Not so retiring

By Andrea Watson
Posted: 2008/09/05

THE property options for older people are expanding all the time, and the latest offer from Millgate Homes is indicative of this trend.

In the grounds of an 18th century Grade I-listed mansion, Sundridge Park, the developer is taking on its most ambitious scheme to date, building a lifestyle environment that would be the envy of many.

Jonathan Cranley, marketing director of Millgate Homes, said: "Sundridge Park in Bromley was designed by John Nash and once the finest address in Kent. Sitting in the middle of two golf courses at the end of a half-mile drive, the location is unrivalled, and we aim to offer facilities similar to those found in a five-star hotel."

When finished, there will be a wide range of properties on offer, including apartments and town and coach houses.

The grounds will boast a tennis court and pavilion, and listed gardens by Humphery Repton restored to their 1790 glory, with specimens that would have been fashionable during the Georgian period.

There will also be several smaller, hidden garden areas for residents to enjoy.

The development includes five luxury homes carved out of the fine, crescent-shaped coach house designed by James Wyatt.

Most of the properties will be new-build apartments located in a series of buildings overlooking Repton's terraces and lawns.

Architect Robert Adam, a diehard classicist, has designed them with grand stucco facades and narrow columns. Internally, the design is more contemporary.

Mr Adam said "New technology and traditional design are quite compatible. I don't belong to the Luddite movement!" Mr Adam believes that modernism is not popular.

"It caters for a small percentage of the population and ignores market realities, " he added.

The homes are firmly aimed at the 'recessionproof ' rich, with prices starting at about £1million.

For those without this sort of money, there is an increasing choice of other 'lifestyle retirement' homes nationwide.

Pegasus Homes has two such developments in the Somerset seaside town of Weston-super-Mare, which is being restored to its former Victorian glory.

There are 14 apartments at Pegasus Lodge and 54 at neighbouring Pegasus Court, which fronts the sea.

Communal facilities include an owners' lounge, visitors' suite, laundry and fitness suite.

Prices start at £173,950, rising to £359,950.

Part-exchange can be arranged for any buyer with a home to sell.

Buyer Kathleen Anderson is typical of the new generation looking forward to an activitypacked retirement enjoying tea dances at the Winter Gardens, brass band concerts in Grove Park and variety shows at the Playhouse Theatre.

There is also a bowling club next door and a nearby golf course.

Part-exchange deals are also available at Denham Garden Village, a development for the over-55s in Buckinghamshire, and at Kingstone Court, McCarthy & Stone's latest development of 33 apartments, in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

Christine Ritchie, 74, moved to Kingstone Court last year because she wanted to be near her family.

She said: "I'd had my bungalow on the market for some time and received no offers, even when I lowered the price by £20,000.

"It was still on the market several months after I moved in." The grounds and shared facilities are fully maintained.

"There's a community atmosphere here, and the house manager is very good, " said Mrs Ritchie.

"There's also technical support for those who need it." Two apartments, both with carpets and curtains, remain on the market, priced from £149,950.

Denham Garden Village is now in its third and final phase of development.

It will eventually comprise 38 dormer bungalows, 17 single-storey bungalows and 31 apartments.

Residents benefit from on-demand services and assistive technology, such as a 24-hour on-site care team, which provides tailored packages, from domestic help and support, through to shopping and gardening services and palliative care.

The retirement village has internet links (which has spawned a new generation of 'silver surfers') and library facilities, plus many other lifestyle features, including a village centre and shop, health spa, garden, cafe, hairdresser and doctor's surgery.

Prices at Denham Garden Village are from £370,000.

INFORMATION:

Sundridge Park: 0208 313 7468/ www.sundridge-park.co.uk

Pegasus Homes: 0800 583 8844/ www.pegasus-homes.co.uk

Kingstone Court: www.macarthyandstone.co.uk/ 01608 644 702

Denham Garden Village: www.denhamgardenvillage.co.uk/ 01895 836 333