Growing into the good life
Whether it’s buzzing Chelsea or a discreet country town, specialist developments offer plenty of attractions to look forward to in later years, says DEBORAH STONE
THE DAYS of retiring to the countryside to do nothing are over, according to a new study. Most people want to live life to the full and do more, not less, with access to cinemas, restaurants, art galleries, spas and health clubs.
They may want to continue living near friends and family but new experiences, especially travel, are almost as important.
So it’s no surprise that property developers are responding to these needs, such as luxury retirement specialist Auriens, whose survey of 1,000 over-50s found that 94 per cent of them thought ideas about retirement have completely changed.
“Today’s retirees are seeking adventure, starting new business ventures and viewing retirement as an opportunity to try new experiences, not as a time to slow down or resign themselves to a sedentary life,” says Auriens founder Johnny Sandelson.
“Later-life residences must react to this. Our development in the heart of Chelsea will offer thrilling city living, with first-class amenities, and dwellers will be able to take part in a range of social activities if they wish to.”
The 55 apartments at Auriens, behind Chelsea Old Town Hall on the still-trendy King’s Road in west London, are suitably expensive though, with apartments available to rent from £130,000 a year
(020 8031 0891; auriens.com).
They have marble floors, timber-panel walls, designer kitchens and bathrooms, as well as access to a smart restaurant with a terrace overlooking the garden, a 15-metre swimming pool and vitality pool with a salt sauna and spa plus gym with yoga and Pilates classes, cinema, bar and hair salon.
Rent includes 2.5 hours of care a week and there’s even a grooming salon for residents’ cats and dogs.
London’s sky-high prices are not for everyone, though, and nor is the need for private swimming pools and spas, but that doesn’t mean those contemplating retirement will settle for a life of daytime TV.
PEOPLE want to enjoy new experiences and downsize to a comfortable lifestyle. So it’s pleasing to know that high-quality retirement living is available from different companies across the UK such as Eden Retirement Living, which has several developments in the pipeline including over-65s apartments in Newbury, Berkshire.
“Clearly, many buyers won’t want to give up their social lives or their hobbies just because they’ve moved into a later-living development or village,” says managing partner Liam Kelly.
“The amenities we’re planning across our upcoming schemes in Newbury, and Thorpe in Surrey, including restaurants, fitness facilities and extensive outdoor space, provide the convenience and leisure opportunities our residents are looking for.
“Most importantly, however, they encourage friendships to form among our residents and with the wider community – crucial, in Eden’s view, for happiness and wellbeing.”
The 60 one and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses in Newbury launch in February and offer “hotel-style” services such as a private house restaurant, open-plan lounge overlooking the landscaped courtyard gardens and 24-hour concierge service.
Its town centre location means there’s easy access to a range of high street and independent shops, as well as trains to
London, while Oxford is only 26 miles north and Winchester just 27 miles south.
The apartments will be in three and four-storey contemporary-styled buildings overlooking the central courtyard and prices start from £275,000 for a one-bedroom flat (020 3757 2828; edenrl.com).
“We believe it takes more than bricks and mortar to make a home,” says Kelly. “Our shared facilities will encourage people to make friends and build relationships, vital for wellbeing – especially in later life.”