JANE SLADE discovers that retirement housebuilders are responding to the needs of a sport-loving older generation
It’s not just youngsters pushing themselves through marathons, challenging bike rides and tennis tournaments. Retirees are dusting off their running shoes, golf clubs and tennis racquets too.
This growing group of super sporty over 70 year olds has spawned a demand for more dynamic fitness facilities in retirement developments. And housebuilders are responding.
Churchill Retirement Living, which boasts a former Olympic swimming coach and international bowls player among its residents, is now introducing fitness suites in its new developments.
The first one will be in Simmons Lodge, housing 52 one and two bedroom apartments, in Drayton, Portsmouth (due for completion early next year). “For a long time we’ve included wellness suites, where people can have their hair done or beauty treatments, but we’re now responding to health conscious retirees so trialling fitness suites with gym equipment,” said a spokesman. Apart from the on-site gym, the Lodge is also close to 18-hole Portsmouth Golf Course (www.churchillretirement.co.uk /0800 458 1856)
Richard Bacon, 73, (left) who lives in a one-bed apartment at Churchill’s Brindley Lodge development in Sale, near Manchester, is a serious sportsman.
He’s a marathon runner and not about to hang up his shoes any time soon. “I’ve always been active and used to play a lot of football in my younger years, but I really enjoy running and try to exercise every day,” says the two-time winner of the over 70s category of the Greater Manchester Marathon. “Now that I’m retired I have more time to train.
“I love it and it’s a great way to stay feeling, young, fit and healthy.” Brindley Lodge comprises 50 one and two bedroom apartments priced from £177,950 for those aged over 60.
Even if they can’t take part, evidence shows that retirees like living close to a sporting venue. Such has been the popularity of McCarthy & Stone’s Rockhaven Court in Horwich, an over 60s scheme overlooking a cricket pitch and bowling green, that there is only one apartment left for sale. (www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk /0800 2014811.
The ground-floor one bedroom property priced at £149.999 has a patio area, dual aspect lounge, and comes complete with carpets, curtains, light fittings and modern fireplace.
And PegasusLife’s Pegasus Court development in Taunton is proving a great attraction for cricket lovers as it overlooks Taunton Cricket Ground. With many of the 60 properties already reserved; the cost of a one-bed apartment with a view of the pitch is £289,950. Extras offered at the development include a gardener to maintain the roof terrace and an estate manager who can arrange cleaning, washing and ironing and delivery of ready-cooked meals in between overs! (www.pegasuscourt-taunton.co.uk /01823 252 833)
Many of McCarthy & Stone developments are close to golf clubs, bowling greens, tennis clubs and swimming baths. “We have homeowners of over 90 who still swim daily, 80 year olds playing golf at least twice a week, and a group who have set up a their own bowling club,” said chief executive Clive Fenton. “One 93-year-old homeowner has even ‘zipped’ across the Manchester Ship Canal for charity.
“Research has proven time and time again that sports and leisure facilities play a crucial role in maintaining the physical and mental health of our population, and it’s imperative that we support active participation in physical activity wherever possible.
Currently under construction from McCarthy & Stone, the country’s largest retirement house builder, are Harbour Lights Court which overlooks Weymouth Harbour and Silver Sands Court near Bembridge Sailing Club.
Alan and Jeannie Beaves, (pictured top) have been members of The Cliveden Club for over 21 years which is why they decided to move next door to Countryside Properties’ Cliveden Village for the over 55s in Taplow, on the edge of the historic Cliveden Estate. (www.countryside-properties.com /01628 666367)
Alan, 77, (left) a keen tennis player says: “Every morning, we go for a swim, and most days you’ll find me playing indoor tennis matches with friends, whilst Jeannie (aged 70) really enjoys the spa facilities and going to the gym. Having the woodland next to us is idyllic – when all the bluebells bloom in the spring, the views are really something, so we can’t resist going for walks!”
Buyers at Cliveden Village in Buckinghamshire can enjoy use of The Cliveden Pavilion Spa’s indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, gym, exercise studio, tennis and squash courts.
Once complete, Cliveden Village will comprise 131 apartments and houses. Prices from £499,950 rising to £1.1milion for a two-bed.
Audley Binswood, which has a swimming pool and spa also has a fully equipped gymnasium in the converted organ loft where you can work out surrounded by stained-glass windows. “Facilities such as gardens, gyms, spas and swimming pools keep people fitter and younger for longer,” argues Audley Retirement CEO Nick Sanderson. A second phase of one and two bedroom properties at the Leamington Spa village has been launched with properties priced from £385,000 (www.audleyretirement.co.uk /0800 466 1499.
At St George’s Park in Ditchling, East Sussex (www.stgeorgespark.co.uk /01444 259732) John, and Doreen Tessier have noticed their health improve since making the decision to downsize last year. John, 84, explains: “Since moving to our apartment, my wife (aged 80) and I have become involved in lots of activities at St George’s Park including line dancing, short tennis and table tennis. 
“We also both enjoy walking for at least an hour every day around the grounds and up to the onsite farm, where we have recently been watching the lambing.
“We are now looking forward to the opening of the health and leisure centre in November especially the new swimming pool.”
Rafael Court will include an indoor heated swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, games rooms, therapy rooms, café and hairdressing salon.
When complete St George’s Park will have 240 apartments, set in 250 acres of parkland and three 60-bed care homes. Property prices are from £310,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.
