THEIR WOODHALL STORY
How long have you lived at Woodhall, and what first brought you here?
We moved in on 6 December 1976. We had just got married and this was our first home together. It has been our only home together.
What do you remember about your first impressions of Woodhall?
We loved the house and the garden going all the way down to the River Beane, and we loved the Abel Smith family.
What made you decide to stay?
Pretty much the same reasons. Alan was born in the village and lived in Watton all his life, first at Sheen Cottage, where his grandparents lived, and then at Glebe Close.
It has always felt like home.
How has Woodhall changed since you first arrived?
It has grown so much and is now a business as well.
And what do you think has stayed the same?
I think the Estate still really cares about its residents.
LIFE AT THE ESTATE
What do you enjoy most about living at Woodhall?
Our lovely old house and lovely garden, as well as all the old buildings in the village.
Is there a particular place on the Estate that you especially enjoy spending time in?
We like walking to the Waterfall.
A few years ago, I also ran a small group in the village called CAMEO (Come And Meet Each Other). Mr R. Abel Smith showed us around the Print Room in the school, which was a lovely experience.
What does an ordinary day at Woodhall look like for you?
Enjoying our garden, going for a walk to the shops and seeing everyone we know.
What’s your favourite season here, and why?
Autumn. I love seeing all the lovely colours of the trees.
Is there something about living here that you think would be difficult to replicate anywhere else?
Everything!
COMMUNITY & MEMORIES
What does the Woodhall community mean to you?
Friendship.
Are there any particular memories or moments from your time here that stand out?
All of our Watton History exhibitions that we have done over the years, and donating all the money to charities.
What’s one thing you think people might not realise about life at Woodhall?
It’s one big family.
Have you seen the Estate evolve around you over the years? What changes have you enjoyed most?
I think it’s lovely that you have weddings there.
FINAL THOUGHTS
What’s your favourite thing about coming home to Woodhall?
Our house and garden.
If you had to describe Woodhall in three words, what would they be?
Happy, Love and Content.
And what would you say to someone considering making Woodhall their home?
Go for it. You won’t look back.
A HOME FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS
From newlyweds arriving in 1976 to watching Woodhall evolve into the Estate it is today, this is a story of a home that has grown alongside the people who live here.
While the Estate has changed and developed over the years, the things that matter most have remained: the houses, gardens, village, friendships and sense of community.
And perhaps that is what makes Woodhall so special, it isn’t simply somewhere to live. For those who have been here for generations, it really does become home.
