Fresh Start for Retired Couple as They Downsize to Dream Bungalow at The Croft
After 33 years in their family home, Charles and Lesley Garner have embarked on an exciting new chapter, having just moved into a stylish two-bedroom bungalow at The Croft—a boutique development by Cotswold Homes in the charming village of Down Ampney, near Cirencester.
The retired couple had long dreamed of simplifying their lifestyle. “We didn’t need all the rooms anymore, the garden was too big, and we were looking for a modern, energy-efficient, low-maintenance new build,” said Lesley. “It was time for an adventure!"
Their move was also prompted by a desire to be closer to their daughter, to offer support for any future childcare needs. The couple focused their search on smaller housebuilders creating thoughtfully designed developments in village locations—and The Croft ticked every box.
“We’d never considered a new build before,” Lesley admitted. “But we were future-proofing. We wanted the simpler, village life. When we discovered The Croft, it was everything we were looking for—air source heat pump, under floor heating, solar PV panels, EV charging, and excellent energy efficiency built into the fabric of the home.”
Finding a bungalow that felt “a bit special” was key for the Garners. “We had a long list of must-haves, and The Croft delivered on all of them. We love every room equally—they’re all so light and bright.”
Their journey wasn’t without challenges, including the loss of a buyer just before Christmas, but the couple praised Cotswold Homes for their continued support. “Neil, the sales executive, was so supportive, and the company stuck with us —we’ve been really impressed.”
Now settled in, the Garners are embracing village life. “Down Ampney is a lovely, welcoming community. The other night we watched the latest movie at the village hall for just £4—and the drinks were very reasonably priced!”
Prospective buyers can now visit The Marston, a stunning two-bedroom, double-fronted link-detached bungalow that exemplifies the craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that Cotswold Homes has been renowned for over two decades. Prices from £645,000
Designed to complement the village’s rich architectural heritage, The Marston seamlessly blends timeless Cotswold charm with modern comfort and sustainability.
The Marston offers a versatile and energy-efficient living space, featuring well-proportioned rooms, a spacious open-plan kitchen/dining area, and thoughtfully designed interiors tailored for contemporary living. Set along a private driveway leading to a charming courtyard enclave, these new homes exude elegance while incorporating high-end specifications.
Each bungalow at The Croft boasts a beautiful natural stone facade, complemented by either dark slate or red-coloured roof tiles, ensuring harmony with the surrounding countryside. Inside, these homes are designed to maximize space, light, and flow, making them ideal for those seeking the convenience of single-story living without compromise. Highlights include expansive family areas, elegant French doors, and luxurious principal suites.
Designed with sustainability in mind, all homes at The Croft feature energy-efficient technologies such as air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, electric vehicle charging points, and photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate electricity—aligning with the needs of today’s environmentally conscious homeowners.
For more information on The Croft or to arrange a visit to The Marston, please contact us.