Retiring in style

By Andrea Watson
Posted: 2008/06/13

AGE-EXCLUSIVE schemes are taking on a whole new look. We find out more...

LOVERS of gardens and historic homes could be forgiven for falling under the spell of a new development in the grounds of Cliveden House, former home of the Astor family and now a National Trust jewel. 

A collection of contemporary houses and apartments has replaced the derelict hospital for Canadian First World War soldiers that once stood there. 
There is just one catch for those drawn to contemporary design - this development is reserved for the over-55s. 

Cliveden Village is set in 13 acres of the NT estate and the project is a joint effort, with the land leased for 125 years and the money to be used exclusively on estate restoration. 

The great house, which the Duke of Buckingham started in 1666, is an Italianate mansion of epic proportions.

To the back its terrace looks down on a misty-green landscape of lawns and formal beds worthy of Versailles itself. To the right, the Thames river winds towards Maidenhead. 

It's an idyllic setting for midsummer parties around the pool and the Astors hosted many such events, most notoriously the hot weekend in July that led to the affair between minister for war John Profumo, and Christine Keeler. 

Countryside acquired a slice of this history after winning a design competition from 42 rivals. 

Residents of the new Cliveden Village will have their own private gate onto the estate and may also use the pool and tennis courts. Their formal gardens and patios are maintained by NT gardeners. 

Prices for the apartments range from £325,000 to £650,000 and for houses from £475,000 upwards. 

Care for the elderly is a priority at the new Richmond Villages retirement development in Oxfordshire - but cricket comes a close second. 
The new project at Letcombe Regis, which is in its early stages, will be integrated within the wider community through the creation of a cricket pitch and pavilion and will also have lakeside gardens and a nature reserve. Prices have yet to be announced. 

Retirees downsizing, often have to shed well-loved family possessions but in East Anglia one developer has "room to retire". A rare selection of new bungalows and houses at Wimbotsham, near Downham Market, Norfolk has just six new homes per acre, compared to a typical new-build density of 15 to 25. 

Bennett Homes sales manager, Adele Pearce, said: "Honeyfields combines the benefits of Seventies' low-density planning with all the advantages of modern design and specifications." Prices range from £169,995 to £384,995. 

Don Brookes chose the easy way to downsize by using McCarthy & Stone's tailor-made package. As well as paying legal and estate agency fees and providing a free Home Information Pack for Mr Brookes's old house in Redditch, the company organised a free removals service. 

Mr Brookes, 76, who bought an apartment at Pardoe Court, in Studley, Warwickshire, said: "The removal men were really helpful and I was able to hold on to some favourite things and they suit my new apartment very well." 

Pardoe Court offers 42 private apartments, purpose-built for people aged 60 and over. 

Each has a 24-hour Careline system, connected TV camera security at the main entrance and a resident house manager. 

Prices start at £144,950 for a one-bedroom and from £169,950 for two bedrooms. 

Easy Move is available until the end of August and can save up to £5,000. 

INFORMATION: 

Countryside Properties Cliveden Village: 01628 668835

Bennett Homes Honeyfields: 01284 766057/www. bennetthomes. co. uk . 

Letcombe Regis Richmond Villages: 0845 607 6405/ www. richmond-villages. com . 

McCarthy & Stone Pardoe Court: 01527 852 867/ www. mccarthyandstone. co. uk