Pet lovers and keen gardeners READ ON...

The gardens are professionally maintained but many residents like to help, and raised beds make it easy to stay involved

MOVING into a McCarthy & Stone development is about gaining a new lease of life, not giving up things you love. So don’t worry if you’re the owner of a dog or cat: well behaved pets can be welcome and there’s often glorious dog-walking territory nearby.

Giving up a garden needn’t be a wrench, either. The gardens are professionally maintained but many residents like to help, and raised beds make it easy to stay involved. Ground-floor apartments with patios, and upper-floor homes with balconies can also keep you close to nature.