Independent living with McCarthy & Stone

McCarthy & Stone, the UK's largest retirement specialist, has expanded its range of independent lifestyle solutions for the over 60's with the introduction of Retirement Living to the Wealden district of East Sussex.

With already successful Assisted Living developments, Portman Court, situated in the town of Uckfield, and Risingholme Court in Heathfield, McCarthy & Stone has decided to launch an alternative style of property which is set to offer active retirees with a perfect solution for downsizing into a brand new home.

As a Retirement Living development, Ridgeway Court, on Mutton Hall Hill in Heathfield, will enable its residents to remove the time consuming task of maintaining an older or larger property, and allow them to better enjoy the freedom that retirement should offer in a more manageable, low maintenance environment.

Sharon Callcut, regional marketing manager for McCarthy & Stone, said: "We pride ourselves on providing different types of retirement lifestyle that are each designed specifically to meet the varying needs of retirees in the region.

"Both Assisted Living and Retirement Living offer secure and comfortable properties where retirees can lead independent and fulfilling lives, with the added peace of mind that they still own their own home. We do however, understand that for many age is very much a state of mind, so we are developing the Retirement Living lifestyle here especially to cater for needs of the young at heart, looking for affordable independent living.

"Assisted Living offers those who need a little extra support with day-to-day life the security of knowing there is someone on hand 24/7 should they ever need it, however Retirement Living encourages its residents to be as independent as they are able to be.

"A move to Retirement Living could simply free up the time of more active retirees who may have previously spent too much of their lives worrying about looking after high-maintenance homes, instead of making the most of their free time. Plus, because the service charges reflect the differences in the lifestyles available, many will find that the flexibility of Retirement Living will cost them less than most Assisted Living packages, and they might find themselves saving more money to spend on enjoying themselves too.

"We know that as people get older their needs might change, so although Retirement Living offers a great place to relax and enjoy retirement, it is also purpose-built to make life easier by still providing a number of inherent age specific design features."

These features include 24 hour emergency call points, electrical sockets at a raised height to reduce bending, a camera entry system, easy grip lever taps in the bathroom and kitchen and energy efficient heating.

A communal residents' lounge, a hotel style guest suite and landscaped gardens, all aid towards a real sense of community, and offer the perfect place to make new acquaintances with like-minded individuals in sociable and stylish surroundings.

"Private apartments are fully equipped with all mod-cons, plus because of the in-built camera entry system, they are completely secure," adds Sharon.

"This means that should you want to go away on holiday, spend a weekend with friends and family, or simply pop out for the day, you can lock up and leave, safe in the knowledge that your property and possessions will be just as you left them when you return.

"By introducing Retirement Living at Ridgeway Court to the region, we are offering Wealden retirees with the opportunity to live their retirements in the way that best suits them.

"Whether you simply want to free up spare time by getting rid of the maintenance burden your old house might pose, or, you're just concerned about the future and would like the peace of mind of having help on hand should you ever require it - McCarthy & Stone now offers something here to suit you."

Once open, the Ridgeway Court development will comprise of 40 one and two bedroom Retirement Living apartments, ideally located in the market town of Heathfield. Surrounded by the High Weald in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with magnificent views to the south coast and South Downs, Heathfield is just 16 miles from the coastal resort of Eastbourne and 17 miles from the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent.

See Also: Property News (6705), McCarthy & Stone retirement (241), Portman Court (3), Uckfield (5), Risingholme Court (2), Heathfield (6)