Most people want to travel more when they retire so why not choose a home that gives you the freedom to do just that advises JANE SLADE
The ‘baby boomer’ generation has witnessed the greatest change in attitude towards retirement, and today think nothing of having several holidays a year, supplemented by frequent weekends breaks .
When asked what they want to do when they retire, most say ‘travel and explore the world’.
For those with larger houses and gardens, however, this can be difficult. People worry about what might happen to the house and who would look after the garden if they go away for too long or too often.
But for one couple, Mike and Sue Kerton, buying a three-bedroom ground-floor apartment at Richmond Painswick in Gloucestershire, gave them the freedom to simply ‘lock-up and leave’, and was a reason for downsizing and moving to a retirement village.
Mike and Sue each have three children from previous marriages and two of their eight grandchildren live in the United States. They frequently travel for up to three months at a time, visiting family and friends in Idaho, Boston and Tucson.
With security and staff on site to look after their property, gardening and any maintenance, they found that a retirement apartment was the perfect answer to their wish to spend long periods of time abroad. “We simply want to be able to travel while we can, and just ‘close the front door and go’ without worrying about what’s happening at home,” says Mike. 
“We operate a ‘buddy system’ with fellow neighbours who come in each day to water the plants, check the post and turn up the central heating the day before we get home. The staff at Richmond are willing to help if we ask them, and the tubs outside are tended by the gardeners, so there really is nothing to worry about – it’s ideal.”
Sue, 70, and Mike, 75, previously lived in a four-bed detached house next door to Richmond Painswick, and before that in Derbyshire. They moved to their ground-floor apartment four years ago; it has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a terrace garden that is Sue’s pride and joy.
“We recognise that one day we will have to slow down on our globe-trotting, and then the facilities the village offers will come into their own.
“We love the Cotswolds and being surrounded by the countryside — there are wonderful views down the Stroud Valley, especially from the rooftop garden. We have good neighbours, and there’s a great sense of community. The village staff are so helpful and willing — they can’t do enough for you,” adds Sue.
“The Village arranges free shopping trips to Stroud and Cheltenham, with runs to the local GP or hospital as required.
“We were looking for a retirement community, and this is a wonderful place. With a state-of-the-art wellness spa, swimming pool and gym, rooftop restaurant, activities and events, there’s always something stimulating going on — it’s a great lifestyle.”
Painswick is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within easy reach of Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud. The village has a Cotswold stone look to it and the attractive streets have small shops, tea rooms, restaurants and galleries in beautifully preserved older buildings, and surrounded by countryside.
Properties for sale
Richmond Aston-on-Trent:
Village Apartments: from £280,000 (1 bed) to £565,000 (2 bed)
Village Suites: from £185,000 (1 bed) to £385,000 (2 bed)
Richmond Witney:
Village Apartments: from £345,000 (1 bed) to £610,000 (2 bed)
Village Suites: £335,000 (1 bed)
Richmond Painswick:
Village Apartments: no current availability
Village Suites: from £275,000 (1 bed) to £525,000 (2 bed)
Richmond Letcombe Regis:
Village Apartments: from £475,000 (2 bed) to £615,000 (2 bed)
Village Suites: from £250,000 (1 bed) to £435,000 (2 bed)
Richmond Northampton:
Village Apartments: £340,000 (2 bed)
Village Suites: from £195,000 (1 bed) to £290,000 (2 bed)
Richmond Nantwich:
Village Apartments: £195,000 (1 bed)
Village Suites: no current availability
Richmond Bede Village:
Village Apartments: £130,000 (2 bed)
Village Suites: no current availability
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For more information visit Richmond Villages
