When Jessica Pike decided it was time for her and husband Graham to downsize, the lure of her childhood took her back to the Hampshire town of Romsey – and Taylor Wimpey’s stunning Abbotswood development.

Having sold their sprawling 1950s property in Lyndhurst they were able to move into their new home in just five weeks, and it’s just a stone’s throw from the Victorian cottage where 61-year-old Jessica grew up.

She says: “I couldn’t be happier, the house is exactly what we were looking for. We came from an enormous old house with add-ons here, there and everywhere and it constantly needed work doing to it. Here, everything is brand new and it really is lovely.

“We love the layout – it’s so light and airy and spacious. I adore the master bedroom with its beautiful en-suite and it’ll be wonderful to do the washing up while looking over at the conservation area and all its wildlife.

“Lyndhurst was very congested so it feels extremely peaceful here. We’ve met some of our neighbours and everyone seems very welcoming. We’re looking forward to settling in.”

Jessica and Graham will be living in their new five-bedroom ‘Buckingham’ home on their own, but their large family, including six daughters and five grandchildren, ensures they will never be short of visitors!

It is the first time the couple have ever purchased a Taylor Wimpey home and they carried out extensive research of new developments in the area before deciding that Abbotswood was head and shoulders above the rest.

Jessica says: “We drew a 10-mile radius around our previous property and had a look around. Romsey seemed to have the best options when it came to new builds and the Abbotswood development really stood out.

“It’s lovely to come back here. I went to school in Romsey and actually lived in a small cottage just over the road which is still there today.”

There’s a superb selection of family-size homes currently available at Abbotswood, including spacious five-bedroom detached homes from £495,000.

A delightful place to call home, Romsey offers all the amenities needed for everyday life whilst retaining a distinct sense of history. The awe-inspiring Norman Abbey dominates the town and is surrounded by charming medieval streets.

The recently renovated town centre now boasts a Waitrose supermarket, a department store, and over 100 other retail outlets, including high street stores and local shops, catering to all the needs of modern living.

Pupils of all ages are well catered for with schools, colleges and the University of Southampton all within easy reach. Romsey Primary School is located just over one mile from the development, while the well-regarded Mountbatten School for secondary age pupils is just two miles away.

Romsey railway station provides direct services to Southampton, Brighton, Bristol and Cardiff while the town is within 10 miles of both the M27 and M3, providing fast links along the south coast and to London. Southampton Airport, which offers flights to around 50 destinations, is just 11 miles away.

To find out more about securing a brand new home at Abbotswood, property-seekers should visit the Sales Information Centre, located off Sandy Lane, Abbotswood, Romsey, and open daily between 10am and 5pm (Mondays 1pm to 5pm). Alternatively, the Sales Executive can be contacted on 01794 330894.

Further information on all Taylor Wimpey developments across the region is available by calling 0238 025 5288, or by visiting www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/southern