For most people, downsizing means giving up space. But for Dr Jennifer McQuaid-Cook and her husband Harvey, it has meant gaining something even more valuable - a simpler lifestyle, greater convenience and more time to enjoy the city they love.
At 76, retired environmental scientist Jennifer and her husband Harvey swapped a five-bedroom house in Fife and a two-bedroom apartment in Glasgow for a three-bedroom penthouse overlooking Queen’s Park. They moved to The Victoria in Glasgow’s Southside as they looked to streamline their lifestyle, be closer to friends and make the most of everything city living has to offer.
Across their two former properties, the couple had seven bedrooms between them. Now they have three - including one they have transformed into a cosy snug - and have embraced the opportunity to simplify further, leaving some furniture for the new owners of their Fife home and donating other belongings to charity.
“It’s a big move to downsize and we’re still settling in,” Jennifer said. “We wanted to consolidate, make life easier and make the most of the convenience of being in the city.”
For Jennifer, who retired 10 years ago, the decision marks a significant change after years of dividing their time between two homes.
The move marks the latest chapter in a life that has seen them live across different parts of Scotland. They moved from Perthshire to Fife around seven years ago, with the transition coinciding with lockdown, while also retaining their Glasgow apartment on Mansionhouse Road near Queen’s Park.
Eventually, the couple felt the time was right to bring everything together in one home and officially moved into their penthouse at The Victoria on July 4.
For Jennifer, one of the biggest attractions was the opportunity to retain a sense of space and greenery while enjoying all the benefits of city living.
She continued: “I love that, despite being in the city, our view is still green and looks straight onto Queen’s Park. We have trains, buses and shops right on our doorstep, so it feels like the right move for us.
“What attracted us most was the location and the opportunity to have our own outside space. The building itself is also very peaceful, which makes it a lovely place for our retirement.”
The Victoria, from Beech Grove Homes, part of Sanctuary, is creating a new neighbourhood on the former Victoria Infirmary site, delivering more than 400 homes alongside commercial premises, landscaped public areas and green open space.
A penthouse of similar style to Jennifer and Harvey’s home has also been shortlisted for a Herald Property Award for Scotland 2026, providing further recognition of the design and quality of the homes being created at The Victoria.
Set in Battlefield, The Victoria is close to Queen’s Park and the independent cafés, restaurants, pubs and shops of Glasgow’s Southside.
Isabella Ferguson, Director - Sales and Customer Care at Beech Grove Homes, said: “It’s wonderful to hear how Jennifer and Harvey are settling into their new home at The Victoria.
“Downsizing can be a significant life change, particularly when moving from two much larger properties, so it is fantastic to see that they have found a home that gives them the space they want while making everyday life simpler.
“The private terrace, views across Queen’s Park and excellent transport connections are among the features that make the penthouses at The Victoria particularly special. We’re delighted Jennifer and Harvey chose to make The Victoria their home and wish them many happy years here.”
The final penthouse apartment in this release is now available at The Victoria, offering a final opportunity to secure a penthouse in this phase. To make an appointment with the experienced sales team call 07436 800918 or email thevictoria@beechgrovehomes.co.uk.
Issued by Tigerbond on behalf of The Victoria / Beech Grove Homes and Sanctuary Scotland
For more information
Lisa Boyle
07740 771 109
lisa.boyle@tigerbond.com
Joanna Wilson
07786 528 797
joanna.wilson@tigerbond.com
John Scott
07730 415 027
john.scott@tigerbond.com
