Luxury Kintbury retirement village opens its doors

Pictured: Earl of Carnarvon, Nick Sanderson, CEO Audley Retirement, and Keith Chopping, Chairman of West Berkshire Council with his wife Mrs Penee Chopping

Audley Inglewood House, Kintbury has opened its doors on Thursday 6 June following an extensive restoration.

The modern retirement village will offer a new approach to retirement living thanks to the vision of Audley Chief Executive Nick Sanderson.

Previously a family home, spa and monastery, the building was purchased by Audley in 2004 whilst in deep disrepair. Audley decided to take down the building and rebuild Inglewood House. The estate now boasts a bar and bistro, restaurant, library, health and wellbeing centre and over 90 luxury retirement apartments.

Guests to the launch event were taken on a tour of the facilities and apartments that have already been completed, as well as the two guest rooms which offer accommodation for families visiting residents.

Guest of honour Lord Carnarvon was invited to unveil the plaque and said “If you see the wonderful natural beauty of the local area it is really important that these developments are good quality. I think this definitely fits the bill and it also challenges misconceptions of the retirement community, giving the idea that you are coming to be part of a nice club rather than a drab, dull retirement home. I think people will feel happy and fulfilled in retirement here.”

Lord Carnarvon also commented on what he hopes this will do for the local area, “As there will be people living here, there will be more people spending money in the local area which will help to support businesses in the smaller towns like Hungerford.”

The prices of the apartments ranges from £250,000 to £650,000 and every aspect has been taken into account, from the walk-in showers to the under floor heating. They will also have round the clock staff to provide as little or as much care as needed.

Nick Sanderson commented on why they chose Inglewood House, “We wanted to move down the M4 and this was perfect for us. It was a nice house that had been badly extended so it gave us the chance to trim it back and create something new. It took about 18 months to get planning permission. Then we had the financial crash and decided to stop and wait until things improve. Building work commenced in 2011.”

Nick adds “The idea was to show our potential residents that it was different to anything they had thought retirement was going to be like. Our staff have worked very hard to get it ready and it has exceeded my expectations.”

Around two thirds of the apartments have already been reserved before the development has been finished. Work is still underway on some of the apartments and red brick cottages. To arrange a viewing or for more information call 01488 682 100 or visit www.audleyretirement.co.uk