Fit for retirement

By Andrea Watson
Posted: 2008/09/11

WE look at some of the developments where you can keep active in later years

RETIREMENT today is about making the most of our active lives. High on the list of priorities of many retirees is the thought of recovering some of those years spent in stuffy offices and staying fit at the same time.

Middleton Hall, between Yarm and Darlington, is a retirement village which claims to be the first in the north that is seriously addressing the issue. Residents are looking forward to the opening of a Healthy Living Centre with gymnasium and spa and indoor pool, designed to develop and encourage fitness and wellbeing.

Set in 20 acres, there are plans to have a bowling green, pitch-and-putt area and nature trails through the woods by next year."There will be no excuse for our residents not to be active, " said a spokesman. "An added benefit is that these activities will encourage socialising between residents, thus creating a sense of community." Middleton Hall has properties to suit all needs, from independent apartments to full care services.

It is not surprising that favoured spots for retirees include places such as the Lake District, Devon, Cornwall and other areas of outstanding natural beauty.

A new development in Hindhead is unusual in that it is located in the Home Counties, with easy rail access to London. The Beacon is a Crest Nicholson gated development in six acres of mature landscaped gardens in the Surrey Hills, providing country estate-style homes at an affordable price.

Facilities include tennis courts and a golfing green.The development is situated on top of Gibbet Hill, the second-highest hill in Surrey, affording residents views across the Weald. The site towers over the famous landmark known as the Devil's Punch Bowl a huge hollow of sandy heath which legend holds was created by the Devil pelting Thor with handfuls of earth.

Hindhead offers a range of local amenities and good road links.

Haslemere, with its cobbled streets and restaurants, is five miles away and Guildford is just 15 miles away.

Prices start from £269,950.

The development is not age-exclusive. At nearby Wokingham, Millgate Homes offers a choice of one and two-bed apartments for the over-55s at Imperial Court, where residents can enjoy fabulous communal gardens. Created by an award-winning Chelsea gold medal landscaper, the grounds are split into zones, including a traditional walk of fragrant lime trees, water garden, putting green and a decked garden.

Prices start at £87,500.

When natural history writer Dr Mary Gillham retired, she was determined to remain close to the countryside. Her new apartment at Cwrt Brynteg in Radyr, Cardiff, near the River Taff and a country park, was the perfect solution.

Dr Gillham, 86, who has written and illustrated numerous books on Welsh flora and fauna, said: "I watched Cwrt Brynteg being built and I knew the location would be ideal for me because I am still fit and healthy and enjoy walking." She added: "I have started to record my observations of nature in the vicinity of Cwrt Brynteg.

In April I saw the first butterflies mainly tortoiseshells, peacocks and brimstones. On my walks along the River Taff, I have seen kingfishers and otters.

Of course, you don't have to be a botanist to enjoy the location." Cwrt Brynteg, set in a semi-rural position, is convenient for shops and amenities.Residents share a landscaped garden, communal lounge, laundry room and guest suite. A selection of one-bedroom apartments remains.

Prices start from £159,950.

INFORMATION:

Middleton Hall: www.middleton-hall.com

The Beacon: 0870 751 0496/ www.crestnicholson.com/thebeacon

Imperial Court: 0118 989 1181/0118 979 6796/ www.millgatehomes.co.uk

Cwrt Brynteg: 0800 919 132/ www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk