Living the good life at Walsham Le Willows

Escaping to the country is often seen as the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of busy life. But is this just a romantic dream? For one family re-locating to the Suffolk countryside, it has proved to be just what the doctor ordered.

Dale and Jane Arden moved from Banstead in Surrey just over three months ago with their three daughters Annabel, 16, Scarlett, 4 and Tabitha, 2½, for a change of lifestyle. What a different three months has made.

Jane, who works as an English teacher, comments: “Making the move from Surrey to Suffolk was a really big decision for us as a family, but Dale, who is originally from Cheshire, was looking to make the move back to the country at some point. With all three children needing to start at a new college and school, and our youngest daughter having terrible health problems caused by pollution, a move to Suffolk seemed like the right decision.”

“We’ve already noticed a change in family life and love the village and nearby Bury St Edmunds. We’ve spent the whole summer on our bikes which is fantastic exercise and means we do things as a family in the fresh air. Annabel loves the shops at arc and is thriving within the friendly community College. Pleasing a 16 year old is one of the move’s biggest successes and it’s great for us too.

“The change in lifestyle has also made a dramatic difference to Tabitha’s health. Before we left Surrey, Tabitha had suffered from pneumonia for over seven months in addition to terrible glue ear. Basically she was allergic to pollution. Since moving to Suffolk these problems have all but disappeared and the doctors are very pleased. We now have a happy child who’s full of energy and really does feel a lot better in herself. It can only be down to the fresh air and country living.

“Our new house is also fantastic. With a teenager and toddlers to please, we needed a property which was stylish and flexible. ‘The Hoveton’ house type we chose from Hopkins Homes has suited all our needs, it’s economical, requires minimal maintenance and, best of all, is lovely and warm! Hopkins Homes also took the stress out of the relocation with their excellent after sales service.”

“Moving was a real gamble, but it has exceeded our hopes and expectations. Dale, who commutes to London, feels that both he and his family really do have the best of both worlds here.”

Hopkins Homes have properties remaining at Elmside Lea in Walsham Le Willows, which will be ongoing until Spring 2010. Current properties for sale range from two bedroom houses starting from £149,995 to four bedroom detached properties for £274,995. Larger four and five bedroom properties will also be available shortly. For further information see Savills.com.