Marjorie Moss, a new resident at Grove Place, near Romsey, likes nothing better than taking an early morning swim in the private heated pool. A fit 84 year old, having been selected for Olympic training at a mere 11 years of age, Marjorie finds the spa and leisure facilities just one of the many benefits of moving into her bungalow at this award-winning retirement village.

“I am going for everything here,” comments former head teacher Marjorie, “I have joined a card group, like the flower arranging, enjoy film nights, and rarely miss Sunday lunch in the restaurant.” 

Marjorie, who hails from Liverpool, where for the last few years, she had enjoyed living in a spacious apartment, realised life was going to get more difficult, and lonely. After losing her second husband to illness, discovering most of her friends had given up driving, and with both of her own sons stationed abroad, made the decision to re-locate to be near to her stepson and his family who live in Winchester.

She chose a one bedroom bungalow, and since moving in before Christmas, has established a new circle of friends, which she regularly spends time with in the Grade 1 listed Manor House.  This Elizabethan mansion, which is located in the centre of the village, and just a couple of minutes stroll from Marjorie’s bungalow, is where many of the impressive facilities are located; billiard room, library, film and TV room, elegant sitting rooms with a help yourself coffee and tea station, meeting rooms for crafts and pastimes, a chef-run restaurant and cosy honesty bar. 
As Marjorie said, “When I feel like a bit of company, I pop over to the Manor House, or as I still drive, go and visit my stepson and his family in Winchester, but equally, they rather enjoy coming to me and having the full roast in our restaurant!” 

Adjacent to the mansion is the brand new purpose built health and leisure centre with Marjorie’s regular haunt, the indoor heated 15 x 5 metre swimming pool, along with relaxing Jacuzzi, fully equipped gym, hair salon, treatment room and registered nurse run care services. 

The majority of the properties have private outside terraces and balconies, with an individual private parking space close by, and residents have use of the beautiful grounds with gravel path walks, a sensory garden, and rural meadowland.

There are still a few 1 bedroom bungalows and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments ranging from £175,000-£499,999. All the properties are linked to a 24-hour care team, who will provide assistance at the push of a button.  

To attend the next Open Day, obtain a brochure, or make a private appointment to view one of the interior designed show homes and take a tour of the village, call Sue or Sally-Anne at Grove Place on 02380 743 595. www.groveplace.co.uk 

Grove Place retirement village was thrilled to host the Romsey Abbey Choir on 10 December, the highlight of their final open day for 2011. The village was decorated to celebrate the festive season, with large Christmas trees both inside and outside the front doors of the Manor House and a display of hand-made Christmas stockings made by residents. 

Residents and staff were joined by several people who have purchased but not yet moved into the village and a large number of prospective residents who took advantage of the Open Day to visit the village for the first time. Residents, staff and visitors alike thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon performance, accompanied by festive food and mulled wine.

Both the Choir and the village enjoyed the day so much that they plan to repeat the experience next year.

For the Choir’s account of the day, please visit their website. For more information on the village, please visit Grove Place.

Grove Place is pleased to be the 2011 recipient of the Gold Award for the Best Landscaped Luxury Retirement Development. 

In 2006, retirement specialists LifeCare Residences acquired Grove Place, formerly an independent school, with a magnificent centrepiece period building, set in 27 acres of private grounds. 

The beautifully restored Manor House now functions as the natural meeting place for residents. It has an impressive range of facilities, including a chef-run restaurant, bar, billiards room, library, arts room and several lounges, complete with their original fireplaces.

To match the ambitious restoration of the Manor House, a full scale landscaping scheme was undertaken, to bring some well-deserved grandeur back to the estate. Distinguished landscape architects Anthony Jellard Associates were appointed to complete the transformation. Their task was to restore the grounds, design new gardens for the immediate surrounds of the Manor House and create more informal gardens outside residents’ own homes. 

The Manor House has a pair of very mature magnolia grandiflora, said to be the tallest in the county, framing its Tudor oak main entrance doors. These, along with a number of original fine specimen trees, all protected by a tree Preservation Order, in the grounds, were  carefully protected during the construction period.

The new communal gardens were positioned close to the Manor so that the residents could access them easily. A level garden, laid out in a series of partially enclosed spaces using the existing yew hedges as a framework was designed, with broad gravel and brick pathways. 

Tony Jellard put scent and colour at the top of the priority list, knowing these two elements would provide a great deal of pleasure for the residents. He created a ‘colour’ garden, an arrangement of box hedged parterres, planted with an innovative mix of perennials and evergreens that has quickly established itself as a magnet for both residents and wildlife, brimming with vibrant colour and scent. 

