Pegasus has two luxury independent living communities in Hampstead, Fitzjohn’s and Belle Vue, both built around the same ethos: modern and luxurious living with the additional comfort of security.
Miriam Blum, 74 and Vivien Chappell, 81, met when they each moved into separate rental apartments at Belle Vue earlier in the year, and on a tour of newly completed Fitzjohn’s, they have come together to discuss their experience living at a Pegasus later living development.
Belle Vue provides 59 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with similar hotel-style facilities along with gardens and a public restaurant and café - SUNDAY.
Miriam, a professional designer with a diverse background in fashion and interior design who is currently working in property development, made her move to Belle Vue in April 2023. Vivien, a familiar face in Hampstead who has traversed the globe and lived abroad for many years, moved into her new home at Belle Vue in May 2023. Both Miriam and Vivien have deep-rooted connections to Hampstead. Vivien notes: "I was born and grew up on Fitzjohn's Avenue, so I have witnessed how the area has changed over the years. " Miriam chimes in: "I have lived in Hampstead for over 50 years, so I know the area really well."
Both women were living in their family homes within the area when their husbands transitioned to care facilities. It was then that they each realised the necessity of seeking a new residence that aligned better with their current lifestyles, now that they were living independently. When asked how she came to choose Belle Vue as her new home, Vivien says: “I had never thought about living in a later living community, however, I was taken to look around Belle Vue by my Estate Agent and was pleasantly surprised. I was drawn in by the ready-made community and the assurance that everything is taken care of.”
Pegasus strives to offer living options that are flexible and cater to each person’s individual circumstances. Miriam, who rents her apartment at Belle Vue, adds: “Renting can be a very easy way to have a taste of the lifestyle before deciding whether to buy”.
Additionally, if a resident chooses to purchase a home at either Fitzjohn’s or Belle Vue, there are no exit fees, which is a true rarity in the later living market. This means that residents can sell their apartments without incurring any additional costs, providing them with greater financial freedom and flexibility while benefiting from selling at the higher price points that later living schemes pose, particularly as demand is only set to increase.
While both women acknowledge the transition from residing in a larger family home with a spacious garden to relocating to a later living community, they come to recognise that this change is indeed well-suited to their needs. Vivien says: “Living here is completely different, you say goodbye to a lot of the things you had in your previous home, but you welcome a lot of other things that that you wouldn’t normally have, such as remarkable facilities, attentive staff available every step of the way and having everything you need on your doorstep.”
Miriam adds: “Living in a Pegasus community is great for people on their own or those who can no longer look after a large house with a garden. As you get into later life, you want to spend your time doing the things you love, rather than worrying about day-to-day issues that come with running a family home, even if that means swapping your garden for a window box and the communal courtyard!”
The luxury lateral apartments at Fitzjohn’s and Belle Vue, paired with the equally luxurious facilities including a wellness lounge and spa and private off-street parking are a true rarity in central London. The apartments have been created to ensure that those looking to move to the development do not have to sacrifice on space and can enjoy all that Hampstead has to offer while living in residences that have a vast palatial air.
Miriam and Vivien both highlighted the peace of mind they experience thanks to the attentive staff and security measures at Pegasus communities, which includes a seven-day concierge service of trained staff who are there to help at any time in a discreet and personal manner.
Vivien shares: "I like the fact that when I come back home at night or from a trip away, there is always a friendly face that nods, and if you need anything, the staff are only too happy to help, no matter what it is.”
Miriam agrees, noting that: “The staff in reception are a cut above what you would normally expect and are excellent at what they do. They are very lovely and accommodating, with no task too small or big. Even if I have an IT issue with my computer, they are always happy to help.”
Community living is at the heart of the Pegasus communities, and both Miriam and Vivien have embraced it with open arms. Vivien shared her enthusiasm for the diverse activities at Belle Vue, including film nights, ceramics classes, and music sessions: “There are so many activities on offer at Belle Vue that I often can’t make them all, even if I want to.”
Miriam adds: "There is a real sense of community; we all look out for one another, which is lovely. What I love is that you can close your door to your apartment and have your own space, yet if you want to, there is always someone around to talk to or a different activity to try out.”
Understanding the importance for new residents to experience the development and its community before deciding to move in, Pegasus runs quarterly events for potential buyers which have proven to be very successful. Vivien adds: “A lot of my friends have attended events to have a look around and they are surprised at how much is on offer. They have remarked how they feel as if they should hurry to get a foot in the door because they worry if they hang about, they might miss out on the opportunity.”
Miriam, who has a large family and active social life in the community has also had similar feedback: “I have friends who live nearby that come to visit, and they have been really impressed, they see the friendly faces, beautiful communal spaces and grandchildren enjoying themselves and could really picture themselves living here.”
Pegasus understands the importance of accommodating friends and family when they come to visit, which is why there is a guest suite available at both Belle Vue and Fitzjohn’s. Vivien says: “My older grandchildren have stayed in the guest suite at Belle Vue and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It is a really handy thing to have, especially for family or friends who live further afield.”
When taking a look around Fitzjohn's, Vivien couldn't help but praise the location and interiors. She says: "I was surprised just how deluxe it is, the interior design really is stunning. Both Belle Vue and Fitzjohn’s have the feel of a five-star hotel.” The interior concepts for Fitzjohn's exquisitely finished communal spaces were designed by interior design firm 1508 London, who have used the life and work of celebrated artist and sculptor Dame Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975), who lived locally in Hampstead during the 1920s and 1930s, as the inspiration for their beautifully crafted design scheme.
Calling on her experience as an interior designer, Miriam was also impressed by the attention to detail of the interiors, and notes that: “It really is beneficial to see the show apartment as it gives you a true sense of what your new home could be like. Sometimes, it can be hard for people to envision their new home when it is empty, but looking at the beautifully designed show apartments and communal spaces here at Fitzjohn’s provides real inspiration and a glimpse into what is to come.”
Steve Bangs, CEO at Pegasus says: “Combining luxury living with lifestyle amenities including a spa and pool designed to assist and prioritise health and wellbeing, Fitzjohn’s and Belle Vue are exceptional examples of luxury Pegasus developments. We are delighted with the lifestyle we can provide our homeowners and look forward to welcoming many new faces to the thriving communities.”
Apartments at Fitzjohn’s are available to purchase from £2,220,000 and selected apartments are available to rent from £7,400 pcm. Apartments at Belle Vue are available to purchase from £695,000 and selected apartments are available to rent from £2,999 pcm.
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