Ian Millward and his wife Karen are living out their dream retirement, immersing themselves in the coastal bliss of Cornish living. The couple, who needed to retire to a property that would also accommodate Ian’s parents, faced logistical challenges arranging the move throughout the covid pandemic. Despite this, the move was made smooth by Burrington Estates, who facilitated the family’s 290-mile relocation from Derbyshire into a five-bedroom property at Harbour Reach in Fowey, Cornwall, at the end of last year.
Moving to Burrington Estates’ scenic Harbour Reach development from their similarly sized home in Derbyshire was a big decision for Ian and his wife, who care for Ian’s elderly parents Roy and Jean at home. Ian’s parents previously lived separately in Derbyshire, but as their care needs grew, Ian and Karen decided that a new arrangement of multi-generational living was necessary. Ian explains: “Cornwall was an obvious retirement destination for us as a family. My parents and I spent a lot of time in the area throughout my childhood. Karen and I also share very fond memories of the Cornish coast, having spent our first Valentine’s Day together strolling down St. Ives beach. The relaxed way of life here suits us perfectly”.
Ian continues: “After initially visiting the development in September 2020, we saw first-hand the Burrington Estates difference in quality and service. We had viewed a number of other properties in and around Fowey, but nothing compared to the extremely high specification and attention to detail that we saw at Harbour Reach. We absolutely fell in love with the development, which made it much easier to make the decision to sell our home in Derby and retire to the Cornish coast”.
Logistically, the families’ plans were complex, but Burrington Estates made it a seamless process for both generations. Ian explains: “We were in Derby whilst the house was being built, so it was tricky for us to come down and see the progress of the house very often. We required very particular alterations to the house to accommodate the needs of my parents, including the addition of a back door to the utility room and some personal alterations in the bathroom and bedrooms to facilitate my parents’ care. The team at Burrington Estates were extremely helpful and accommodating in making these changes, and it was wonderful to receive weekly pictures and videos of how the build was progressing”.
Burrington Estates’ first-class customer service made a real difference to the couple’s moving experience. Karen explains: “It was important to us that Ian’s parents moved into a home that felt welcoming. Burrington Estates’ concierge aftercare service was brilliant in ensuring this. The concierge team ensured that every little detail within the home was considered and provided: they hung our mirrors, hooks, curtain rails, and helped to arrange furniture for us including a hospital bed and care equipment. They applied the finishing touches that made the house into a welcoming home. Friends and family couldn’t believe how quickly the house turned into a home and that we even hosted family at Christmas a few days later!”.
Speaking of the modern features of their new home, Karen adds: “Another perk to our new home is its energy efficient features. The house benefits from sustainably sourced timber insulation, gas fired central heating and an energy efficient boiler which have all really helped to reduce our energy costs!”.
Harbour Reach is nestled at the heart of a charming community, surrounded by an abundance of walking spots including the idyllic Lantic Bay and Par Sands beaches. A little further afield at Fowey Estuary there are creeks, woodlands, and headlands to enjoy. Noting the improvement in his whole families’ overall wellbeing, Ian comments: “We’re thoroughly enjoying living along the Cornwall coast. We felt so welcomed by the friendly community at Harbour Reach and have really enjoyed spring BBQs and exploring the walking trails with neighbours. The coastal air and relaxed lifestyle has lifted all of our spirits, including our Westie Hamish who seems to have a new lease of life running along the beaches! Relocating to a completely different part of the UK and leaving behind our old life was an emotional decision, but the communication and service Burrington Estates provided was second to none, which made the process so much easier. We couldn’t be happier here”.
All properties at Harbour Reach are now sold. For more information on similar developments by Burrington Estates across the South West of England, please visit www.burringtonestates.com.
