Jewel of a park is flying high

Located on the site of a World War Two airfield in Suffolk, Shepherds Grove Park at Stanton, Bury St Edmunds, is now home to almost 400 people living in 219 park homes.

Surrounded by open fields with woodland beyond, it is as rural, peaceful and pleasant a spot as you could wish for.

Shepherds Grove, which covers 30 acres, is part of the Berkeleyparks group and a jewel in their crown. Minimum age is 50 and it caters especially for people who are retired.

The homes themselves are nearly all twin units. There are only a handful of singles. Most date from the 1980s and 1990s although the oldest is a venerable 28ft x 19 Cedar Haven of 1969 vintage.

No matter what their age, we gained the impression as we wandered around the park that they are all well maintained. Like with the gardens, mostly open plan, there is no shortage of evidence of tender loving care.

Some small recent developments, mainly individual plots and the odd cul-de-sac, have brought in brand-new models. Further such developments are in the pipeline.

All homes have parking bays alongside with a majority also having their own garages.

At the time of our visit there was a new 50ft x 20 Country Homes Kingsbridge for sale, price £180,950. A number of previously-owned homes were up for sale ranging from £80,000 upwards.

Pitch fees are £155 per calendar month for a new home; £112.58-£154.45 for a previously-owned home.

More information from www.berkeleyparks.co.uk