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When Sandra Causton spotted that Windsor Court, the brand new retirement complex in Singleton, near Ashford, needed a manager earlier this year it sounded perfect - it was exactly the job she had trained for and it meant that she had only a few miles to travel each day from her home in Great Chart.
"I approached Great Homes to let them know I was interested," explains Sandra. "It was ideal for me, and being just a few miles from where I live meant that if I was called out I could be at Windsor Court quickly." Sandra was referred to Peverel, the specialist management company with which Great Homes, the award-winning company behind the project, works, and took up her post in April. "I was delighted to join the company," she says.
Sandra's role at Windsor Court means that it is her responsibility to ensure the retirement complex always runs smoothly, and that residents don't need to be concerned about the routine maintenance of the building, whether the communal areas are clean or not, or whether the grass needs cutting.
She monitors every aspect of the structure and its gardens regularly, and arranges for specialist trade companies, such as cleaners, plumbers or gardeners, to carry out routine maintenance or remedial tasks as appropriate. Jobs finished quickly and efficiently is paramount, says Sandra, so that none of the new residents at Windsor Court are affected or inconvenienced.
It is Sandra's task to also check fire alarms and smoke detectors, and even that master keys work and family contact details are up-to-date in case of emergency, plus ensuring budgets and diaries are maintained. All this keeps her very busy. "I am especially busy at the moment helping the first residents settle in to their new homes," she says.
For residents, having Sandra around during the day means that there is always someone to approach if there is a problem. Sandra knows all the residents personally, and has an office where she can be easily found. "I see residents in my office or go to see them in their apartment on a one to one basis if they have a problem and we try to resolve it together," she explains.
"It is a big thing to leave their home where they may have lived for many years and move to somewhere new. It is so emotional for them, and every resident needs time to adjust, but when they do they always say how happy they are here, really happy."
Windsor Court has been designed with buyers of 55 years and over in mind and features 46 one and two bedroom apartments. Each home has a private hallway, bathroom with a vanity unit and in most cases both a separate shower and bath, and an open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen area. The kitchen comes complete with integrated appliances such as a washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, double oven, extractor fan and atmospheric under-pelmet and spot lighting.
Residents can also enjoy a terracotta and honey themed residents' lounge and conservatory, communal landscaped gardens and private car park, and live safe in the knowledge that there are safety and security measures in place. As well as Sandra's presence and Peverel's 24-hour emergency support, the building also has a CCTV entryphone system to ensure only welcome visitors can enter the building, and is protected by a fire alarm system.
The first residents moved in just a couple of month's ago and already a community spirit is emerging. A free internal telephone system ensures that the new friends made in the communal residents' lounge are always just a call away.
Windsor Court, which is located in Hoxton Close, a pretty and green area of Singleton, near Ashford, above all offers the chance of an independent lifestyle. A short walk away lies a small shopping centre with a grocery store, newsagent and hairdressers for everyday needs, while a good bus network gives easy access into Ashford itself.
"Windsor Court gives residents the opportunity to live independently, but in the knowledge that I am always here if they have a problem," explains Sandra. "I'm not allowed to give care or prepare food, but I can make sure everyone is okay and find out things like where doctors or libraries are, or contact a member of their family for them if a problem or emergency arises. Above all, I want to help ensure all the residents are happy here."
Windsor Court has been a success story for Great Homes and more than half the apartments have been sold. For more information contact the sales centre on freephone 0800 0288177 or visit Great Homes Limited's website on www.greathomesltd.co.uk.
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