From Battersea to The 1840: Couple Embraces Split London-Catalonia Life
Home Owner Stories
From Battersea to The 1840: Couple Embraces Split London-Catalonia Life
While only 14% of UK homeowners aged 55 and over are actively considering downsizing, many older homeowners live in larger homes than they need[1]. In fact, around 74% of over-50s live in homes with three or more bedrooms, despite often living alone or with just one other person[2]. This environment has encouraged more homeowners, like Stephen and Trinidad Ball, to reconsider the size and manageability of their homes.
After spending 30 years in a large Victorian terrace house in Battersea, Stephen and Trinidad Ball, aged 75 and 73 respectively, downsized to a two-bedroom apartment at City & Country’s The 1840, St George’s Gardens in Tooting, a home that perfectly complements their life split between London and Catalonia, Spain.
The couple have downsized from a four-bedroom home to a more manageable base in the city. The change reflects a shift in their priorities as Trinidad, who is an artist, has stopped painting and Stephen, a now semi-retired academic, spends less time on research and writing.
The couple plan to split their time between their London home and their 2-bedroom property in Catalonia, where Trinidad grew up. They already spend significant amounts of time abroad, and recognised that their requirements for a home in London were becoming much simpler.
Despite having made the decision to sell their Battersea home, Stephen was reluctant to give up London altogether. “Having a base in London makes life a lot easier for us,” says Stephen. “It’s where I grew up, and it will always feel like home to me. Plus, I really enjoy catching up with friends, going to talks or visiting museums - there’s always something interesting happening. The best part is knowing our flat is secure and easy to manage, so when we head off to Catalonia for weeks on end, we don’t have to worry about the house at all. It gives us the freedom to enjoy both places without any stress.”
Located just a short walk from Tooting High Street, their new apartment offers quiet surroundings close to shops, restaurants and cultural venues, providing the perfect balance for the couple’s lifestyle.
After completely paying off their previous property, the couple purchased their new home for £1,115,000, and are enjoying the simplicity and flexibility their new home provides. “Moving here has changed how we think about ‘home’,” said Trinidad. “It’s not just about the physical space, but how it fits with our flexible lifestyle.”
Shelley West, Group Sales and Marketing Director at City & Country, said: “More older homeowners are recognising the lifestyle benefits downsizing can bring, especially the freedom and flexibility to live between different locations. For those enjoying retirement, having a secure, low-maintenance home that fits a flexible lifestyle is becoming increasingly important. The 1840, St George’s Gardens is ideal for buyers looking for manageable London homes that support split lives between the city and elsewhere.”
The 1840, St George’s Gardens at Springfield Village in Tooting is a Grade II listed Victorian hospital that has been converted into distinctive apartments while preserving many original architectural features such as vaulted ceilings, cast iron spiral staircases, mullion windows, and heritage stonework.
Located at the meeting point of Tooting, Balham, Earlsfield, and Wandsworth Common, the development benefits from close proximity to a variety of local amenities.
Nearby Bellevue Village offers independent cafés, boutiques, and gastropubs, while Balham High Road provides a mix of high-street shops and wellness services.
Food enthusiasts can explore Tooting Market’s diverse street food and artisan stalls, and for outdoor activities, the recently completed 32-acre Springfield Park, with its play areas, ponds, pavilion café, and fitness trails, is within easy reach.