Publication Date: 12-08-2025 09:00
Move to Parsonage Place ‘a dream come true’ for downsizer Tanzy
After carrying out various renovations on her previous home of almost 20 years, downsizer Tanzy Spence opted for the convenience of buying a new-build house – and she says it’s one of the best decisions she’s ever made.
The 50-year-old retired business analyst moved into a new three-bedroom detached property at Bellway’s Parsonage Place development in Otham, near Maidstone, after deciding: “I did not want to do another renovation project!”
Tanzy had lived in her house in Chessington, Surrey, with her two sons for nearly 20 years. Over that time, she did 10 projects of varying sizes on the property, turning it from a three-bedroom to a six-bedroom house.
“At this stage in my life to move into a home that doesn’t require any work is a dream”, she said. “I certainly don’t need another renovation project. It was so appealing knowing all the work was already done.”
Tanzy had got to know and like Maidstone because she owned investment properties in the town. So, when she decided to downsize it felt like the natural place to start looking.
“When I would do things to the flats between tenancies I would go into town and do some shopping and see the church, and the museum and the theatre and I thought it’s a really good mix of old and new, which is so appealing to me. I loved the market town feel and finding bespoke places to buy things.”
She visited Parsonage Place and loved the layout which she felt was more spacious than other developments she had seen. The location also appealed because she wanted to live somewhere quiet and peaceful.
She fell in love with a property on a corner plot – a three-bedroom detached house in Bellway’s Thespian house style. She liked the symmetry of the double-fronted design and the size of the rooms.
Initially she was not able to reserve the home she wanted because her old house did not attract a buyer despite being on the market for several months. So, she used Bellway’s Express Mover scheme which took care of the sale and paid the estate agent fees.
She soon had offers for her house and after purchasing her new house, she is now mortgage free. Bellway also contributed to her stamp duty costs.
Praising the sales team at Parsonage Place, she said: “The customer service was impeccable. They were so good at keeping me updated and informed. They would answer professionally and in a timely fashion and to my satisfaction and they gave me some really useful advice.”
She was also impressed by the site team, adding: “You can tell these guys work really hard. They are very dedicated and good at what they do.”
Tanzy moved into her new home at the end of March.
She said: “I love the size of the property. It’s good to have space without being too overwhelmed. This is a new development, and it offers a fresh start in a new community. I’ve turned 50 and this is the first time in my life I’ve lived alone. So, I wanted to feel safe and that’s something I feel here. I love that feeling and being in a brand-new neighbourhood.”
Tanzy met some of her new neighbours at a VE Day event held at Parsonage Place and found that those who have been living there a while appreciate the same things about it that she does. “They echoed what I thought that it’s safe and quiet here yet it’s just a stone’s throw from the town centre.
“I can hear the lovely church bells from St Nicholas Church and it’s the most wonderful thing to hear. And the location is so quiet, you can hear the birds.
“I’ve had such a positive experience, it’s a dream come true. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
A selection of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses are currently available at Parsonage Place, with prices starting from £222,995. To find out more, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/kent/parsonage-place or call the sales team on 01732 608239.
