ANN AYRES

Having viewed retirement properties she didn’t like, Ann Ayres had a very good idea what she was looking for. And she found it at Roseland Parc Retirement Village during a weekend stay on the Try Before You Buy scheme. The scheme has been introduced by Roseland Parc’s developers Retirement Villages to give potential purchasers a taste of the lifestyle they could enjoy.

“A lot of people are interested in the concept of a retirement village but don’t quite understand how it would work for them,” said Retirement Villages’ Sales and Marketing Director Sarah Burgess. “Spending a couple of days in one of our dedicated apartments enables them to get involved in village activities, talk to residents and really live the experience.”

For others, moving to an age-exclusive community will mean leaving the sizeable home, possibly where they’ve brought up their family.

“The thought of downsizing from maybe a three or four bedroom house to a one or two bedroom apartment worries some people,” said Sarah. “But our apartments retain a feeling of space and, of course, there are plenty of communal areas, inside and outside, for residents to make the most of.”

For Mrs Ayres, a two day stay was enough to persuade her Retirement Villages’ living would suit her perfectly.

“I came down to stay for a couple of days and I fell in love with it,” said Mrs Ayres. “Everybody was so friendly, I had a great welcome and the apartments were beautiful.”

Mrs Ayres’ daughter had recently moved to Cornwall and wanted her mum, who lived in Windsor, Berkshire, nearby. But for 86-year-old Mrs Ayres maintaining her independence was key.

Roseland Parc offered her the best of both worlds. A high-spec two bedroom apartment with her own front door with a host of facilities – including restaurant, swimming pool, fitness suite, landscaped grounds, hair and beauty salon – on her doorstep. The highly-serviced environment frees her from the grind of chores and the close-knit community provides plenty of like-minded people to mix with.

“It’s a wonderful place, I really don’t think we could ask for more,” said Mrs Ayres, who is a widow. “And I love having the company.

“I’ve been having hydrotherapy lessons in the pool for my knees and the hairdresser is very good. I can’t imagine anywhere you could get such excellent standards of meals at such a good price as in our restaurant.”

Find out more about our Try Before You Buy scheme >>