Flexible home of the future
A Devon-based developer is building high-standard modern bungalows and ‘barngalows’ that adapt as you age, removing the need to update a property to meet your changing needs, says DEBORAH STONE
UPDATING your home to make life easier as you grow older can be hard work: there’s all the research and effort of finding builders, not to mention the cost of things such as walk-in showers or easy-access kitchen cupboards.
So when a developer comes along who specialises in future-proofed homes it’s a cause for celebration – and perhaps another good reason to move to the South-west.
Devon-based Baker Estates has recognised that as the UK population ages there’s a growing demand for single-storey homes but it is putting a 21st century spin on its designs.
Its striking “barngalows” are bungalows that look more like barn conversions, while its dormer bungalow houses are bringing 1960s and 1970s chalet-design up to date.
“All our chalet bungalows have bedrooms on the first floor as well as a master bedroom downstairs with en-suite showers, which accommodates versatile living when our customers get older,” says Graham Hutton, Baker Estates’ development director.
“For downsizers it’s about choosing the right product in the right place. Many people have to adapt their homes as they get older to make them work in their later life. This can cost many thousands of pounds.
“We design our bungalows so they never need to be adapted.”
These and the company’s barngalows – with open-plan living, log burners and bifold doors to patio gardens – are being bought as
“forever” homes by retirees, says head of sales Annie Williams.
Among them are Peter and Caryl Bowles, both 81, who moved from London to a three-bedroom chalet bungalow in Bee Meadow, South Molton, to fulfil a lifelong dream of living in Devon.
“We’d never bought a new home before so were slightly nervous about the process but it turned out to be the best decision we could have ever made,” says Peter.
“While the build process was happening, we asked for the home to include upgrades and items we felt would make the house a home and were so delighted by the high standard.”
Caryl adds: “Our home is a chalet bungalow and future-proofed for when we get older. We currently sleep upstairs but when we get to a certain age and the stairs become a task, there is a master bedroom downstairs for us to move into with the most superb en-suite.”
Sue and Martin Lockhart, both 64, moved to Bee Meadow from Sandhurst in Berkshire last year.
“I had been commuting every day to London for over 20 years,” explains Martin. “This eventually began to take a toll on my health and wellbeing so it was time to make a lifestyle change, both in work and at
home – time for at least semi-retirement and a move away from London’s commuter belt. We didn’t want to downsize, just to have hassle-free living that would be future-proofed as we start to get older.
“Our new home has three large bedrooms, an en-suite and plenty of room to entertain friends and family. We don’t feel like we have downsized at all. We love it. The specification is so high, we know we won’t need to lift a finger for years.”
Two-bedroom bungalows are still available at Bee Meadow from £279,995. Three-bedroom bungalows at Meadowbrook in Callington, in Cornwall’s Tamar Valley, cost from £339,995. Fourbedroom barn-style bungalows are for sale from £674,995 at The View in Malborough, near Salcombe, Devon ( 01626 241404; bakerestatesltd.co.uk).
“Many new-home builders don’t construct bungalows because they want to maximise the revenue they make on each development,” says managing director Ian Black. “I understand that, but we have a different view. We want to build a range of property types that respect the local area and appeal to the needs of all buyer ages.”
It’s a trend that is beginning to catch on. So look out for more new developments where you can future-proof your life.