Family swap self-build dream home for a new build

Sinead, 33, and her husband Sam, 41, had previously embarked on a labour of love with a countryside self-build home spanning over 4,000 sq ft. However, the couple decided to sell up and swap it for a new build after visiting our Berry Croft development in Newick, East Sussex.

A self-build home is on many people's bucket lists. However, wanting to be closer to friends, family and amenities for their son Bodhi, 3, the pair downsized from their ‘forever home’ in rural Cross in Hand, to an energy-efficient new build just 12 miles up the road and closer to the village centre. The couple bought a detached four-bedroom home with a double garage, and after reserving in March 2024 they swiftly moved in July that same year.

Sam, who is a Construction Project Manager by trade, had previously driven past the development and was impressed by the build. Sinead, an Associate Solicitor, was a little more hesitant to part with her dream self-build home but was persuaded by Sam to take a look. Immediately after walking around the show home, the couple were impressed by the space, the layout of the development and our high-quality build and interior spec.

Sinead said: “We had been toying with the idea of moving to make mortgage payments more manageable and be closer to our friends and family who live nearby in Haywards Heath. We loved our home in Cross in Hand, but we weren’t close to a local centre. We were very much out in the sticks and there wasn’t much going on around us.” Sinead continued: “I was reluctant to move as I loved our previous home, and I initially didn’t think the development and show home would impress me as much as it did, but my view of the home completely bowled me over.”

Berry Croft, located in the Sussex village of Newick, offers the best of both worlds, with countryside living and the Ashdown Forest close by, as well as a bustling village centre and larger towns like Haywards Heath a short drive away. The location was a key consideration for the couple's move, particularly as they now have another baby on the way soon joining their young son, Bodhi.

Sinead commented: “As the kids grow older, we wanted to be within walking distance of Newick and the local school, where we hope to enrol them when the time is right. Berry Croft is perfectly situated near the village, and we absolutely love being able to walk with Bodhi to the local park and shops.” Sinead added: “Bodhi is really happy here, he loves being outside and riding around on his scooter and tractor which he was not able to do at our last home as we lived on a very busy country road. We feel this is a great place for our kids to grow up.”

Sam said: “We also love how spacious the house and development feel, even though it has 38 other homes. We have a large driveway and garden, and it doesn’t feel like we are on top of each other like some other new build developments.”

Sinead, who splits her time between her office in Brighton which is a 35-minute drive from Berry Croft and working from home, has made one of the four double bedrooms upstairs her office. The couple particularly like the design and spaciousness of the floorplan.

Having both lived in Newick prior to their self-build home, they knew they liked the area and desired to be closer to a main train line for easier travel and within walking distance of local amenities. Sam commented that he has been able to indulge in his love of golf since moving to the development: “I play often at The Piltdown Golf Club just up the road, it’s so close and easy to get to.” Sinead jokingly remarked: “Maybe a little too close for my liking!”

Sam and Sinead both praised the community feel of Berry Croft, highlighting that they have met many new people and other families which they never had the real chance to do at their previous home. Sam said: “We have met so many like-minded people and we get along with all of our neighbours, which has been really nice.”

When asked about the energy-efficient features of their new home, Sam commented: “We have seen an enormous reduction in our energy bills, the home is unbelievably energy efficient. We have downsized, so we were expecting a reduction compared to our last home, but we were extremely surprised by how much.” The couple added that they even purchased an electric car ahead of the move to make full use of their dedicated electric vehicle charging point.

To summarise, Sam and Sinead both shared how happy they are with their new home at Berry Croft. Sam commented: “Everyone from Thakeham, from the site managers to the sales team, was so helpful with our move. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”