For Will and Suzie Wood, moving out of London was not just about gaining space, it was a decision shaped by a turning point in their lives. Following a serious health scare for Will, and the arrival of their baby, the couple realised they needed a calmer, more balanced way of living, away from the pace of central London.
Having lived in a flat in Clapham since 2009, the couple began to reassess what they needed from their home and lifestyle.
“It really made us stop and think,” explained Suzie. “We’d been in London for years, but after Will’s health scare and with a baby, our priorities completely changed. We needed space, fresh air, and a much quieter environment where we could properly reset as a family.”
Their search for a better lifestyle led them to Brooklands Grove in Weybridge where they discovered a home that stood out not only for its setting, but for its exceptional quality.
“We hadn’t really considered new builds before,” Suzie admitted. “But as soon as we walked into the showhome, everything changed. The level of finish, the layout, the attention to detail – it just felt a cut above anything else we’d seen.”
The couple reserved a three-bedroom Hazelhurst semi-detached home and moved in later that year, quickly noticing a clear difference in build quality compared to both older properties and their previous home.
“It’s the standard of the build that really impressed us,” said Will. “After everything we’d been through, having a home that feels solid, safe, and well thought through really mattered. You can tell it’s built properly – even the things you don’t see, like insulation and soundproofing, make a huge difference to everyday life.”
Suzie added: “There’s a misconception that new builds can feel generic, but this is completely different. It has warmth, character, and real quality in every detail. It doesn’t feel clinical at all – it feels like a proper home.”
A major advantage for the couple was that the property was ready to move into immediately, removing the need for any renovation work at a time when they needed simplicity and certainty.
“With everything going on, we couldn’t face a long renovation or extra stress,” said Suzie. “Here, everything was done to such a high standard already – from the kitchen to the flooring. It was completely turnkey, which made a huge difference for us.”
Even family members with a keen eye for detail were impressed.
“My dad is very particular about build quality,” Suzie added. “He was genuinely impressed by the standard of finish and craftsmanship. That really confirmed we’d made the right decision.”
Our Part Exchange service also played a key role in making the move possible, removing the uncertainty of selling their London flat.
“The process felt really secure and straightforward,” said Will. “We had a fair offer, a clear timeline, and no chain to worry about. It meant we could focus on getting into a home that genuinely felt right for where we are in life now.”
Since moving in, the couple say their new home has had a significant impact on their wellbeing and day-to-day life.
“The difference in our lifestyle has been huge,” said Will. “There’s a real sense of calm here. We’re sleeping better, spending more time together, and just feeling more settled overall.”
Suzie added: “The layout works so well for family life. It’s bright, spacious, and practical. We can work from home, relax, and spend time together without feeling cramped or overwhelmed.”
Set within 12 hectares of woodland, Brooklands Grove offers a peaceful environment while remaining close to Weybridge town centre and excellent transport links into London, providing the balance the couple were searching for.
“It really feels like we’ve stepped into a different pace of life,” said Will. “We’ve got nature on our doorstep, but still all the convenience we need. It’s exactly what we needed after everything we’ve been through.”
Reflecting on their journey, the couple say choosing a Cala home was ultimately about trust – in both quality and lifestyle.
“When you’ve been through something like we have, you don’t take decisions like this lightly,” said Suzie. “With Cala, we felt confident in the quality from the very beginning. It’s made all the difference.”
Our Brooklands Grove development features a range of three- and four-bedroom homes, alongside stylish apartments, all ideally positioned just moments from Weybridge station and the town centre. Blending elegant architecture with carefully considered interiors, the development offers a peaceful setting with excellent connectivity, creating a well-balanced lifestyle for homeowners who value both quality and convenience.
