Kids flown the nest? Maybe it’s time to downsize

As autumn gets into full swing, many parents who have packed their children off to university suddenly feel as if they’re rattling around inside their family home. Then, once they’re over the trauma of the kids flying the nest, they find that they’ve got more free time and can even rediscover a social life!

Yet the maintenance of a large family home can hold some back from fully enjoying the liberty that an ‘empty nest’ can offer, whether it’s spending more time travelling, at a second home or simply doing more of the things they enjoy. That’s where downsizing can prove to be a great lifestyle change for the better.

Lying less than a mile from central Reading, Millgate Homes’ collection of thirty nine apartments could be just the ticket for those looking to downsize. Surrounded by an oasis of gardens beautifully designed by Millgate Homes’ Chelsea award-winning landscaper, Upcross Gardens enjoys an air that belies its convenient location.

Whilst you will be downsizing, you won’t be downscaling - and certainly not downgrading. The two bedroom apartments offer light, spacious and airy accommodation that includes a generous living room and chic kitchen, creating the ideal space for entertaining guests. The master bedroom has en-suite facilities and the second double bedroom is catered for by the main bathroom. Each bedroom also benefits from fitted wardrobes, making moving easier. And you won’t have to give up the car - each apartment has either allocated car port or undercroft parking.

Add to all this the impressive specification and it’s hardly surprising that Upcross Gardens has already proven popular with discerning downsizers. Kitchens are bespoke and feature quartz worktops alongside a host of stainless steel and integrated appliances, including a four-ring gas hob, electric fan assisted oven, extractor hood, microwave, an integrated frost-free fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher.

Bathrooms and en-suites are just as stylish, with bespoke fitted cabinets, crisp white Roca sanitary ware, chrome fitments, mirrors and chrome towel ladder radiators. Millgate’s renowned attention to detail is apparent with downlighters providing ambient lighting, internal doors in flush oak effect complemented by chrome furnishings and carpets fitted throughout the apartments.

Once you’ve made your move, you’ll be well placed to enjoy all that cosmopolitan Reading has to offer including a host of shops, bars and eateries within walking distance. Meanwhile, Reading provides a fantastic base for commuters with excellent transport links, particularly to London - Reading station offering regular, fast services to London Paddington in as little as 28 minutes and the nearby M4 offers access to the national motorway network.

Prices start at £229,950, and if you act soon you will receive an interior design package work £10,000 so that you can put the finishing touches to your new home without the cost.

To find out more about how you could downsize to a new home at Upcross Gardens, log on to millgatehomes.co.uk.