Often when I think about what ‘home’ means to me, it conjures up magical images of life in the Oxfordshire countryside with my mum, dad and mischievous older brother. Having said that, looking back on all the places I have lived throughout my life, it is hard to pinpoint where the most ‘homely’ memories lie.

I grew up on a beautiful farm, constantly surrounded by family, friends and animals. It’s a time that remains very close to my heart. Bliss. But the farm holds other memories, too. It’s where my parents’ marriage broke up and suddenly there were new places to live. They all felt like home in their own way, scattered as they were with my family’s familiar belongings. But the meaning of home had changed.

Sometimes in life we love excitement. Sometimes we love things to be simple, straightforward, uncomplicated. Perhaps that’s why when I think of home, my thoughts also turn to what may seem an unlikely address for a young child, an extraordinary place which managed to combine the two.

When my grandfather left the British Army after a distinguished career, he was asked if he would accept the honour of becoming Governor of The Royal Hospital in Chelsea which he gladly undertook. It was an exciting prospect for us all as it meant we had six fun years of Christmas and Easter there, and for me it meant lots of new opportunities to play hide-and-seek with my brother and cousins.

I well remember the excitement of driving to London. 'We’re going to see the Queen,' my dad would always joke, but by the time we passed the twinkling lights of Albert Bridge, all thoughts of the Queen were forgotten and all I could think was: ‘We’re nearly there!'

I have many treasured memories of life at The Royal Hospital – being chased by my grandfather around the apartment they lived in; the smell of my grandmother’s exceptional homemade shortbread; Christmas mornings with my entire family squeezed onto one double bed to open stockings; sneaking around the grounds in the evening and catching a glimpse of the gardens set up for The Chelsea Flower Show; and the Chelsea Pensioners in their smart red uniforms out and about, enjoying their day. A place of familiarity, nostalgia, love and fun. Definitely a home from home.

CG, London

Further information

'A home away from home' is part of our new series, A Savills Love Story, prompted by Savills new advertising campaign.

We invite you to submit your own Savills Love Story. What made you fall for your home? Was it love at first sight or more of a slow burn? Do you have a 'type' or is your approach to house-buying more pragmatic? Or tell us about your fantasy home – the magical place you've always wanted to live, perhaps inspired by a novel or a fleeting glimpse in a magazine? We will donate £50 to YoungMinds for every story we publish on Savills UK Blog. We'll also make a donation for every story submitted for consideration.