'Join the Club' - Bernie Hill

'I love my Willerby Bespoke residential park home – it lifts your spirits’

In our latest “Join the Club” feature, we meet Willerby Owners Club member Bernie Hill, 71. She owns a two-bedroom Willerby Bespoke Hazlewood residential park home at Wootton Wawen in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire.

The retired PA and grandmother-of-five previously lived in Solihull, West Midlands.

Q. Tell us about your Willerby Bespoke model and what you love about it.

I love my home because it’s warm, cosy, new and clean, and I was able to put my own stamp on it and move things around. My sister, Tracy, also lives on the same residential park and I wanted a home similar in design to the one she has, as the layout is ideal.
As you walk in, you enter the kitchen which has everything you could wish for, including a fridge freezer, washing machine, eye level oven and electric hob. The kitchen is much larger than in my previous house and I love the bathroom. My home also has a living room, a dining area and two bedrooms including one en-suite.

Q. Did you make any bespoke changes to your home? If so, what were they and how did you find the bespoke process?

A. The bespoke process was very good. I had a meeting with the salesperson on the park who liaised with Willerby and they sent plans of how it would look. I was pleased with everything and Willerby communicated with me very well.
I turned the bathroom into a shower room and I deliberately chose the layout in line with where the sun rises and sets because I love warmth. I also relocated the door in the living room to where the fireplace would have been and it opens out onto the patio area.

Q. What do you most enjoy about living on a residential park?

A. It has to be that everybody is so friendly. In my previous home, I knew my immediate neighbours but no one else and I know everyone here. I moved in just before lockdown in March last year, which was challenging. But more recently, as restrictions have eased, we’ve been on a staycation to North Wales and the coach was full of people from the park.
It gives you such a warm feeling. It’s lovely to know everyone living nearby, especially when you get older. If you need to knock on a door and ask for any help, the support is there.

Q. What are the benefits of living in a park home?

A. Knowing people on the park and having friends, social interaction and trips away is one of the best things about living in a park home.
I previously lived in a small house on an estate. Since I moved here, electricity seems to be a bit cheaper and I don’t pay as much for water. It’s swings and roundabouts, but I’m certainly not any worse off and I’m warmer because my home is cosier.

Q. Describe your park and why it’s a great place to live.

A. There are about 300 residential homes on the park. It has a stream running through it and you can walk in the woods. It’s quite rural and just a short drive from Stratford-upon-Avon.
It’s very picturesque and, as you come through the gates and down the drive, there are beautiful tall trees leading to the car park at Wootton Hall. We have sheep grazing in the grounds, fishing rights in the river and a bowling green for members. There is a café bar on the ground floor of the hall with tables outside and there is also a Post Office on the site, which is great.

Q. Would you recommend park home living to others?

A. Yes. People who come and visit me comment on how lovely it is and what a good move I’ve made. They think I’ve moved into a caravan until they see my park home and realise it’s lovely. I love my home and living here, especially when the sun is out. It lifts your spirits.