Downsizers choose new life by the sea at Bellway development in Herne Bay

Retired couple Eric and Sue Ellingworth are settling into their new life by the seaside at Bellway’s Oxenden Park development in Herne Bay after relocating to Kent from the East Midlands.

Eric, 71, and Sue, 69, fancied a move to the coast having lived for most of their lives inland – including 33 years in Luxembourg where Eric worked in ground operations for an airline.

They were also keen to downsize from the four-bedroom detached property where they had been living in Barrow upon Soar in Leicestershire since returning to the UK following Eric’s retirement in 2011.

They chose Herne Bay because Sue has family in the area – and the couple had got to know and like the town well while staying with relatives on route to visiting their two daughters who still live in Luxembourg.

Eric said: “We wanted to downsize, we wanted to be closer to family and having lived inland for so long, we fancied a move to the seaside. Kent is a very attractive environment and it’s not as expensive as people think. We have been coming through this area on visits to Europe and Herne Bay is a very well-appointed town.”

Preferring the convenience, energy efficiency and low maintenance requirements that come with new-build properties, the couple visited a number of new housing developments in the area – and it was Oxenden Park which stood out, both for the quality of the homes and the customer service provided by the sales team at the site.

Eric said: “We wanted a smaller house that would be easier to maintain. Personally, I prefer new builds because I like the fact that what you get is yours and you get a very comprehensive two-year guarantee.

“We came down to Oxenden Park in March 2025 and met with the sales advisor Mark Evans and he was extremely welcoming and very professional.”

The couple reserved a three-bedroom detached Blemmere house and moved into their new home in August 2025 once the sale of their old property had been completed.

Eric said sales advisor Mark had gone “above and beyond” throughout the housebuying process, adding: “Mark was exceptional in his handling of our particular sale.”

Eric and Sue purchased their new home for £370,000, which Eric described as “excellent value for money”. After selling their previous home for £455,000, they were left with some “pocket money” which they chose to put towards a conservatory, an automated garage door and furniture.

The couple were pleasantly surprised with how few snags they encountered after moving in. “Compared to the newbuild we had previously, the items that required fixing were miniscule and any snags were dealt with immediately.”

They have also been impressed by the quality of the build and the finish. “The quality is very good. There’s a solid feel about the house – the doors shut solidly, the windows close solidly – and the property has very large windows to maximise the amount of light in the room. It looks good.

“It’s low-maintenance and very easy to clean, the rooms are a good size and the kitchen for a three-bed is very good. We have utilised the space well. There’s enough room in the kitchen-diner to entertain family and at Christmas they were more than comfortable in the living room.”

As well as the main bedroom with en suite, there is a second bedroom which is used as a guest room and a third bedroom which Eric has turned into a study.

Since moving into their new home, the couple have reduced their energy bills by around 30 per cent. “The new house is more energy efficient and has solar panels. The house came with an electric vehicle charging point which is a big plus as we have two electric cars – and we have a tariff which allows for cheap charging at night.”

As for the development itself, Eric said: “Oxenden Park is in very good condition and is well laid out. The street itself is extremely pleasant and well appointed. It’s a comfortable and secure place to live. We are happy here now we have adapted to our change of environment.

“There are a lot of dog walkers and we talk to them occasionally. We are part of the WhatsApp groups and there is a community spirit – you feel you can ask questions and seek answers.”

Although Eric admits that it was difficult to leave their former lives in Leicestershire behind, having built up so many connections in the area, the couple have embraced life in their new surroundings.

“We have got involved in local groups. There’s a local club for over 50s which does a lot of activities and they were very welcoming to us. They put on events in the evening, such as playing cards and bingo. We enjoy it and it’s a good way to meet people.”

And they like their new hometown. “Herne Bay is nice. It’s a seaside town and there are good restaurants – there are places that are comfortable and welcoming. I think people who move here will be pleasantly surprised with their choice.”

A selection of three and four-bedroom houses are currently available to reserve at Oxenden Park, with prices starting from £374,995. For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/kent/oxenden-park or call the sales team on 01227 647968.

Visit Bellway

Visit Ashberry homes