When her landlord decided to sell the house she’d been renting, 50-year-old Kate—a dedicated paediatric nurse and single mother of two—suddenly faced an uncertain future. With her children aged 14 and 10, Kate’s top priority was staying rooted in the same village community they all cherished.
“I’d built my life here. My kids go to school here, our friends are here, and it’s where we feel safe. I wasn’t keen to let that go,” she says.
Like many, Kate assumed getting on the property ladder in her own village would mean compromising—either on space, condition, or budget. And she never seriously considered a new build.
Kate comments: “I actually went to view the homes at Orchard Park expecting to cross them off the list,” she admits. “New builds just weren’t on my radar. I thought they’d be out of reach or not feel like home.”
But everything changed when she stepped inside the show home.
Kate comments: “It was all so sparkly and new, and the energy efficiency rating was fantastic. What really won me over was the peace of mind that comes with a new build. There are no surprise repairs, or renovations to worry about. Plus, with no onward chain, the whole buying process felt smoother and more secure. It all just made sense. It felt like the right choice in every way.”
The home is a spacious detached property, complete with a garage and a beautiful south-facing garden, perfect for family life. Inside, it boasts three generously sized double bedrooms, a key priority for Kate. “I was looking for a home that could grow with my children,” she explains. “These days, kids are staying at home longer, and I wanted them to feel like this was truly their space for as long as they need it. Both of them have fantastic-sized bedrooms that they can really make their own, and they absolutely love the garden. It gives them the freedom to play, relax, and enjoy being outside. It’s exactly the kind of space I’d hoped to give them.”
Not only does the property itself tick every box for Kate and her family, but it also allowed them to stay in a location that fits their lives perfectly. Working as a nurse in Godalming, just a manageable 30-minute drive away, Kate finds the area strikes the ideal balance between convenience and a peaceful home life. With local shops, two welcoming pubs, and the children’s schools all within easy reach, the family has everything they need right on their doorstep. The nearby train station, just 12 minutes away, keeps them well connected, while the surrounding countryside preserves the rural charm that Kate loves.
“It’s exactly what we need,” Kate says. “We’ve got space at home, great schools for the kids, and a supportive community around us. Also, with local amenities like Lidl and Co-op just over 10 minutes away, day-to-day life as a busy mum is so much more manageable. Everything just works and it really feels like it’s where we’re meant to be.”
It was important to Kate that her children had the space, and the surroundings, to enjoy their passions and thrive. Her daughter, an avid horse rider, takes full advantage of the many scenic bridle paths nearby, while her son plays cricket in the summer and football in the winter with local Petworth teams. Both children are also actively involved in Scouts and Guides, and the vibrant local community offers all the opportunities and support they need to stay engaged and happy.
Ideally located for families, there is an excellent selection of schools near Orchard Park, including the renowned independent Cranleigh School which is less than 11 miles away. For young children, Little Acorns Pre-School is just 5 minutes away and is rated as 'Good' by Ofsted. Children of primary age can attend either Loxwood Primary or Plaistow & Kirdford Primary, both rated as 'Good' by Ofsted. For pupils of secondary school age, the nearby The Weald School is 'Outstanding'. The latest report states that "achievement is outstanding across all key stages", making this school a firm favourite with parents and pupils.
For or a woodland stroll, residents can head to the Ebernoe Common National Nature Reserve or The Mens Nature Reserve. Both are brimming with rich wildlife thanks to an array of ponds, streams and reclaimed farmland. Just 20 minutes from Orchard Park, is the South Downs National Park, perfect for a hike, jog or cycle through the breathtaking scenery.
With a £530,000 price tag, Kate was able to purchase the property with deposit assist by her ex-husband—and a manageable mortgage for the rest. The process, she says, was smooth and supportive. “Jane, the sales consultant, was amazing. And even now, Jack the site manager still checks in to make sure everything’s going well. You don’t expect that kind of care, but it made all the difference.”
For Kate and her children, Orchard Park wasn’t just a new house—it was a turning point.
Kate comments: “We got a fresh start, in a brand-new home, while staying exactly where we needed to be. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more. This is the kind of stability I’ve always wanted for my family. A proper home, in a place that feels like ours.”
For further sales information, please view the website or call 01403 582287.
