Family ties  & green space brought us to Woodgate

Julie and Ian Noble had lived in a farmhouse in the Sussex village of Turners Hill for 28 years. So, when they opted to move closer to their family, they faced a big decision about what they wanted from their next home. While they never saw themselves living in a new build, everything changed when their daughter Harriet moved to our Woodgate development in Pease Pottage, West Sussex.

“Harriet was pregnant with her first child when she moved here in 2021,” says Julie, 68. “We wanted to be close by to support her and be a part of our new grandchild’s life. That was the biggest reason for us.”

Julie, a retired catering manager, and 69-year-old Ian, a retired quantity surveyor, had never lived in a new build before. But after visiting Woodgate and seeing the development for themselves, they were quickly won over. “We were really impressed by the build quality,” explains Ian. “The brickwork and cladding, the layout, the fittings – all were clearly done to a very high standard. Also, the houses aren’t crammed together. There’s an abundance of space and greenery, which makes it feel very natural.”

The couple moved into their four-bedroom home at Woodgate in May 2024, located near Tilgate Forest and the lake. It’s a location that’s become central to their daily routine. “We walk our dog, an Spinone Italiano called Claudia, around the trails every day,” says Julie. “She absolutely loves it! The walking routes are also aiding my recovery from a recent hip replacement surgery. As well as the health and wellbeing benefits, it’s just a beautiful place to be outdoors.”

Ian and Julie have fully embraced the lifestyle Woodgate offers. Julie has become involved with the local Women’s Institute, which hires out the community hub for craft sessions. Their daughter Harriet has also used the Hub for family events, such as for her son Jude’s third birthday party. “It’s a lovely space,” according to Julie. “There’s a real sense of community here.”

Regular visits to the Woodgate community shop and café are also part of Julie and Ian’s normal routine. “The shop is brilliant,” enthuses Julie. “We and Harriet are there almost every day. The stock is high quality and the staff are friendly. Plus, they’re always open to trying new products and working with local suppliers, which makes you feel valued as a customer.”

Harriet backs up Julie’s views. “What my mum said could not be truer! It’s the sense of community and thoughtful green spaces that will keep us here for a very long time. I haven’t been to another new build development with the same feel as this and everyone that visits us is taken aback by it. It’s been a dream for us to have my parents live so close and seeing them enjoy it just as much as us has made Woodgate even more special.”

So, would they recommend Woodgate? “Absolutely!” Says Ian. “It’s not just a development, rather a community. For us, it gave us everything we were looking for and more.”

According to Julie, more new housing developments should embrace community and nature like we have done at Woodgate. “Woodgate bridges generations. It’s brought our family closer together and given me and Ian a fresh start surrounded by green and blue infrastructure, community support and a real sense of belonging.”

Woodgate is an award-winning development of 619 homes, delivered in partnership with Abri. With fewer than five homes remaining, now is your last chance to move into this thriving community.

Visit development