Active Lifestyle At Over-70s Development in Market Harborough

Increasing numbers of those aged 70 and over are recognising the benefits that downsizing their home can bring, especially when it comes to having the freedom to live their retirement years to the full.

Here, Darren Yates, estate manager at Elizabeth Place, talks about what it’s like to be part of a spirited community, and how the development’s homeowners make the most of their retirement.

“I joined McCarthy Stone at the end of 2019 but have worked in the care sector for over 25 years. I enjoy my job as I get to work with so many fantastic people. Whilst Covid-19 has certainly thrown some challenges our way, we have an amazing community spirit here at Elizabeth Place and we’ve all made it our mission to keep each other happy, healthy and connected.

“Even though I have decades of experience, Covid 19 was a new territory for all of us. My priority has always been to keep my homeowners safe and happy, and of course the pandemic was no different. Along with my team, I focussed on ensuring we followed the guidelines, whilst trying to find new ways to stay connected and active, whether it be surprise doorstep deliveries of little treats or check-in phone calls to see how everyone was doing. I’m so proud that everyone’s tried to keep a positive attitude and more importantly, been committed to keeping each other safe.

“Everyone here is so active and independent and now that restrictions have eased, it’s been fantastic to be able to all get together again. It’s a very friendly development and as such, we have a packed calendar of social events. When we can, we all enjoy film evenings, coffee mornings and themed events. We’ve had strawberries and cream for Wimbledon, barbecues, vintage cream teas, you name it, we like a get-together! Prior to Covid we also had a Pilates teacher who would visit the development and hold a class for homeowners, which we’re hoping to get up and running again soon.

“We also have strong partnerships with local community organisations and groups. The pupils and staff at Meadowdale Primary School are good friends of Elizabeth Place and the pupils and homeowners often team up to work on projects together. The pupils have been a real joy throughout lockdown, they sent our homeowners Christmas cards and created a ‘wellbeing wave’ where they decorated colourful ‘waves’ for display in the homeowners’ windows and lounge as part of Children’s Mental Health Week. They even treat us to a musical performance or two throughout the year.

                                                                        Darren Yates, estate manager at Elizabeth Place

“We’ve also recently introduced a shuttle bus to make it even easier for our homeowners to enjoy all that Market Harborough has to offer.

“I might be biased, but we really do have the most supportive group of people here and, of course a lot of fun. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of such a lovely community.”

Comprising a selection of 58 one- and two-bedroom Retirement Living Plus apartments, exclusively designed for people aged 70 and over, Elizabeth Place offers the opportunity to maintain an independent lifestyle, while also having access to tailored domestic assistance packages – and with an on-site bistro-style restaurant serving freshly prepared meals daily. Facilities at Elizabeth Place include a homeowners’ lounge, ideal for socialising; beautiful, landscaped gardens in which to relax; and a hotel-style guest suite, which provides a comfortable stay for visiting family and friends. Designed to provide complete peace-of-mind, there is an estate team on-hand around the clock, along with a security entrance system and 24-hour emergency call points.

Located just one mile from Market Harborough town centre, homeowners at Elizabeth Place benefit from access to local amenities such as a bank, pharmacy, post office and independent cafes and restaurants. The development is also ideally situated close to public transport links, which connect the development to the high street in five minutes.

Prices at Elizabeth Place currently start from £199,950 for a one-bedroom apartment, with two-bedroom properties starting from £274,950. There are now more options available for those looking to downsize in Market Harborough, with rental options available to make moving to Elizabeth Place even easier, with prices starting at £1,850 pcm. Find out more from McCarthy Stone.

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