Lockdown has underlined everyone’s need and appreciation of community and support, and special age-exclusive developments for later living are an ideal way for having a home right next door to like-minded neighbours as well as the peace of mind of services and support when needed.
The North of England offers many retirement villages and homes to suit a range of budgets and requirements.
Stapleton Court
Stapleton Court is a development from multiple WhatHouse? Award-winner McCarthy Stone, Britain’s largest specialist retirement property builder. It is situated in Swanland, just nine miles from Hull and offering views of the rolling hills of The Yorkshire Wolds. All apartments have a patio or walk-out balcony, and the specification includes fitted kitchens with NEFF appliances, shower rooms featuring twin shower heads and heated illuminated mirrors, and walk-in wardrobes to both bedrooms.
These properties are set within maintained landscaped gardens and there’s an Owners' Lounge for neighbours to share and enjoy a chat or activities. A little further afield, Swanland itself is a pretty place with lots of sports and social amenities, and it plays host to numerous annual festivals and events. There’s also a pub and small range of shops, but Sainsburys and Waitrose stores are just two miles away in Willerby.
For security and peace of mind, all apartments feature camera door entry system and 24-hour call systems. Right now, there are two-bedroom apartments available here from £299,999. Find out more about Stapleton Court from McCarthy Stone.
Gifford Lea
Inspired Villages has a number of apartments available at its luxurious Gifford Lea development in Tattenhall, Cheshire, eight miles south-east of Chester. It’s a sought-after address in the heart of countryside but just a few minutes’ drive from the A41 which brings the city and well-served places like Wrexham and Crewe within easy reach.
The homes on site, set in landscaped grounds, have an excellent specification and residents have a plethora of facilities for personal use and to spend time with neighbours and create a real sense of community. There’s a wellness spa and relaxation pool for some tranquillity, and a gym/studio for some fitness and exercise. The beauty salon and hairdressers are available for some well-deserved pampering. The restaurant and café/bar are perfect places to entertain friends and family, or there’s always hotel-style room service too. There’s a concierge for day-to-day services and chauffeured transport service can be reserved by individuals, couples, or in small groups, for a journey out .
Prices on the currently available home start at £238,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, £495,000 for a two-bedroom apartments or for the ultimate luxury here, the penthouse is on the market for £999,950 – a two-bedroom, second-floor home with an exceptional 2,239 sq ft of living space. Find out more at www.inspiredvillages.co.uk.
Dutton Lodge
Dutton Lodge is a development for over-60s from Churchill Retirement Living situated in Penrith, on the edge of the Lake District and with great road and rail connections. There are 54 one- and two-bedroom apartments under construction, with a show complex already open for visitors to see in person the quality of homes and other facilities on offer.
Each home is self-contained and well-specified for comfortable living, with considered detail like waist-height oven and mobility-friendly space and layouts. There a communal lounge and bookable guest suite for visitors. There’s plenty of free parking.
Within a short distance of home are a great range of shops as well as banks, postoffice. restaurants, pubs and cafés, and a regular farmers’ market – a real mix of the practical and places to relax and have fun. Prices here currently start at £191,950. Find out more about Dutton Lodge from Churchill Retirement Living.
The Red House
The Red House in Ripon, from Enterprise Retirement Living, is a development which has lots for residents to do for everyday life and for welcoming guests. There’s already a very active community here with clubs and shared interests. Places to meet each other include a lounge, a bar with large-screen TV and The Fountains Restaurant, or for a quieter time, there’s a drawing room and a library. A range of activities take place in the gym or crafts room. Set in landscaped gardens, it’s also ideal for enjoying the sunshine. For a nominal charge, visitors are welcome to stay in guest accommodation, bookable in advance.
Residents can get care and support services and there’s a concierge service, all available 24 hours a day, so people can have convenience and reassurance in day-to-day assistance with the peace of mind afforded by a secure environment. It’s only half-a-mile to the centre of Ripon, and the area in general has many places to visit for culture and entertainment.
The development offers a mix of properties in refurbished period buildings and brand new apartment blocks. Examples are a one-bedroom apartment apartment with Juliet balcony at £295,000 and atwo-bedroom, two-storey restored cottage with separate study and private patio overlooking the courtyard. This is priced at £580,000. Find out more at www.erl.uk.com.
Seymour Court
In South Shields, McCarthy Stone has one- and two-bedroom apartments for sale at Seymour Court. In all there are 49 properties here, exclusive to over-60s, and nearly all have a private patio or balcony. There’s a contemporary and comfortable communal lounge, and a luxurious guest suite for when people come to stay. Residents have the peace of mind of secure entry and fire safety, and a video entry system to see who’s calling in, as well as the 24-house emergency call out if needed.
These homes are set within a quiet residential area of this much-loved coastal town and there is a bus stop within easy reach for a speedy journey to its cafés, bars and eateries, as well as amenities and high street brand stores and smaller independent shops.
As well as the beautiful coastline and countryside, home at Seymour Court isn’t far away from Newcastle upon Tyne city centre, reachable by bus or metro. Purchase prices start at £139,999 for a one-bedroom home and £220,499 for a two-bedroom home. There’s the option to rent (£980pcm and £1,370pcm respectively, and a scheme to ‘part buy-part rent’. Find out more from McCarthy Stone.