London may not be everyone’s choice to spend their twilight years but Battersea Place, the capital’s first retirement village, offers a luxurious haven to both married couples and single retirees
More and more retirees are looking to downsize to the city, either because they want to live close to cultural amenities or because they don’t want to be remote from ‘life’ – particularly if they live alone.
Moving to Battersea Place, London’s first retirement village, was an obvious choice for Jean Bedford. Born in London but having lived eight years in a house with large garden in Windsor, then downsized to small courtyard retirement development in Uxbridge after her partner died; she decided it was time to downsize again.
Having reached the age of 80, and looking to the future, she realised, as there were no facilities or services supplying in-house care in the courtyard community, she would need to find somewhere that could provide extra support if she needed it, in a safe, secure environment that wasn’t far from the cultural attractions she enjoys.
[pullquote1 quotes=”true” align=”right” variation=”purple”]The car pool and mini bus are great ideas, no more worries about taxing and servicing, let alone garaging a car in London. Then there is the leisure suite, and as there is going to be a wonderful heated pool, I may even learn to swim![/pullquote1]
Originally a social worker, where her responsibilities ranged from childcare to mental health, Jean, although fully retired, continues to lead an active life, being both a volunteer for the British Museum and a member of the arts charity NADFAS, where she oversees administration for London study days.
With her commitments to the British Museum and having friends scattered around the country, moving back to her roots seemed a sensible choice.
The modern apartments at Battersea Place appealed greatly to Jean, along with its concierge services, specialist care, and not least, the country-club-style amenities.
“I have chosen a one-bedroom apartment on the second floor, and am really looking forward to the move,” she says.
“I know I will use the restaurant, the library and cinema. The car pool and mini bus are great ideas, no more worries about taxing and servicing, let alone garaging a car in London. Then there is the leisure suite, and as there is going to be a wonderful heated pool, I may even learn to swim!”
Battersea Place, close to the Albert Bridge and opposite Battersea Park, is London’s first luxury retirement community. Opening this Spring , it comes with the sort of services and facilities you would expect to find in a five-star hotel.
These include chef-led restaurant and bar, health and beauty treatment suite, indoor pool and spa, cinema, library, front of house concierge, and a fleet of pool cars will be available exclusively for residents to explore London at their leisure. 
Battersea Place will also have a 24-hour in-house domiciliary care team on hand, as well as a separate 30 studio-bedroom nursing home.
With completion rapidly approaching for the 109 apartments, there are still homes remaining, ranging from spacious one bedroom apartments up to the last supersized three-bedroom penthouse, priced from £650,000 – £2.9m.
Two show apartments are available to view. To book an appointment visit www.batterseaplace.co.uk /020 7228 6939.
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