There’s no doubt that the last extraordinary 16 months have made us all think more about where we live and our lifestyle, and for older people locked down for so long, a place with great support and the proximity of likeminded neighbours will have been especially appreciated.
Downsizing to a dedicated age-exclusive or retirement development with great facilities and a sense of community could be the right step for older buyers, and there are plenty of brand new homes for sale over-55s, over-60s and over-70s.They are an opportunity to keep a foot on the property ladder and combine the benefits of a secure, low-maintenance, well-designed new build home with a satisfying lifestyle of activities and support which general developments may not provide.
There’s a great choice of these types of homes across the South of England right now.
The Twynams
England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life, Anchor Hanover, has launched The Twynams. This exclusive initial launch of seven luxurious two-bedroom apartments is an addition to its existing Bishopstoke Park community, in the heart of Hampshire.
Among them are the five rooftop apartments known as ‘The Goldcrest’, which will be some of the largest retirement apartments currently available in South East England. They come with lofty cathedral style ceilings, their own sun terrace and private balcony and picturesque views over the woodlands. Inside features include ergonomically designed kitchens with fully integrated, state-of-the-art appliances, underfloor heating, plentiful storage and large windows for lots of natural light.
Phillip Hulme, sales director at Anchor Hanover, commented: “We are passionate about creating homes that people are proud to call their home and our existing, thriving community of the wider Bishopstoke Park village is testament to our ethos. Set within an idyllic woodland setting, residents are surrounded by nature, yet the all-important daily essentials are still on your doorstep – it really is the best of both worlds. Residents can also enjoy a ready-made social network for fostering new friendships as well as benefiting from an on-site wellness spa, a restaurant, delicatessen and general store.”
The new collection of homes start from £600,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £950,000 for a rooftop ‘Goldcrest’ apartment. Find out more at [email protected] or www.TheTwynams.com.
Casterbridge Court
In Dorchester on Friday 6 August, prospective purchasers can book an appointment between 10.30am and 4.30pm to view the plans for Casterbridge Court, a McCarthy Stone development for over-60s coming to Kingston Maurward. First occupants are expected in early 2022 and local people will have the opportunity to reserve their chosen property off-plan.
Verity McKay, divisional marketing manager at McCarthy Stone Southern, commented: “With the official sales launch of Casterbridge Court so highly anticipated amongst local retirees, we are delighted to be able to welcome interested purchasers to our private event within the function rooms of Kingston Maurward.”
Future homeowners at Casterbridge Court will have access to a welcoming homeowners’ lounge, which will be perfect for socialising with new neighbours, plus landscaped gardens maintained by McCarthy Stone’s team, and a handy guest suite for when family and friends come to stay. A house manager will take care of the day-to-day running of the development, while secure entry systems and 24-hour emergency call points will provide added peace-of-mind.
Prices at Casterbridge Court currently start from £250,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £375,000 for a two-bedroom. Rental and part buy-part rent options are also available. Find out more from McCarthy Stone.
Dundee House
Dundee House in Midhurst won a WhatHouse? Award in 2020 for developer Lilyford and is a scheme of just 16 one- and two-bedroom apartments in a three-storey building, providing residents with a sought-after location in the heart of the South Downs National Park. The specification includes designer kitchens with built-in, walk-in shower rooms, underfloor heating, a security system and each home is superfast broadband ready. There’s also a 24-hour emergency careline.
WhatHouse? Awards judges said: “This vibrant development wins points for its light and airy good looks, with pale wooden flooring throughout communal areas. The owners’ lounge has a coffee bar and there is also a separate shared kitchen to further encourage socialising.”
Further facilities include cycle and mobile scooter stores, as well as an ‘honesty pantry’ for essential items when a resident doesn’t want to leave the building. Shops, pubs, cafés and amenties are only a few minutes away and Dundee House is opposite is a leisure centre with pool and other sports facilities.
Prices currently start at £300,000. A show home is open for visitors Find out more at lilyford.co.uk.
Pym Court
On Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 August, between 10.30am and 5.00pm, McCarthy Stone is hosting two exclusive Discovery Days at The Devon Hotel in Matford, Exeter regarding its forthcoming Pym Court Retirement Living Plus development for over-70s. These are free events and attendees are required to book a private, one-to-one appointment in advance in order to ensure everyone’s safety.
When complete, Pym Court will comprise 53 one- and two-bedroom apartments, which will be available to buy off-plan in February 2022, with the first occupants expected in August 2022. The Discovery Days are an opportunity to look at plans and apartment specifications, and to discover more about the range of flexible purchasing opportunities which will be available, including the option to purchase outright, rent, or part buy-part rent.
Verity McKay said: “We’re really pleased to be able to give retirees a first look at the brand-new Topsham development – appointments are limited, so we’re encouraging all those who are interested to get in touch without delay and avoid missing out.”
Prices are to be announced. Find out more about Pym Court from McCarthy Stone.
Allingham Lodge
Allingham Lodge is a brand new gated retirement development of 58 one- and two-bedroom apartments located in the heart of Eastbourne in East Sussex, close to the beach in a renowned town which offers a wide range of activities, sports and exciting events. Sovereign Harbour is an award-winning marina which could be perfect for those interested in yachting and motor boat cruising, with an array of waterfront cafés, restaurants and shops.
Close to Eastbourne’s town centre, train station and a doctor's surgery, this secure development for over-60s has private properties, each with their own front door, featuring kitchens with colour-coordinated worktops and integrated appliances, tiled shower rooms as standard, and some of them have separate en suites and cloakrooms.
There’s a 24-hour Careline support system, owners’ lounge with coffee bar, a guest suite and secure private parking. In addition to the landscaped garden with seating areas, there are walk-out balconies on selected apartments. Price start at £317,950. Find out more about Allingham Lodge from Churchill Retirement Living.
Howarth Park
Howarth Park, from developer Cognatum, is an exclusive collection of houses and apartments for over-55s which sits on Milford Hill, with views across at the spire of Salisbury Cathedral. The apartments are in a converted Victorian villa within Milford House, while the houses are in a contemporary architectural style.
The homes are set in managed grounds with a centrepiece of a Cedar of Lebanon, believed to have been planted in imitation of St Edmunds College towards the end of the 18th century. Prices are on application. Find out more at cognatum.co.uk.