|
When Stan Taverner decided to move to Windsor Court in Singleton one of the things he wanted to make space for was his collection of orchids, or at least a good few of them. He had previously grown and nurtured orchids from seed and had amassed three greenhouses full of them at his family home in Ashford where he had lived since the 1960s, but when he decided it was time to move to a retirement apartment he knew he had to cut down their number.
'I have always enjoyed orchids and had more than a thousand at one time,' says Stan proudly. 'My wife Joan and I belonged to the Southern Eastern Orchids Club and competed in shows. We even won Best in Show.'
Stan brought five orchids with him when he moved into his brand new apartment at Windsor Court, a development of homes for buyers of 55 years and over from Great Homes Limited near Ashford. 'I wanted to see if they would grow indoors. They like humidity and light you see, so I'm watching them carefully,' he says.
The first residents have now moved into the 46-apartment complex, and a community feel has started to emerge. A bright terracotta and honey themed residents lounge and conservatory that look out over landscaped gardens provides the ideal setting for residents to meet. 'I decided I didn't need a three-bedroomed house anymore and wanted to be with people of the same age as me so there would always be someone to talk to,' says Stan. 'The residents' lounge is exactly what I wanted - to see people and chat.'
Windsor Court, the latest project from Great Homes Limited and based on the designs of its Daily Mail award-winning Sandringham Court retirement complex in Essex, has proved a roaring success with less than half of the apartments now remaining for sale. Its popularity has been attributed to its relaxed atmosphere, the superb quality of the communal areas and apartments, its location and the high specification of safety and security features.
For instance, Windsor Court has a CCTV entryphone system that ensures only known visitors are permitted access into the building, which is controlled by residents themselves, while a day manager is on call to ensure the smooth-running of the complex.
Residents can also relax in the knowledge that a 24-hour support and careline facility has been arranged by Great Homes with specialist management company Peverel for use in the event of an emergency, and, of course, the building is fully protected by an integrated fire alarm system.
Walking around the complex, the attention to detail is evident at every turn. The communal entrance areas and hallways are decorated, carpeted and even furnished in the same elegant fashion as the residents' lounge, while the apartments are beautifully presented and carpeted, too, with just the kitchen affording vinyl flooring for practicality. Each has its own private entrance door.
The apartments' layouts have been carefully designed for ease of living too. For instance, one or two bedrooms, depending on the style chosen, are set off a private hallway, along with a bathroom fully fitted with a vanity unit and in most cases both a bath and a separate shower, and a spacious lounge, dining and kitchen open plan area. Plenty of storage provision is provided throughout.
The open plan arrangement of the main living area has proved immensely popular at Windsor Court, with the wood effect kitchen complete with integrated washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, double oven, extractor hood and atmospheric lighting creating a focal point to the room.
I think my apartment is well set out, and really light and bright,' says Stan. 'By having the kitchen off the lounge makes the room look really big, and I like having the kitchen and lounge together as I don't have to keep going from room to room.'
Outside, Windsor Court stands in its own landscaped gardens where Stan and his fellow residents can help the team of gardeners care for the plants if they wish. A natural reed pond adds a feature, and there is lots of car parking provision. Surrounded by attractive wrought iron railing reminiscent of spa town architecture, the gardens provide the chance for residents to enjoy the summertime sunshine.
Just a short walk away there are amenities that include a hairdressers, confectioners, newsagent and a grocers, plus a couple of eateries for a lunchtime stop, while a good bus network provides easy access into the historic centre of Ashford. Here visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping and leisure opportunities!
For further information on the remaining apartments at Windsor Court, Singleton, Ashford in Kent, and what the complex has to offer, contact the sales centre on freephone 0800 0288177 or visit Great Homes Limited's website on www.greathomesltd.co.uk.
|
