Smaller can be beautiful

Downsize with Style

Deciding to downsize where you live usually comes from the fact that your current house or apartment is too large or too expensive to run. Properties require constant ‘general’ maintenance, gardens need care and attention and sometimes this can become too much, especially in terms of cost.

These days, the price of calling in a plumber or an electrician can be prohibitive and it can be so much easier to leave this aspect of day-to-day living to someone else. But when the decision is made to downsize, the great thing now is that there is so much choice

There are a great many different age exclusive properties throughout the UK and this means it’s possible to find exactly the right place for you. Also, there is a choice between the usual apartments or houses on a development or assisted living developments where there is a much greater level of help and care.

Finding just the right home when you’ve decided to downsize involves getting the right answers to a number of questions you should ask before you sell your current home and make the move to a smaller property. These are:
•    Is the property near friends and family?
•    Does the development you are looking at have good parking/public transport nearby?
•    Local facilities – shops, garages, library, doctors, dentists, places of worship?
•    Location of the property – ground floor? Any higher, is there a lift?

•    Although you may be downsizing, is the property large enough to accommodate whatever possessions you want to retain?
•    Are the facilities within the development what you want?

Keen gardeners thinking of moving to a development should check whether they would be allowed to join in caring for the plants surrounding their home and for anyone who wants a social life, don’t forget to ask about a residents’ association and whether there is a lounge where you can get together with your neighbours. If you’re happy with the answers to these questions, you’ve probably found your new home.

A topping ceremony

A topping out ceremony took place recently at Bramshott Place Village, the age exclusive development currently being built in Liphook by Helical Bar and Urban Renaissance Villages, when Bill Gair, chief executive officer, officiated at the ‘Topping Out’ of the scheme’s landmark Clubhouse building. When complete, later this year, the Clubhouse will be a focal point for the Village, offering residents a range of facilities including a restaurant, bar, fitness and games rooms, hydrotherapy pool, library and communal entertaining areas.

Bill Gair said, “Our experience has shown that the property demands of older buyers go way beyond merely improved interior design features. They’re looking for a well-maintained, supportive community that offers them extra amenities, and this is what we are providing with the Clubhouse at Bramshott Place Village. I’m sure this Clubhouse is going to be very popular with the Bramshott Place Village residents. I rather wish I lived here too and could use it myself!”

The Clubhouse at Bramshott Place Village

The Topping Out ceremony marks a significant milestone in the development of the over 55s village scheme. The first residents are now starting to move in, as the first phase of luxury apartments and cottages becomes ready for occupation. As well as the Country Club, there will be facilities such as a village manager, laundry, cleaning services and a health centre on the doorstep.

“There is clearly a real demand for this type of lifetime home for the over 55s, which we saw many years ago, and we are creating our age exclusive village accordingly,” continues Bill Gair. “It is a way of living that has increasing appeal for independent, busy over 55s who like the idea of a community of like-minded neighbours, with convenient facilities and a little extra security on hand, which gives them the freedom from daily chores to enjoy life to the full.”

Phase 1 of Bramshott Place Village is now complete, with prices ranging from £295,000 to £315,000 for the apartments and from £435,000 to £470,000 for the cottages. Each property is sold with a 125-year lease and ample outdoor parking.

Further information about the homes available for sale at Bramshott Place Village is available from sole agents Clarke Gammon Weller, on 01428 722800, or by visiting www.bramshottplace.co.uk

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© Stewart Andersen and Stewart Andersen’s Property Blog, 2009. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stewart Andersen and Stewart Andersen’s Property Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.