The team from later-living specialist Pegasus recently took us on a virtual tour of its latest development in the North East of England, located in the sought-after Jesmond district of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
While restrictions are easing a little, first-hand face-to-face tours are still not possible or preferable for many house-hunters, so the time that the team of Tyler Lawrence, Charlotte Brown and Darren Thompson took to chat to us about the development and give us a personalised look at the development and show homes was very much appreciated. The use of online meeting apps and the mobile camera as they walked around is a sign of the level of customer care that Pegasus is focused on. The more traditional site visits and tours are available by appointment to buyers who would like one.
With a number of WhatHouse? Awards under its belt, the exceptional quality of company’s homes has also been recognised. Set on a site which was formerly Central Newcastle High School for Girls, in one of the neighbourhood’s conservation areas, Jesmond Assembly comprises 63 one- and two-bedroom apartments and duplexes in a low-rise block designed with a thoroughly modern architecture with on-trend features such as floor-to-ceiling windows which maximise incoming light and provide rooms with a very spacious feel.
We start with a show home tour which gives a detailed look at what is on offer here. The work of reputed interior design company Claude Hooper, it makes the most of the open-plan design with furniture combining modern and traditional-looking furniture, demonstrating its flexibility for whatever a residents might want, as well as some striking wall art. Room to room, the apartment helps focus on things that buyers and renters have as standard.
The kitchen comes fully fitted with big-brand appliances and provides lots of worktop and storage units. The bathroom has white tiling and sanitaryware with either a bath or walk-in shower, and the two-bedroom homes come with a similarly designed en suite. Master bedrooms have built-in wardrobes to provide plenty of storage. A duplex apartment has an impressive amount of space enhanced by the open-plan stairs. Selected properties here also have private outdoor space.
While an age-exclusive, ‘later-living’ development for over-60s, the whole site has a very contemporary look and has been conceived to mix independent lifestyle with excellent opportunities to create a real community.
We’re taken to the beautifully furnished Owners' Lounge which straightaway come across as a great place to socialise with fellow residents and guests, and it is complemented by a quiet library area with lots of bookshelves, comfortable armchairs and some private desk space too.
The Social Kitchen, a place to prepare food and drink for large and small groups to enjoy in the lounge or on the terrace, with lots of greenery and seating. If you are entertaining family and friends, there’s a guest suite for them to stay in.
A part of the Pegasus approach to later living is the Lifehost. Kim Smith-Cryer is Lifehost at Jesmond Assembly and describes what her position entails: “The role of a Lifehost involves the management of the building and its community. There are many important elements in the role and lots of multitasking. Once homeowners and Lifestory members are welcomed into their new home, it’s very important to make them feel relaxed, especially with how overwhelming the moving process is. I’m here to ensure their safety, build a community and arrange social events.
“No day will be the same but there will be regular tasks such as safety checks, building maintenance, greeting the community, and assisting with any issues or queries. I’ll make sure everything is running smoothly and everyone’s happy!
“Being the ‘heart of the community’. One Lifehost recently described our role as this and it will stay with me. My previous experience means I understand the importance of building trusting relationships with people. When you’re appreciated, they let you know and it’s incredibly rewarding. I’m looking forward to sharing great moments and making memories.”
The Pegasus team go on to tell us a bit about Newcastle and Jesmond. With considerable local interest, Jesmond Assembly would also be a serious consideration for downsizers from elsewhere in the UK, providing great value for money in property prices compared to property of equal quality in affluent areas in other towns and cities. Newcastle can be underrated for its range of fine dining destinations, its amenities and leisure facilities as well as an active arts and culture scene with a range of venues providing exhibitions and events year-round.
Located just a couple of miles from the city centre, the neighbourhood has a character of its own with a number of conservation areas retaining its character and heritage. But the area is also keeping up-to-date with plenty of independent shops and a variety of places to eat and drink.
There are numerous open spaces within easy reach too, such as The Town Moor, Heaton Park and Jesmond Dene. For fun or competition, the local lawn tennis and golf clubs could be ideal. A little further afield, outdoor life can be enjoyed to the full along the North East coastline and in places such as the Northumberland National Park and North Pennines AONB.
Jesmond Metro is only a three-minute walk from Jesmond Assembly and provides excellent direct services to the city centre, mainline station and delightful coastal spots such as South Shields and Whitley Bay. The airport is only a 20-minute journey away and when it can, will return to its range of services across the UK and over to Europe.
Purchase prices start from £300,000, with rental starting from £1,441 per calendar month. There’s no ‘exit fee’, so when it comes to selling the property there won’t be a percentage of the price to pay back to the developer.
Right now there’s a special offer – by moving in by June this year, the resident with have a three-month rental ‘holiday’ (terms and conditions apply). Find out more at lifestory.group/jesmondassembly or [email protected].
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