Living the village life
NEVER has the heartache of loneliness been more apparent than during the coronavirus lockdown. Single people selfisolating alone have been hardest hit and with fears of a second wave around the corner many older people are rethinking their lives.
It has led to a surge in interest in retirement villages and developments from couples and singles who want to downsize to a community where help – or even medical care – is available if required.
It comes as the stamp duty and land tax holidays throughout the UK have boosted sales but several retirement accommodation companies are also offering part exchange deals to speed up the process of moving.
Rangeford Villages has announced its Home Buying Service that ensures buyers can move home within 45 days.
Its home-buying partners National Property Trade ensures a fair cash offer for the home of anyone who wants to buy at its developments Wadswick Green in Wiltshire and Mickle Hill in Yorkshire.
“I feel the Covid-19 crisis and the new stamp duty holiday announcement has brought the decision to move to a retirement community forward for many,” says Mickle Hill sales manager Yvette Jones.
“Some of the enquiries we received since the housing market was allowed to reopen are from retirees who had been considering making the move for a while but had not yet taken the plunge, and they feel now is the right time.”
Rose Wiltshire, sales advisor at Wadswick Green, adds: “We’ve already had a lot of interest following our reopening in June and we expect enquiries to keep rising.
“Coronavirus and the restrictions imposed over the recent months has really prompted the older generation to take a good look at their lives and their homes, and to make long-term decisions that will benefit them now and into the future.”
MANY residents are relieved they had already taken the plunge to move into a development for over-60s, including Graham and Diana Wilkins, who live at Wadswick Green near Corsham.
“I don’t think there could have been a better place to spend the lockdown than in Wadswick Green,” says Graham. “It’s such a nice place, with beautiful countryside all around and the staff and community spirit made all the difference.”
Residents received a weekly newsletter about what was going on in the village as well as summaries of government announcements. “That made us feel very informed,” says Graham. “There was this real sense of community and the staff made things as easy as possible for everyone.
“They set up a pop-up shop in the gym, which was really reassuring for a lot of people because it meant that they didn’t have to leave the village if they wanted to get essentials.”
The couple live in a three-bedroom apartment with a large terrace and Graham says: “We used it almost every day to get some fresh air and enjoy the views.We also love the walking trails around the village, and we have nice daily walks.”
Wadswick Green is a collection of contemporary apartments set in 25 acres with communal facilities that include a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, spa and hair salon, as well as communal gardens.The Greenhouse coffee shop and restaurant is popular among locals outside the village, too. Domiciliary care packages are also available.
New one-bedroom apartments are for sale from £229,950 (0800 135 7420; rangefordvillages.co.uk).
““Many want to downsize, move to spacious beautiful grounds, and live in a safe and secure community where care is available should they need it,” says Rose.