Carol and Bill Bardo have found their new build retirement property at Castle View Windsor a perfect option to give them peace of mind as they switch between the Berkshire town and another home on the Isle of Wight.
From home security to looking after house plants, they know they can rely on the team at the dedicated, age-exclusive development to keep an eye on things.
Bill is a quantum physicist who spent his career in the defence industry. Having retired, he immediately returned to work as a consultant in various research and academic projects. At 77, he finally thought retirement might be a good idea. Carol, 63, spent many years in the design and advertising industry before enjoying life competing with her horses all around the country.
Why did you move to Castle View?
“Having made the decision to look for a second home, we needed an apartment that was modern, with minimal upkeep, had parking and security – Castle View ticked all the boxes. The addition of the stunning Sky lounge, bars, restaurant and library was the icing on the cake and made the decision to buy very easy.”
Where did you live before?
“We had lived in Holyport, some four miles from Windsor for over twenty years, in a large 13th century farmhouse in some 35 acres – we felt we needed to take life a little easier and decided to sell. My mother was born in Windsor and we have always loved the town and everything it offers.”
How do you divide your time?
“We have bought a house on the Isle of Wight so come across on the ferry to Southampton, zip up the M3 and arrive in Windsor. Depending on Bills' meetings in London, plans for going out, meeting-up with friends, and of course, taking in the excellent events arranged at Castle View, we are probably in Windsor every few weeks or so.”
How did you end up having a second home?
“When we decided to sell our former home in Holyport we genuinely didn’t know where we wanted to move to. We fell in love with the ‘Isle of Delight’, as my friends call it, and having found the perfect house, then decided how important it would be for us to have a base on the ‘mainland’; Windsor was our first choice and it all just happened from there.”
What are the benefits of a ‘lock-up and leave’ home?
“Security is so important these days. When we are leaving we just lock the door to our apartment and drive away with no concerns or worries, safe in the knowledge that everything will be looked after. On arriving back, we check the post, say hello to the staff, see what events are planned, and Bill immediately makes for the library in search of a new book! It couldn’t be easier.”
What about travel connections?
“Castle View is just in the right place with so many major roads on our doorstep. London is so accessible, as are the airports, and we can walk into the middle of Windsor in about 10 minutes.”
What do you like about Castle View?
“The whole building has been so well designed, the apartments spacious and light, plus we have the second bedroom for my mother. There are lovely gardens and outside spaces, all the communal rooms are fantastic, and the view of the Castle is so special. The staff contribute an enormous amount to the success of the place, always attentive and helpful, and having staff 24 hours a day is a real bonus.”
And Mum comes, too…
“My mother, Elaine, 86, used to live with us at Holyport, and whether we are in Windsor or the Isle of Wight, she travels with us, and loves the variety offered by both locations.”
What do you like about Windsor?
“We have everything you could wish for, including the Queen. Good shopping, excellent restaurants, lovely theatre, the river, stunning walks... we are very spoilt.
Lisa Fisher of the new generation independent retirement village she manages at Windsor said: “Being able to travel without worrying about what’s happening at home is the thinking behind the ‘lock-up and leave’ potential of Castle View, Conveniently close to Heathrow and the M4/M25, getting abroad, around the country or into London is simplicity itself. Residents can easily take off on holiday, visit family or get to a second home, safe in the knowledge that their property here is secure and well looked after.
“Today’s older generation is discerning and aspirational. They want to pursue their preferred lifestyle which includes keeping fit, staying busy, active and entertained. Travel is often a key part of this, but so too is having a home base with a cinema, theatre, library or sports centre nearby. A quality urban location like Windsor really scores over one in the country, you can walk everywhere rather than getting in the car with the cost and hassle that involves. Castle View is like a small village within the town of Windsor.”
Castle View Windsor has been independently designed, built, owned and operated. This premium village offers 64 contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with the largest rooftop apartment offering over 1,000 sq ft of light-filled living space. Prices range from £375,000 to £895,000. Virtual viewings are available via the website and ‘test drives’ are also available providing the opportunity for a single person or a couple to stay in a fully furnished apartment.
Find out more at www.castleviewwindsor.co.uk.
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