Settling into anew chapterin Burgess Hill

After nearly 30 years in Crowborough, East Sussex, Steve and Roberta Johnson were ready for a fresh start. Originally from the south London areas of Sutton and Wimbledon respectively, the couple – who have been married for 36 years – wanted to be closer to family and enjoy a more walkable, community-focused lifestyle. Their search led them to our Templegate development in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, where they were among the first people to reserve and move in.

The Johnsons had sold their previous home quickly, though struggled to find a new build that met their expectations. That was until our advert caught their eye: “We’d actually picked up a Thakeham brochure a couple of years earlier,” Roberta recalls. “When we saw the advert, we remembered it and decided to visit Templegate. We reserved almost immediately.”

Roberta, 62, is a florist by trade though currently works as a medical receptionist at a doctor’s surgery in Burgess Hill. Meanwhile, 64-year-old Steve is an accountant who works mainly from home. Both were drawn to Templegate’s thoughtful layout and green surroundings. “There’s a nature reserve just across the road, while we can walk just about everywhere, including to the town centre,” says Steve. “We want to walk more to keep active as we get older, and living here means we hardly need to use our cars anymore. In fact, mine even had a flat battery recently from lack of use!”

The couple love the variety of house types and the inclusive, community spirit that’s already formed at Templegate, despite the fact they were one of the first residents to move in during late 2024. “It’s spacious but not too big,” Roberta comments. “We’ve already got a residents’ WhatsApp group set-up and feel part of a community.”

Roberta and Steve live in a three-bedroom, Petworth-style home. Their favourite feature is the lounge, which opens onto a good-sized garden and is perfect for relaxing and entertaining with friends and family.

The Johnson’s Templegate home is one of the 48 that have an Octopus Energy Zero Bills smart tariff, guaranteeing no home energy bills for at least five years. While the Zero Bills aspect wasn’t a deciding factor for the couple since they had previously lived in an energy-efficient new build home, they have already noticed the benefits. “Our home is warm all the time, the cost savings are noticeable, and we don’t have to think about energy providers or direct debits,” Steve says. “It’s just easy.”

They’ve also been impressed with our customer care. “There are always going to be snagging issues with new builds,” admits Steve. “However, the aftercare has been excellent. We feel confident that if anything goes wrong, it’ll be sorted.”

For the Johnsons, Templegate is more than just a new home – it’s a future-proof investment in their future and wellbeing. With their son and daughter-in-law nearby, nature on their doorstep and a vibrant community around them, they’re embracing this new chapter with open arms.

“We’re really happy here at Templegate,” says Roberta, “and our overall purchasing experience with Thakeham has been crucial in settling in so quickly. We’d have no qualms recommending the company to others – in our view it really is Thakeham all the way.”