Retirement: A right royal retreat

By Diana Wildman
Posted: 2010/06/25

AS the numbers of young at heart pensioners continue to increase so too does the choice of purpose-built retirement villages designed to cater for the 21st-century living requirements of dow

Following this week's Budget many pensioners may well decide to sell their large family houses - which take so much cost and effort to run - free up some capital and move into a purpose-built retirement enclave.

Liam Bailey, head of research for estate agents Knight Frank, said: "If you can point to one sector most likely to grow over the next decade or two it would be retirement homes. One reason Britain lags behind the US and Europe is due to planning restrictions which are only just starting to become more flexible for such schemes."

Indeed, most of these newly opened developments include a wide range of leisure facilities on site, including an indoor fitness and spa, not to mention computer room, library, bowling and tennis facilities. Two contrasting schemes have recently opened in Oxfordshire.

Yesterday, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, officially opened the Richmond Letcombe Regis retirement village, which is in the classic village setting of Letcombe Regis, next to a church and a pub and just a couple of miles from Wantage town centre.

Edward joined residents and local dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire and MP Ed Vaizey for an informal lunch and a tour of the village. After the Prince met resident Margaret Howard, 84, she said: "It was a real honour to welcome him into my new home, which he was very impressed with."

Paddy Brice, managing director of Richmond Villages, said it was a privilege to show Edward around the site. "We are most grateful to him for making this a very special day for everyone at Richmond Letcombe Regis. The staff and residents are very proud of our new village where we encourage both a sense of community and personal independence."

There is a wide pick of independent living apartments for younger buyers priced from £295,000 for one bedroom.

Most have courtyard views over the landscaped gardens while others overlook the river and woodland that form part of the estate's boundary.

The 23 assisted living one and two-bedroom apartments cost from £240,000 and are for those who still want their own private home complete with a kitchenette, en suite bathroom and most importantly, their own front door. These homes are in the main building which also houses the smart restaurant, bar, computer room and the health club with its large heated indoor pool, spa, massage rooms, hairdresser and gym. In addition, there is a separate long-stay nursing home.

Richmond Letcombe Regis is built in traditional local style and the original gatehouse will become a small shop. Already 40 residents aged between 60 and 100 have moved in.

The on-site care team provides as much or as little help as is needed 24 hours a day. Friends and family can stay overnight in guest suites, joining them for dinner in the restaurant, and book a massage or manicure.