The re-vitalised rose garden immediately behind the Manor House also retains an impressive weeping cherry tree which bursts into full flower in early Spring. The several hundred rose bushes, ranging in shades of pale pink to deepest crimson, flower steadily throughout the summer weeks. 

Regular cuttings are made from both the sensory and rose garden to fill the flower vases in the Manor House. In the winter, evergreens come to the fore. 

Seating has been provided throughout for residents’ use, so they can enjoy using the gardens and grounds. The rest of the grounds have been retained as acres of grassland and woods, perfect rambling country for the Grove Place residents.

The gardens, with easily negotiable pathways are a great attraction for prospective purchasers at Grove Place. The 27 acres at Grove Place are awaiting their arrival, all maintenance free, as the Grove Place gardening team maintain all areas. 

Visit Grove Place for more information about the village.

Grove Place, the multi award-winning retirement village near Romsey, is rapidly developing into a vibrant community, which is already well into a lively programme of Christmas festivities, taking place in their beautiful Grade I Listed Manor House. This year, this includes a visit from the famous Romsey Abbey Choir, who will be singing carols for the residents at 3pm on Saturday 10 December, preceded by the tree lighting ceremony and the display of the Craft Club’s beautiful hand decorated stockings above the Tudor entrance hall fireplace.

“December is one of the busiest months in our jam-packed calendar,” comments new Grove Place Village Manager Ken Sutton, “and it was great to have welcomed 20 new residents, who have moved in just in time to experience their first Grove Place Christmas and New Year. They will be able to enjoy the festive days, either relaxing in their own luxurious apartment or bungalow, or coming to the Manor House, where they will be surrounded by new friends, visiting families, and the reassuring presence of our in-house management and care team.”   

The impressive facilities at Grove Place, which will be open throughout Christmas and New Year, include a chef-run restaurant, bar, cinema room, craft room, library, magnificent billiard room, several sitting rooms, and in the grounds, a sumptuous health and wellbeing centre, with heated pool, Jacuzzi spa, and well equipped gym.  

There are a few remaining apartments and bungalows at Grove Place; prospective 60 year plus residents can choose between a 1 bedroom bungalow and 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartment, ranging from £175,000- £499,999. All the properties are linked to the 24-hour care team, who will provide assistance at the push of a button.  

There are regular monthly Open Days at Grove Place, the next one takes place on Saturday 10 December 10am – 4pm, where all are welcome to tour the village and sample the Grove Place hospitality.  

Call Sue or Sally-Anne on 023 8074 3595 to book your Open Day place, or browse the website to learn more about Grove Place.

As he sits back in the Grove Place garden, sipping Champagne and enjoying some late Autumn sunshine, Bernard Curtis comments,

“Life is getting better everyday since I came to Grove Place. I moved in by wheelchair, after having some rather complicated heart surgery, and now, here I am, walking virtually normally, and looking forward a sunny afternoon chatting with my new found friends.” 

Bernard’s passage to Grove Place came courtesy of his son, who having read about the Romsey retirement village in a national newspaper, drove down immediately to check it out. He thought it ticked all the right boxes for Bernard, and wasted no time in returning to show him round, before generously putting the deposit down for his father’s one bedroom apartment.

Bernard continues,

“After my son and daughter, who have both been brilliant, moved me in, along with sorting out and arranging the furniture, I felt I could start to look after myself. 

The care team here have been great during my recovery, arranging transport to get me to and from not one but two hospitals that are currently treating and monitoring me. 

I have also found the other residents to be understanding and supportive, and it is always good to know I can meet up with like minded people in the Manor House to talk and spend time with.”

Grove Place properties are now over 70% sold, so prospective purchasers are encouraged to attend one of the two last Open Days taking place this year. They can then have peace of mind they have safely secured one of the remaining bungalows or apartments, which range from £175,000- £499,999.

The new residents, who have to be 60plus, have the added assurance that their Grove Place home will be linked to the 24 hour in house care team, who will provide assistance at the push of a button.  

Call Grove Place on 023 8074 3595 to book a place at the next Open Day, where from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. there will be warm Grove Place welcome, with a chance to tour all the fabulous amenities, check out the available properties, and meet both the Care Team and the residents. Chef’s freshly baked savouries, cakes and special recipe mulled wine will be served throughout the day.

