep that comes with a larger property, moving closer to family, or choosing a more energy-efficient home, downsizing can offer an opportunity to simplify day-to-day living without compromising on comfort or space.
This is why many downsizers like Phil and Sandra choose to buy a new-build home as buying new has plenty of advantages. Whilst it gives you a blank canvas, less maintenance and helps you avoid any DIY disasters from previous owners, it is also more energy efficient, helping you cut household carbon emissions by up to 74% each year and helps you save as new build homes are 21% cheaper to run than older properties.*
As Phil and Sandra's experience shows, downsizing isn't simply about moving to a smaller home – it's about finding the right home in the right location to enjoy the next chapter of life.
Take a look at homes for sale at Knights Grove, Newbury or browse all new homes for sale.
FAQs on how Cala can help you downsize
Why choose a new build home when downsizing?
A brand-new Cala home is designed for modern living, with energy efficiency, contemporary layouts and practical storage solutions built in. You'll also benefit from less maintenance and the reassurance of a new home warranty, giving you greater peace of mind from day one.
I'm worried about selling my current home. Can Cala help?
Yes. Our Assisted Move service is designed to make moving simpler. Once you've reserved your chosen Cala home, we can help find a buyer for your existing property, recommend a local estate agent and even pay the estate agency fees, helping to reduce both the stress and cost of moving.
Can I reserve my new Cala home before my current property is sold?
With Assisted Move, we can reserve your chosen home while helping you secure a buyer for your existing property. This can provide greater certainty during the moving process and help you avoid missing out on the home you want.
How does Cala make downsizing easier?
From helping you sell your existing home through Assisted Move to offering energy-efficient new homes that require less maintenance, we aim to make the entire downsizing journey as straightforward as possible. With expert guidance and support throughout the buying process, you can focus on looking forward to life in your new home.
*Statistics are from The Home Builders Federation (HBF) 'Watt a Save' (January 2026).
