No matter what your housing needs, there’s a retirement village to suit. Jane McGowan sees what’s on offer.
Best for Boutique
- Venue: Ridgemount
- Where: Darlaston Road, Wimbledon SW19
- Accommodation: 1 & 2 bedroom apartments
- Price range: £476,000-£899,000
If you are looking for something bijoux and bang up-to-date in a location that allows you to enjoy all the delights nearby Wimbledon Village can offer, then Ridgemount is for you.
The recently built collection of one and two-bedroom apartments are available to buy outright or through a shared ownership offer.
With the London mainline station just 0.6 miles away, this is the ideal location for any retirees who are not yet ready to bid farewell to a busy, metropolitan, social life.
Best for Health and Fitness
- Venue: Lynwood Village
- Where: Sunningdale, Berkshire
- Accommodation: 1 & 2-bedroom apartments; cottages; duplex
- Price range: On application
With one-bedroom apartments offering up to 624 sq ft of space not to mention a great range of property choices, Lynwood Village is already one of Berkshire’s most sought-after retirement locations.
However, what really sets it apart is its health and fitness suite which offers all the luxury of a spa with state-of-the-art sports facilities and treatments. Not only is there a 25ft swimming pool and jacuzzi but there is also Crown Green bowls in the atrium and a stunning traditional English garden should you fancy a stroll.
Best for Accommodation Choice
- Venue: Elmbridge Village
- Where: Cranleigh
- Accommodation: bungalows, 1 & 2-bedroom apartments, penthouse suites
- Price range: £175,000-£699,000
Situated just outside Cranleigh, this expansive retirement village has a varied range of accommodation options to suit all pockets and preferences. Available to those aged 60+, the Village offers a mix of properties including affordable bungalows through to stylish one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as state-of-the-art penthouses. There is also a significant number of homes available to rent and a useful try-before-you-buy option. All this and a lovely communal Manor that includes a restaurant, concert venue, library, bar and much more.
Best for Luxury
- Venue: Cognatum, Cobham Park
- Where: Cobham
- Accommodation: 21 homes
- Price range: On application
Set within the rural splendour of Cobham Park on the banks of the River Mole, this retirement setting features seven mansion apartments and four houses within the west wing of this former stately home. Elsewhere are bespoke properties in the former stables, dairy, lodge and coach houses. The 12-acre site also features a spacious riverside garden area, croquet lawn and tennis court, perfect for anyone looking to see out there retirement in style.
Best for Rental
- Venue: Woodbank Apartments
- Where: Hook Heath, Woking
- Accommodation: 1 & 2-bedroom apartments
- Price range: On request
Renting in retirement is growing in popularity as more and more people decide not to sink all their funds into a property that then has to be resold should you require more care or opt for a change of location. Developed by Birchgrove, the weekly rent at Woodbank includes the services of a domestic assistant for one hour, as well as a 24-hour concierge service. Pets are welcome too – which is often a significant reason for people not to opt for a retirement setting. There are various levels of assisted living benefits available that can be stepped up should you require them.
Best for All-Inclusive Living
- Venue: Clare Park
- Where: Farnham
- Accommodation: 1 & 2-bedroom apartments, single rooms, suites, bungalows
- Price range: from £615 per week
The standout feature of this retirement option is that it offers what it terms, an ‘all-Inclusive Monthly Residential Fee,’ which covers every living expense from food to fuel, entertainment to maintenance. At the centre of the village is a beautiful Georgian mansion set within copious amounts of rural space. A shuttle bus runs three times a week should you fancy a trip into Farnham and there are plenty of opportunities to meet other residents should you wish to.
Best for High Street Living
- Venue: Edward Place
- Where: Walton-on-Thames
- Accommodation: 1 & 2 bedroom apartments
- Price range: £386,000-£528,000 (rental: £3,089 pcm-£4,190 PCM)
This McCarthy Stone property features just over 50 one and two-bedroom apartments that are available either to rent or to buy. Designed exclusively for the 70+ age group, the setting is ideal for those who want to make the most of the high street as Edward Place is just a short walk from the centre of this pretty Surrey town with its many shops and restaurants.
