Retirement Living in Hampshire: Jo and Elisabeth’s Story
After swapping Fleet for the rolling countryside of Wiltshire in their 70s, Jo and Elisabeth Skinner expected their move to be permanent. But, it wasn’t long before they yearned for the suburban lifestyle they’d left behind.
And so, the couple once again pursued retirement in Hampshire. After settling in a two-bedroom apartment in Hartland Village, Fleet, Jo and Elisabeth embraced the community, countryside and convenience they knew they wanted.
Discover what the couple say about retirement living in Hampshire and find your ideal new home today.
What Led You to Retire in Hampshire?
“When we bought our three-bedroom house in Tisbury in Wiltshire, we thought that would be our final move.
A slower-paced lifestyle and beautiful hills and fields for walking seemed idyllic, but we soon started missing the ease of driving just five minutes to the shops and popping in to see our son and family.
After a couple of years, we decided it was time to head back to Fleet.”
- Elisabeth, Hartland Village resident
Although nestled in the peaceful countryside, Hartland Village boasts strong connections to surrounding communities. Its excellent transport links and proximity to Fleet town centre allow Hartland Village to strike the balance of rural and suburban life.
With an array of amenities, green spaces and schools nearby, Hartland Village is conveniently situated for all, from retired couples to young families.
What Drew You to Hartland Village in Hampshire?
“We purchased the house in Wiltshire for £295,000 and were able to sell it for £352,000, so when it came to finding a home in Fleet we were in a good position financially, especially as we’d paid off our mortgage over the years, making us cash buyers.
Our son, who lives locally, was the one who pointed us in the direction of Hartland Village; we were delighted to discover we could secure a two-bedroom ground-floor apartment despite the move back to a more expensive area of the country.
The fact it was a new build and maintenance would be a breeze compared to the larger homes we’ve owned was a real draw too. We didn’t even look elsewhere; we made a reservation immediately.”
- Jo, Hartland Village resident
Jo and Elisabeth purchased their two-bedroom apartment at Hartland Village for £314,000. After moving into their new home in 2020, the couple has enjoyed convenient retirement living in Hampshire ever since—adding touches to make their home their own.
Why Did You Choose a New Build Apartment?
“Although we’ve always loved having a garden, we haven’t had a chance to miss it at Hartland Village.
We’re surrounded by woodland and green space so the countryside never feels far away. We’ve really enjoyed exploring the woodland trails, walks to Fleet Pond and along the Basingstoke Canal.”
- Jo, Hartland Village resident
Garden maintenance can be physically challenging and time-consuming —especially for older adults and people with health issues. By swapping a garden for a development surrounded by nature, Jo and Elisabeth continue to reap the benefits of the outdoors, without the hassle.
And, following their move into a two-bedroom, ground-floor apartment, the leafy surroundings of Hartland Village aren’t the only thing the couple has benefitted from.
“We wanted something more manageable, so being on the ground floor is perfect for us; perhaps one day we won’t want to tackle stairs!
We absolutely adore the kitchen, dining and living space; as we’re a corner plot, we’ve got light flooding in from two sides, which makes it a really warm, bright space.”
- Elisabeth, Hartland Village resident
How Have You Made Your Home Your Own?
When you buy a new home with Berkeley Group, your property is ready to move into when the time comes. The interiors are beautifully painted and kitchens are equipped with essential appliances—so you can settle into your new home seamlessly.
How you style your new home after that is completely up to you. From hanging artwork to redecorating entire rooms, residents can add touches that reflect their personalities and make their homes their own.
It's just another way Jo and Elisabeth have created their ideal retirement living space in Hampshire.
“We are dressing the second bedroom as another sitting room, so we have even more space to relax and to entertain when family and friends come over.”
- Elisabeth, Hartland Village resident
Handy features, like a large walk-in cupboard, have also helped the couple to maximise space elsewhere in their home.
“I thought I’d miss my utility room and airing cupboard, but the large walk-in cupboard in the hall is more than big enough for my washer, and there was plenty of space for shelving to store all of my towels, sheets and cleaning products, so everything is neatly hidden away.”
- Elisabeth, Hartland Village resident
How Are You Enjoying Retirement in Hampshire?
“We’re perfectly located to make the most of Fleet town centre, as well as nearby shops and restaurants—we like to spend Friday evenings in the pub with friends.
One thing about living further afield is that you spend so much on petrol and driving to get anywhere.
At Hartland Village, you’ve got that sense of village living but you’re only a short drive or walk from everything you need—once the village centre is established, this will become even easier.
We’ve got two parking spaces too, so one for us and one for guests if they need it.”
- Elisabeth, Hartland Village resident
Surrounded by impressive green spaces, schools and amenities, it’s no wonder Hartland Village is a favourable development location for many. As some of the first to move into the development, Jo and Elisabeth were charmed by the community—something that continues to flourish at Hartland Village today.
“We’re starting to get to know our neighbours as they move in—[ we were] one of the first households living here, but already we can tell it’s going to be such a lovely community.
There’s a real mix of people here, from first-time buyers and growing families to downsizers and retirees like us, it really does feel like a ready-made village.”
- Elisabeth, Hartland Village resident
Find Your Ideal New Home With Berkeley Group
Our new homes appeal to buyers at various stages of their lives, from first-time buyers and families—such as the Danilevich’s—to retirees, like Joe and Elisabeth.
With a vision to unite nature, communities and quality at every development, we work hard to create exceptional homes that benefit our residents and the wider vicinity. Our new homes even include a 10-year warranty—with the first two years covered directly by Berkeley Group—to give our customers complete peace of mind.
Start your search for a new home in exceptional locations across the country, including ready-to-move-in properties or forthcoming developments, should you need more time to get your moving affairs in order.
Alternatively, discover the steps involved in buying a new build to understand what you can expect when you purchase a property with Berkeley Group.