Downsizer Finds Comfort and Community at King Edward VII Estate
For 78-year-old Mary Ferguson, downsizing meant leaving the home she had lived in for 60 years. After decades in a large eight-acre countryside estate in Ockley, Surrey, Mary moved to a £700,000 two-bedroom apartment at King Edward VII Estate, a Grade II-listed development in the South Downs National Park near Midhurst, West Sussex.
Mary explains, “After so many years in one place, the thought of leaving was daunting. However, the upkeep of my original home had become overwhelming. I had six gardeners to manage and constant repairs to oversee. On top of that, I didn’t feel safe walking down the lane by myself during the dark winter months anymore. I knew it was time to make a change, but saying goodbye to a home filled with memories was very emotional.”
Mary’s decision was also influenced by her personal circumstances. Her husband lives separately in Eastbourne with the support of carers, so Mary needed to adjust to living independently, a transition she describes as “tough but necessary.” She reflects, “Navigating this change alone has been challenging. We have always been a team, so living apart and downsizing by myself is a big adjustment. Finding a home that truly suits my needs has helped me regain a sense of comfort and control.”
At 78, Mary has been mortgage-free for many years, but purchasing her new home still marked a meaningful chapter, and crucially enabled her to plan her next steps at her own pace. “I feel incredibly lucky I didn’t have to rush,” she says. “I was able to live in my old home while I renovated this one, and only sold the old place once everything here was ready.” The flexibility allowed her to fully renovate her new home before moving in, something she describes as a “luxury not everyone gets.”
She was drawn to King Edward VII Estate’s heritage and character. Mary adds: “The building has real charm. The brickwork, shutters and traditional features create a timeless atmosphere. I have added little touches that remind me of my old home, which have helped me feel settled in this new chapter.”
Mary’s new home offers freedom and peace of mind. She adds: “For the first time in years, I can lock the door and travel to visit my children in London without worry. The neighbours are wonderful too. From young couples to other women living alone, there is a genuine sense of community that I really value.”
She has also joined the onsite book club, enjoying the balance of independence and connection that the estate provides.
Shelley West, Group Sales and Marketing Director, comments: “Downsizing later in life is about more than just moving to a smaller property. It is a complex emotional and practical decision, often intertwined with changes in family dynamics and health. Homeowners like Mary can find greater financial security and flexibility in their living arrangements, which is vital in this phase of life. The right home can provide social connection, which contributes greatly to wellbeing, as well as convenience and safety.”
Tucked into the heart of the South Downs National Park, the King Edward VII Estate was founded by its namesake in the early 1900s as a tuberculosis Sanatorium. The site has been sensitively redeveloped for residential use by City & Country, sitting within 165 acres of unspoilt private ground and award-winning landscaped gardens designed by the influential Gertrude Jekyll, representing one of her most ambitious projects. City & Country has just launched The King’s Collection, a selection of 56 luxury new build one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses. The state-of-the-art development is also home to an on-site gym, steam room, swimming pool and beautifully restored communal rooms.
The King’s Collection is now available to purchase off-plan, with prices starting at £420,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and up to £1,250,000 for a three-bedroom apartment.
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