 From an apartment in Harrow handy for the West End theatres to a traditional style Cotswolds village, retirees are spoilt for choice
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Birds of a feather
With a vast range of developments across Britain, you can now choose a retirement property not just by region, but to suit the type of person you are, writes David Hoppit
As the sheer number of retirement properties increases, so too does the choice of lifestyle they encompass. These days there are “horses for courses” – developments to suit not only your age but the type of person you are. And with 11 million retired people out there, that means a wealth of choice.
Many people, of course, choose to retire to an area near family members or close to where they have spent most of their lives. But an increasing number of younger retired people choose a home because it offers a particular amenity, such as fishing, walking or perhaps the theatre.
Some of the more upmarket developments have their own swimming pools, gymnasiums, tennis courts and bowling greens. Others are set in the countryside, by lakes, or are even child-free for those who want peace and quiet.
Carolyn McQuitty, sales and marketing director of Pegasus, says, “A few years ago the majority of owners moved within a five to 10-mile radius of their family home. Not any more – these days owners are uprooting and relocating all over the UK to find their perfect lifestyle.”
The theatregoerWhile many think of the seaside or countryside as the ideal retirement location there are some for whom the bright lights beckon – one of them is 62-year-old widow “Frankie” Green.
She moved recently to England from Los Angeles, and her passion for the bright lights and theatreland steered her to an apartment at a Pegasus development in Harrow, on London’s outskirts.
“I wanted to get back on the stage and help with theatre productions while enjoying the bright city lights. There is so much to see and do in London; and if I fancy a trip to the country it’s not far away,” she says.
“I know I’m relatively young, but I’m thinking ahead. I love it here, it’s so spacious, and I don’t want to be moving when I’m less fit and active.”
She chose the apartment for its proximity to her sister and to The Essential Theatre Company in north London, where she helps with the productions and intends to tread the boards again.
Pegasus has many developments within easy striking distance of London, ranging in price between £190,000 and £575,000.
All the London developments are on key transport routes, and Frankie often takes advantage of her free bus pass. Some of the more established London properties offer a range of social activities, such as fitness, wine tasting and art classes. The dancing queenRita Martin moved to Reeve Court Village, in St Helens, Lancashire, because she is a self-confessed party animal. “I’ve always liked to go out and have fun, so the social activities on offer at Reeve Court were a big attraction,” says Rita, 71.
Rita and her husband, Jack, 75, bought a one-bedroom apartment at Reeve Court, run by ExtraCare, two years ago, after they sold their three-bedroom semi in St Helens, where they had lived for 35 years.
“The house was becoming too big and we didn’t want to have to worry about the garden any more,” says Rita. “We have a lovely apartment here with beautiful views over the fields towards Runcorn Bridge. We feel safer and it’s good to know that there is extra care available if we should ever need it.
“But the best thing of all is the social life. I’m half Irish and have been keen on ceilidhs since I was 15. We used to go regularly when we lived in St Helens, so when we moved up to the village I was keen to bring them up here. We now have a ceilidh every month and the last time I organised a big event with a band and a dance troupe. It’s proved really popular. We attract people of all ages, from 55 to over 90.”
Rita is also a regular at the village’s salsa, modern sequence and line-dancing classes and weekly tea dance.
“It’s a fabulous atmosphere. As well as dancing I do patchwork, card-making, play whist and dominos. I go swimming and I work in the bar at weekends. I really love it. There’s always someone to talk to. In fact I don’t miss anything about my previous life.”
A fun-filled, busy atmosphere a part of the ExtraCare Charitable Trust’s philosophy. “Residents in our villages become more sociable as time goes by, not less,” says spokesman Richard Towers.
“They might have felt isolated living alone, they move to a village, gain confidence through the group activities and socialising and then reach back to the local community. Many of our residents help out in schools and colleges.”
Part two: retirement housing for globetrotters, anglers and traditionalists
This article was created: 11 October 2006.
This article was last edited: 26 October 2006.
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