At Churchill we know how important location is and if you believe the adage that “the quality of life is more important than life itself", then you’ll know why retirees want to reside in the right setting – in or near Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), with good transport, walks, restaurants, shops and family or new neighbours to enjoy it with. The best of both worlds is retiring to a place benefiting from natural and man made attractions, while not paying a fortune for your home. Being part of a small, friendly community is on buyers’ wish lists, too.
Salisbury, home to England’s finest Gothic cathedral and best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta, is a fine place to live. Sarum Lodge, a new retirement development of 47 one and two bedroom apartments from £239,950 in historic Endless Street, is near the city’s core.
Culture vultures can enjoy Salisbury Playhouse, Wilton House’s stately home and grounds, and National Trust Mompesson House in the Cathedral Close. In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.
More information at churchillretirement.co.uk/sarum-lodge
A good example of quality over quantity is Hardy Lodge in Shaftesbury, Dorset a collection of 43 one and two bedroom apartments, starting at £196,950.
One of England’s oldest towns, its steep, cobbled and film-able Gold Hill (remember the Hovis ad?), fairs, markets and an annual food and drink festival provides the ideal combination of lovely and lively. You don’t have to venture far for terrific watering holes and eateries, such as Pythouse Kitchen Garden at West Hatch, The Beckford Arms in Fonthill Gifford and The Royal Oak at Swallowcliffe.
More information at churchillretirement.co.uk/hardy-lodge
Over in Hertfordshire, Sheldon Lodge in Berkhamsted, near Hemel Hempstead and bordering the Chiltern Hills, benefits from the River Bulbourne and Grand Union Canal meandering through the town. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Berkhamsted is also in the vicinity of The National Trust’s 5,000- acre Ashbridge estate comprised of beech and oak woodlands – and a big plus for those wanting to revel in the great outdoors.
History buffs will be delighted to know that Duke William of Normandy was offered his crown here in 1066. There are also literary links to the writer Geoffrey Chaucer, best known for The Canterbury Tales. In September, the Graham Greene International Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary in honour of the English novelist, born in Berkhamsted in 1904.
From £346,950, Sheldon Lodge is a delightful development of 48 one and two bedroom apartments.
More information at churchillretirement.co.uk/hertfordshire
By Cheryl Markosky