Downsizing can be the start of something special. For Jackie and Rob, moving to The Cornfields in Yarm meant finding a home with the space they wanted, thoughtful design and a new area to explore.
We sat down with the couple in their Bondgate home to hear what drew them to Banks Homes, how they found the move and the details they’ve come to appreciate since settling in.
From a kitchen that makes cooking a pleasure to light-filled bedrooms ready for visiting family, theirs is a home already full of personality.
A home that stood out from the start
Jackie and Rob had explored different house styles and developers before visiting The Cornfields on Jackie’s brother’s recommendation.
Although they knew of the Banks Group, they hadn’t realised the company built homes. Seeing the development for themselves soon made an impression.
Alongside the design of the houses, the couple noticed the space between them. The layout gave them a sense of openness that mattered just as much as the rooms inside.
“One of the plus points with choosing a Bondgate … you’ve got large windows, high ceilings,” they explained. “It means you’ve got a lot of light in every room.”
That combination of light and space helped them picture their next chapter here.
A kitchen designed around everyday life
For a couple who enjoy cooking, the kitchen was an important part of the decision.
The worktop space, cupboard storage and adjoining utility room all appealed, creating a layout that felt practical from the outset.
“The kitchen layout, I think, was important because there’s plenty of work surfaces, plenty of space,” they told us. “Everything is in the right place.”
Spending time with the sales team helped Jackie and Rob understand the specification included with their home, alongside the options available to personalise it.
They explored flooring, carpets, bathroom tiles and appliance upgrades, choosing finishes around how they wanted to live.
“I do a lot of cooking, and so I wanted a good oven, good hob,” they explained.
Now, with their own furniture and finishing touches in place, the kitchen has become somewhere to cook, catch up and gather around the dining table when family visits.
Downsizing with space to enjoy
Moving to a smaller home didn’t mean leaving behind the things Jackie and Rob love.
Their Bondgate gives them room for visiting family, favourite furniture and their own interests. They’ve created a multipurpose room with space for a computer and a comfortable chair, while the guest bedroom has already welcomed overnight visitors.
The bedrooms and landing were another welcome discovery. Rather than feeling squeezed for space, the couple found room to arrange wardrobes, beds and bedside furniture in a way that worked for them.
Downstairs, their living room combines a cosy seating area with a striking fireplace and personal touches. There’s even a spot already picked out for the Christmas tree.
And Jackie and Rob aren’t the only ones making themselves at home. Their cat, Max, has claimed a favourite place tucked into the bottom of a wardrobe.
A fresh start after an older home
Having lived in an older property for many years, Jackie and Rob were also thinking carefully about heating and day-to-day comfort.
The cost of keeping their previous home warm had prompted them to explore new-build homes. At The Cornfields, the heating features in their chosen property formed an important part of that decision.
For the couple, moving offered the opportunity to enjoy a modern home designed around contemporary living. At the time of our visit, they were pleased with how comfortable their new home had felt during their first few months.
Support throughout the move
It had been around 20 years since Jackie and Rob last moved house, so there was plenty to get used to.
One of the biggest changes was the move from paper forms to online processes. The sales team helped them navigate those steps and understand what needed to happen next.
“The sales staff were really helpful, pointing us in the right direction,” they said.
The couple were downsizing and had sold their previous property, putting them in a good position to move forward. Having someone available to guide them through the purchase helped the experience feel manageable.
“It went smoothly, I would say.”
Discovering life in Yarm
Since moving, Jackie and Rob have enjoyed finding their way around Yarm and the surrounding area.
The town’s independent shops, cafés and riverside walks have become part of the appeal, alongside convenient access to the A19 and trips to Teesside Park.
“From here, you can walk into Yarm quite easily,” they explained. “The variety of shops in Yarm, the choice you’ve got is excellent.”
They’ve also been discovering places a little further afield. Five Houses and Hutchinson Hobbs are among their favourite farm-shop finds, while Strickland & Holt has proved a hit for browsing, gifts and a coffee.
For Rob, finding a local golf course was another important part of settling in.
Together, those everyday discoveries are helping a new location feel familiar.
Staying in touch after the keys are handed over
For Jackie and Rob, support after moving in has been just as valuable as the help they received during the purchase.
They described a clear introduction to the aftercare process, with Steve visiting once they had moved in and the team explaining what to expect next.
When small issues arose as they settled into the house, they appreciated knowing who to contact and being told when someone would visit.
“We found any problems, people are there, they’re at the end of a telephone,” they explained.
That access to the team stood out, particularly compared with their experience of buying a new home many years earlier.
Making their Bondgate their own
What stood out most during our visit was how naturally Jackie and Rob had made the home their own.
The dining table is ready for family gatherings. The guest bedroom has already been enjoyed by visitors. There’s space for music, cooking, golf trophies and quiet moments together.
Their move to The Cornfields has brought a new home and a new setting, with plenty of room for the things that matter to them.
Could your next chapter begin at The Cornfields? Explore our homes in Yarm and arrange a visit to speak with the sales team about your next move.
