Finding Peace and Freedom at Cocoa Gardens in York
City Living with a Breath of Fresh Air
After nearly three decades in their four-bedroom village home 18 miles north of York, Jane and Pete Oglesby began to consider their next move. They had enjoyed village life, built friendships, and grown roots, but when their young granddaughter sighed from the backseat one day, “Grandma, your road is soooo long, can’t you move closer?” something shifted.
Jane, a quality auditor, comments: “That was it. That one comment said it all. We’d been toying with the idea of being closer to family and moving closer to York city, but hearing her say it out loud made the decision for us.”
Now, the couple are happily settled in their brand-new three-bedroom detached home at Cocoa Gardens, just a short walk from York Minster. Their move wasn’t just about convenience, it was about reclaiming time, embracing spontaneity, and making everyday life richer.
Finding the Right Place to Call Home
Their search began in January with an open mind — city apartments, period houses, new builds, nothing was off the table. Jane expands: “You quickly learn what you don’t want as much as what you do. We realised we didn’t want to lose our garden, and we liked having separate living spaces downstairs rather than open plan.”
It was during one of their drives into York, passing Cocoa Gardens, that they first noticed the development. Jane explains: “Pete’s mum was in York Hospital earlier in the year, and we drove past a few times. We kept saying what an amazing location. It was so close to everything, yet surrounded by trees and open space.”
A visit to the sales office in February sealed it. Jane recalls: “We just knew. The views from the large windows, the green space, the light filtering through the trees, it felt right.”
Family at the centre
The biggest pull, of course, was family. Their grandchildren are now just a short drive away and, with 30 minutes shaved off the journey, those impromptu visits happen more often. Jane adds: “It’s much easier to make time for visits and spend quality time together.”
Their new home has been designed with family in mind. Pete explains: “We’ve still got space for everyone. The third bedroom doubles as an office and a grandchildren’s room with bunk beds, perfect for sleepovers. We wanted to downsize without compromising on comfort.”
A move made easier
After two failed sales of their old house, they decided to take a leap. Pete explains: “We were both still working, so we took out a small mortgage and reserved the plot we wanted. It meant we could move without selling first, no pressure, no rush. We were lucky to be able to do that.”
That decision paid off in spades. Pete continues: “We moved in July and had the whole summer to enjoy the garden. It was the most beautiful, relaxed summer we’ve had in years.”
Now that it looks like their old home has finally sold, everything feels settled. Jane says: “The risk was worth it. It’s been an emotional roller coaster, but we’ve come out the other side happier than ever.”
A new community spirit
Leaving behind their village community was bittersweet, but Cocoa Gardens is already beginning to feel like home. Jane comments: “We’ve arranged a night out with our new neighbours next weekend. Everyone’s lovely and because we’re all starting fresh, there’s this sense of shared excitement. We even have a street WhatsApp group.”
The couple speak warmly about the developer, Latimer, too. Jane adds: “Everyone we dealt with was professional and supportive. Things happened when they said they would, it made the whole process surprisingly stress-free.”
We wanted to work a little less and live a little more. And we’ve achieved that. We’re spending more time with family and more time enjoying York. It’s the best decision we’ve ever made.”
Jane at Cocoa Gardens
Space, light and balance
For Jane and Pete, the best thing about Cocoa Gardens is the balance it offers. Jane says: “We’re a mile from York Minster, yet when we look out of our windows, we see trees, not traffic. I wouldn’t like to feel hemmed in and this gives us the best of both worlds.”
They now enjoy faster internet for Jane’s online training work, a modern kitchen they adore, and all the advantages of a walkable city lifestyle. Pete adds: “Weekends are different now. We stroll into York, or just sit in the garden. Life feels… lighter.”
Explore Shared Ownership at Cocoa Gardens
Shared Ownership homes at Cocoa Gardens start from £162,750 for a 35% share.
Want to see what buying a home at Cocoa Gardens could cost each month? Use our Shared Ownership calculator to explore estimated monthly costs and affordability.
For more information about the development and available homes, visit the Cocoa Gardens page.