Roni and Dennis Nightingale Smith originally met on the dance floor as members of the same dance school, where they were part of the ballroom formation team, dancing to the legendry Victor Sylvester and making regular appearances on BBC TV’s original Come Dancing. Roni and Dennis were then married to their respective partners and eventually retired from competitive dancing to focus on bringing up their children. Twenty seven years later, both sadly widowed, they re-met by returning to the same dance school. Subsequently the silver-toed couple started seeing each other and eventually hooked up to form their own partnership.

Today they are happily married and until recently, were living in Bournemouth. It was while they were on a mission helping to find a new home for a 93 year old friend of theirs, that they discovered Grove Place, which they thought was pretty much perfect for their aged, but very independent friend.

Roni continues the story,

“Once we had crossed the threshold of the Grove Place Manor House, Dennis and I looked at each other and thought, this is paradise! What are we doing, hanging onto our home in Bournemouth, when there are places like this where we can have less responsibility, and live in these fantastic surroundings. 

So we have rather beaten our friend to it, selling up Bournemouth and moving in here this year, and frankly, have not drawn breath since.” 

From day one, the outgoing couple embraced life at Grove Place, loving all the facilities, especially the swimming pool and the 23 acres of private grounds surrounding their apartment. 

Roni is also heavily involved in the Residents Committee, and enjoys helping to plan events both at Grove Place and outside the village. Last month she took part in the Romsey Town Summer Carnival, dressed up 1920’s style, following the parade in the Grove Place mini bus.  

And the 93 year old friend? Roni and Dennis are telling her to get a move on, she is missing all the fun!

Prospective 60 year plus residents can choose between a 1 bedroom bungalow and 1, 2 up to 3 bedroom apartments, ranging from £175,000- £499,999. All the properties are linked to the 24-hour care team, who will provide assistance at the push of a button. 

There are regular monthly Open Days at Grove Place, where all are welcome to tour the village and sample Grove Place hospitality.  

Call Sue on 023 8074 3595 for more information or to arrange your personal village tour, or browse the website www.groveplace.co.uk to learn more about Grove Place.

LifeCare Residences are creating London’s first luxury retirement village, Battersea Place, for people seeking an independent lifestyle, but with the added option of care available onsite. 

Just minutes from the iconic Albert Bridge spanning the Thames, and adjoining Battersea Park, the new village will come with a first-class range of amenities; perfect for the 60plus generation who fully intend to continue enjoying the delights of inner city living. 

Comprising 112 contemporary apartments with a price guide of £400,000 - £2.25m , and a boutique 30 studio/bedroom nursing home, Battersea Place will be offering superior amenities including a chef-run restaurant, café/bar, swimming pool and spa, library and cinema room.

Richard Davis, LifeCare’s CEO comments,

“In the UK we have a rapidly increasing ageing population, and in 20 years time one third of all households will be 65 years and over. Currently this mature market own £1 trillion of the UK’s housing assets. As they get older, they will require extensive ongoing care and support, so there is a genuine need for them to downsize, and realise their capital assets. This in turn will free up their sought after old family accommodation for younger generations to utilise.

Our first London retirement village is addressing the situation, particularly acute in the capital, where the number of 80 year olds will have increased by approximately 40% within the next 30 years. We will be offering new high quality  homes specifically designed to accommodate individuals who wish to continue living in the city, surrounded by like-minded people, in a caring and vibrant community.”  

LifeCare Residences, the internationally experienced retirement village specialists, are expert at creating lifestyles and environments to enrich the lives of their residents. They expect Battersea Place to appeal to sophisticated Londoners who wish to remain close to their favourite haunts, as well as their families and friends. 

The apartments, which include several large penthouses, will be comparable to other luxury developments with lifestyle benefits, already in place along the banks of the Thames; the only difference being, LifeCare’s will have 24 hour support from a professional in-house care team. In addition there will be a nursing home where the rooms are actually studio apartments, so still encouraging an element of independent living. 

LifeCare Residences will also instigate, encourage and support a thriving community amongst Battersea Place residents. Events, clubs and social gatherings will take place internally, along with options for residents to take shopping, theatre, gallery and concert excursions in small groups, using the Battersea Place mini-bus or pool cars. 

LifeCare Residences are a founding member of the Association of Retirement Village Operators UK (ARVOUK), which has established a Code of Practice to ensure the highest standards of services for all retirement village residents.  

Battersea Place Marketing Suite open daily 10.00-17.00 telephone 020 8939 9600 www.batterseaplace.co.uk

Barbara and Derek Dixon recently moved into Grove Place from Worthing.

