The bright lights of London beat the country

Chocolate box cottages are out and brand-new apartments are in as developers start to realise that discerning older buyers now expect all the comforts of a five-star hotel. Nowhere is this truer than at Auriens in Chelsea where 55 stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments offer a true city retirement alternative to the sedate shires. Ready by 2019, Auriens will offer 24-hour care for residents, thanks to Draycott Nursing & Care, which has a 20-year pedigree caring for the capital’s most high-profile clientele.

Prospective buyers can experience the kind of luxury lifestyle on offer at Chocolate box cottages are out and brand-new apartments are in as developers start to realise that discerning older buyers now expect all the comforts of a five-star hotel. Nowhere is this truer than at Auriens in Chelsea where 55 stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments offer a true city retirement alternative to the sedate shires. Ready by 2019, Auriens will offer 24-hour care for residents, thanks to Draycott Nursing, which has a 20-year pedigree caring for the capital’s most high-profile clientele.

Prospective buyers can experience the kind of luxury lifestyle on offer at Auriens’ show studio, where the team is testing cutting-edge technology, like lasers which detect potential mobility issues and motorized kitchen cupboards which come down to waist level. Other facilities include:: a 24-hour concierge service, hydrotherapy pool, spa, gym, private members’ club, chauffeur, pet parlour, cinema and gardens designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show winner Andy Sturgeon.

Later Living 

In line with its aim of challenging traditional care homes, Seb Fogg of The Delaunay and Sexy Fish will lead Auriens’ restaurant, which will appeal to those looking to ‘downsize to upgrade’ in later life, reckon Auriens’ co-founders Johnny Sandelson and Karen Mulville. They’ve both spent years bringing their vision to life after failing to find suitable accommodation when their own parents retired.

“At Auriens we want to change perceptions of later lifers, offering our customers the service of a luxury hotel, the care of a Swiss medical clinic, and style of a private member’s club,” says Sandelson. Prices start from £3m. Legal & General Capitals Phil Bayliss sees a currently chronic shortage of retirement housing in the UK:: “There are about 3.3 million over 65-year-old homeowners seeking to downsize, yet only around 7,000 later-living units are delivered annually’” says Bayliss, who sees residents at L&G’s ‘Inspired Villages’ thrive as they settle into the renewed sense of security that living in these communities offers.

"With the right well-designed, fit-for-purpose accommodation, this is a time to celebrate – to take up new hobbies and live longer, happier, more active lifestyles. It’s not the last chapter; it’s a new and exciting journey when people make new friends and new memories."

London is full of exciting neighbourhoods that are finally getting age-exclusive homes. Dulwich Village in south London rarely sees any new developments, let alone retirement homes, but Dulwich Gardens – for over 55s only – is changing perceptions in the area. Capital Care Villages says the scheme, which is the first of its kind in south London, is aimed at empty nesters seeking to live independent, active lives. The development features 30 one- and two-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from £379k. The gated community has a 24-hour emergency call facility and restaurant plus hand-held tablets to access room service or laundry facilities, which all adds to its five-star appeal.

Hackney’s London Fields is no longer just for bearded hipsters as Quadra Hill, for over 55s only, is perfect for downsizers seeking a city base, Quadra’s Tony Woodman explains:: “Hackney offers the perfect opportunity for downsizers wanting to live in the heart of an eclectic neighbourhood. The new-build aspect of the homes also offers a hassle-free lifestyle without the need to carry out renovations work.” One-beds start from £549,950.