News & inspiration
Bargate has welcomed retiree Christine as one of its proud homeowners at Rivercross in Warsash. Aged 70, Christine moved into her four-bedroom detached home in June last year and has spent the past year settling into both her new home and a thriving community.
A retired lawyer, Christine previously lived in Devon but decided to relocate back to Hampshire to be closer to her two daughters. “I originally retired down to the South Hams near Modbury, which was beautiful, but it never stopped raining,” she explained. “I’m a keen golfer and I was ready to hang up my waterproofs! My daughters live locally, and I wanted to be near them again. As soon as I drove into Rivercross, I knew this was the place. It wasn’t cluttered or overwhelming like some of the very big estates. It just felt right.”
Her daughter, who used to work for a small property developer, had already heard of Bargate’s reputation and recommended that Christine look at Rivercross. “She said Bargate had a really good reputation and that I should definitely visit. And she was right. When we turned into the development, I immediately had a good feeling. There’s a sense of space here that you don’t find everywhere. The houses aren’t on top of one another, there’s green space and pathways throughout, and you can see the big skies. It just has a lovely feel.”
Christine purchased her home for £495,000, mortgage-free, after selling her previous property. “I’ve bought three new builds in my lifetime and this is by far the best experience I’ve ever had,” she said. “Bargate’s customer service is beyond good – it’s unbelievable. Nothing is too much trouble, you always get an immediate response, and the fact that Bargate use their own team rather than outsourcing to other trades makes such a difference.”
Her new home features a front-to-back kitchen-diner with bay window, a separate living room and four bedrooms upstairs. Christine has made it her own by installing large fitted wardrobes in the master bedroom and landscaping her south-facing garden. “My garden is very generous, and I’ve since added a large patio and raised beds where I grow tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, strawberries and raspberries. I absolutely love it,” she said.
Lifestyle was a huge part of Christine’s decision to buy at Rivercross. A keen golfer, she plays at Cams Hall Estate Golf Club near Fareham regularly and enjoys the pool and spa facilities there too. She also takes daily walks with her little dog, Mitzi, down to the quay – just ten minutes away.
“It’s such a lovely area for me and Mitzi. We walk by the water every day. There are three pubs within walking distance, cafes, and a coastal path that takes you to a beautiful riverside restaurant for special occasions, called Riverside Social. I used to swim in the sea too, but now I use the pool at my golf club. And with the new footpath soon to connect to Locks Heath shopping centre, I’ll be able to reach Waitrose, the chemist and more within 20 minutes on foot. I like to keep active, and it’s wonderful being able to pop out for essentials without driving my car.”
The community has also made a big difference. “The neighbours are wonderful – lots of families and I’ve met numerous single ladies like me. We’re very sociable and go for cream teas, pub lunches, and even have a ferry trip across to Hamble planned next. I can honestly say, it’s the nicest place I’ve ever lived. It’s got everything I need here. It really is lovely and the people here are so welcoming.”
Rivercross is nearing completion with the final phase, Admiral’s Green, now underway. For your last chance to be a part of this community, there are a handful of homes available at Herons Quarter and Marlow Walk – or register early for Admiral’s Green by clicking here.