Barbara comments, “We had been discussing the idea of a move for a little while, and really since my husband had a brief spell in hospital, our bungalow, although lovely, seemed a little too cut off, especially if
I was on my own.  So we started our search, and I saw the feature on Grove Place in a newspaper, and thought, we should go and look at that.”

So the Dixons visited Grove Place, and it was love at first sight.

Barbara continues, “We were immediately very impressed with both the apartments and the facilities, and actually, my sister in law lives just down the road in Lymington, so it felt right to go ahead and reserve a one bedroom apartment.

Fortunately we were able to sell our bungalow easily, so we moved in here at the end of May, since which time we have not looked back. We have made some lovely new friends, and are already into the social swim at Grove Place, literally, by joining in the water aerobics sessions in the heated pool, along with exercising in the gym, playing a weekly card game in the coffee lounge, and often entertaining friends in the Grove Place restaurant. 

Life here is really fantastic.”

Designed to appeal to people like the Dixons who have no intention of growing old, Grove Place is a stunning 27 acre private estate, located close to the charming market town of Romsey. It provides an impressive range of facilities in the beautifully restored Elizabethan Manor House and purpose built health and wellbeing centre, with spacious apartments and bungalows in the grounds. Residents have the security of trained medical care on hand 24 hrs a day, to be used as and when required.
 
The 60 year plus residents can choose between a 1 bedroom bungalow and 1, 2 and  3 bedroom apartments, with prices ranging from £175,000 - £499,999. All the properties are linked to a 24 hour care team, who will provide assistance at the push of a button.
 

LifeCare Residences report a significant increase in weekly visitor numbers at their flagship retirement village, Grove Place. This has resulted in a summer surge of reservations and exchanges, with over 60% of the entire development now sold or reserved.

"Our regular Grove Place Open Days, held once a month, are attracting a growing number of visitors," comments LifeCare's CEO Richard Davis, "They give viewers a perfect opportunity to sample Grove Place life. During their time here, they can tour all the fabulous facilities in the Manor House, as well as popping into the Health and Wellbeing Centre, and not least, check out the spacious accommodation in the show bungalow and apartment."

Designed to appeal to the generations who have no intention of growing old, Grove Place is a stunning 27 acre private estate, located close to the charming market town of Romsey. It provides 115 spacious new build individual homes in the grounds ranging from one to three bedrooms, with the security of trained medical care on hand 24 hours a day, to be used by residents as and when required.

The beautifully restored Elizabethan Manor House has an impressive range of club style facilities, including a chef run restaurant and a bar, which would not look out of place in the foodie guides, offering a sociable meeting place for residents and their friends. Then there is an oak panelled billiard room, well-stocked library with IT research facilities, plus several lounges and function rooms.

Adjacent to the Manor House is the brand new purpose built health and wellbeing centre. The complex features an indoor heated 15 x 5 metre swimming pool, relaxing Jacuzzi, fully equipped gym, hair salon, treatment room and registered nurse run care services.

The majority of the properties have private outside terraces and balconies, with individual private parking space close by, and residents have use of the beautiful grounds with gravel path walks, a sensory garden, and rural meadowland.

The 60 year plus residents can choose between a one bedroom bungalow and one, two and three bedroom apartments, with prices ranging from £175,000 - £499,999. All the properties are linked to a 24 hour care team, who will provide assistance at the push of a button.

The next Grove Place Open Day takes place on Saturday 13 August from 10am to 4pm. For more details call Grove Place on 02380 743595 or browse the website www.groveplace.co.uk

"I was so hoping Dana would behave and settle in well at Grove Place, but shouldn't have worried, she is very good, and absolutely loves it here," says resident Allan Ross, about his beloved Westie, who he regularly walks in the grounds, before they both settle down to chat with fellow residents on one of the benches in the sensory garden.

Allan, former local businessman, is highly sociable and intends to enjoy his retirement to the full. Keen to maintain his fitness levels, as well as taking frequent walks with Dana, he enjoys using the pool and gym complex, before meeting up with some of his new friends in the Manor House for a coffee and a chat.

Jane Slater, Manager for Grove Place concludes, "Well behaved animals will only be a bonus as far as the staff and residents here are concerned. So before a purchaser who has a pet, signs on the dotted line, we invite them to bring their animal along to meet us. In this way we can be re-assured that their pet is not going to be a problem for other residents. Understandably owners' pets will not be allowed in the Grade 1 listed manor house, where we have expensive furniture, rugs and tapestries, along with the restaurant and other beautifully decorated reception rooms, but of course, along with their own Grove Place bungalow or apartment, and under their owner's control, they have use of our wonderful paved gardens and grounds."