Moving to Winchester: A New Chapter for Barry and Avril Gowers

Do you dream of somewhere that combines countryside living with city convenience?  Enter Winchester. As a small but well-rounded city, Winchester seamlessly blends amenities with stunning countryside nearby.

This makes moving to a new home in Winchester an attractive choice for many—like Barry and Avril, residents of Knights Quarter.

Read more about the draws of this charming city, alongside Barry and Avril’s experience of moving to Winchester.

A street bustling with people eating, drinking and walking in Winchester. A selection of cafes and restaurants along the street provide outdoor seating areas for visitors to enjoy the historic setting.

Why Move to Winchester?

Moving to Winchester comes with its own unique set of perks. The historic city is home to some of the largest cathedrals in Europe, including Winchester Cathedral. Here, residents and visitors can enjoy various exhibitions, events and the famous Christmas Market.

Meanwhile, outdoor lovers can indulge in Winchester’s water meadows and St Catherine’s Hill, located close to Knights Quarter—a development by Berkeley Group. The South Downs, New Forest and Southampton, alongside the beaches of the South Coast and Isle of Wight, can be easily reached from this location too.

The high street perfectly combines big-name brands with original, independent boutiques. The street is pedestrian-friendly, and when you’ve finished perusing the shops, you can relax and unwind in one of the many inviting cafes or restaurants.

In addition to providing wonderful days out, Winchester also has a strong educational section and robust economy, with plenty of opportunities for professionals in a range of industries.

Moving to Winchester: Barry and Avril’s Story

Barry and Avril Gowers—aged 66—moved to Winchester after they stepped away from the family home they’d lived in for 20 years in Whipsnade, Bedfordshire. The decision came as a result of the couple wanting to be closer to their daughter who had settled in the city some time ago. 

The move would allow them to spend more time with their grandchildren and enjoy a carefree life—without being wedded to maintaining a garden. This led the couple to swap six-and-a-half acres of space for the high life with a three-bedroom penthouse at Knights Quarter in Winchester.

Learn more about what inspired the couple’s decision to move and the role Berkeley Group played in making their journey as seamless as possible.

Why Did You Decide to Move to Winchester?

“We have two children and five wonderful grandchildren.  Moving to Winchester has allowed us to be very close to our daughter, two of her three sons are choristers at Winchester Cathedral, which is a great joy to us.  

We also have plenty of space for my son’s family to stay overnight when they visit from Hertfordshire. I think the whole family has fallen in love with our new home at Knights Quarter!”
- Barry Gower, Knights Quarter resident

Did You Have Any Concerns About Moving?

“Leaving my garden was probably the hardest part of moving from Whipsnade but I have amazed myself. I am so busy here in Winchester that I have not had a chance to be nostalgic.

Being in the penthouse, we are blessed with an extremely splendid terrace and patio, so I have gone a bit mad with pots, which is keeping my green-fingered side absorbed. To be honest it is a relief not to have to look after six acres–it was getting to be hard work for us.”
- Avril Gower, Knights Quarter resident

The exterior of a selection of apartment buildings at Knights Quarter—a development by Berkeley Group. The apartment buildings feature red brick and black accents around the windows and balconies. Along the paths leading to the buildings, large flowerbeds line the walkways.

How Did You Find Your Moving Experience?

“We had a few challenges on our hands completing the sale of our house in Whipsnade with one thing and another, but Berkeley was brilliant. They didn’t put us under any pressure and let the transaction take its course. 

Their aftersales team has been marvellous too. We designed and built our previous house ourselves so I am aware of the challenges of house building–it also means I have high standards–but the craftsmanship at Knights Quarter is exceptional.”
- Barry Gower, Knights Quarter resident

At Berkeley Group, we understand that moving isn’t always straightforward. That’s why we take great pride in supporting your journey to buying a new build home.

What Has Life Been Like Since You Moved to Winchester?

“Winchester is wonderful. There are plenty of shops and some top-quality pubs and restaurants. We both love being so close to the River Itchen, the water is crystal clear and we often see the odd trout swimming past. 

I have renamed Winchester the ‘Goldilocks zone’ because it’s not too big and not too small–it really is just perfect. And we are regulars on the train to London–we love the arts and theatres–and the train station is less than a 10-minute walk [from Knights Quarter].

Avril is mad keen on the gym and she is currently going to one in town, but it won’t be long before the gym opens in Knights Quarter and she is looking forward to exercising there.

She also runs regularly and we enjoy cycling out of town onto the South Downs, where you can go for miles.  I have found an art studio in town, where I have relocated my etching press, so I can continue making fine art prints for my own enjoyment, a hobby which keeps me amused, and my walls covered.”
- Barry Gower, Knights Quarter resident

 
An example of the open-plan kitchen, living and dining area you can expect to find at an apartment in Knights Quarter.

Are You Enjoying Your New Apartment in Knights Quarter?

“There is a fabulous bunch of people living right here in Knights Quarter, Berkeley recently hosted a ‘meet the neighbour’ event which was such fun.

The champagne was flowing and we soon got to know everyone who came.  We have a WhatsApp group in our building–we live in Bedivere House in Fellowes Rises and have comically named our group Bedfellowes–we regularly meet up for a bit of a social. It’s a great mix of all ages and personalities.”
- Barry Gower, Knights Quarter resident

Each apartment at Knights Quarter features a contemporary layout designed to complement busy modern lifestyles. Open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas create a hub of the home, with French doors that lead to a terrace or balcony. This means the living area is flooded with natural light.

Meanwhile, principal bedrooms exude luxury, featuring a stylish en-suite bathroom and fitted wardrobes—or walk-in wardrobes for some. Second bedrooms also benefit from en-suite bathrooms, handy for visiting guests.

“Our apartment is perfect for us. We looked at some conversions before we chose Knights Quarter but nothing else met the brief. The specification is exemplary and we love the high ceilings and feeling of space. 

This Berkeley development is a quantum leap from anything else we looked at. Once we had viewed Knights Quarter there was no point looking elsewhere.”
- Avril Gower, Knights Quarter resident

Since moving in, the couple have put their own stamp on the apartment, styling their new build home to suit them. This included investing in a media wall to create a contemporary living space to match their preferences.

“We didn’t want the TV to be the main feature of our living room so we splashed out a little and had a media wall created by local interior designers, Hobson’s Choice, which hides the TV, the hi-fi units and all the wires–it has made an ideal central focal point.

Other things I love are all the brand-new, top-of-the-range appliances in the kitchen. Our double-size wine fridge gets quite a lot of use.

There are some fabulous deli’s in Winchester, we particularly love Basil Leaf Deli where we stock up on some very interesting cheeses and charcuterie.”
- Avril Gower, Knights Quarter resident

Knights Quarter enjoys an idyllic location just a short walk from excellent shopping, theatre and restaurants set along the pedestrian streets of the city centre. The train station—which includes fast trains to Waterloo—is also a less than 10-minute walk away.

Discover Your Dream Home in Winchester

Moving to Winchester opens the door to a world of possibilities. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the historic High Street, indulge in world-class dining and explore the picturesque Hampshire countryside.  

Ready to make Winchester your home? Berkeley Group offers a range of luxurious properties in Winchester, with a home to suit every taste.

If you’re looking for something slightly more rural, browse our new homes in Hampshire and create your base just a short distance from this charming city.