Date: July 2008

RICHMOND'S CROWNING GLORY

A newly thatched roof is the crowning glory of the sales and marketing suite at the retirement development being built in Letcombe Regis, near Wantage, by Richmond Villages.

The suite, which will open for business at the end of the summer/early autumn, was once a gatehouse, and the company has been determined to retain the building's character and charm throughout its restoration.   Built from local brick and stone, the two storey building will be converted into a cafe and shop for the residents once the retirement village is up and running.
 
The work, which took 10 weeks to complete, was carried out by local master thatcher, Mark Constable of Absolute Thatch, who has over 20 years experience of craftsmanship in the area.  The re-thatching involved stripping back existing layers of thatch to the original base, then replacing it with combed wheat straw.  The roof was then capped with a plain block ridge which created a perfect finishing touch to the ancient building.

Paul Jackson, development director of Richmond Villages, said: “As the new retirement village is in the heart of Letcombe, we feel it's important that it blends harmoniously with the existing environment, and wanted to retain the thatched roof of the sales and marketing suite.   Richmond has a policy of hiring local craftsmen where possible, and Mark has done a superb job.”

Richmond Letcombe is the fifth development to be built by the award winning company (see note) and will comprise a range of luxury homes that can be purchased by the over 55s.  These will include deluxe village apartments, providing independent living combined with the reassurance of a secure and sociable community where care and assistance are close to hand if needed.  These homes feature a kitchen, living room and one or two bedrooms, the majority also benefiting from an en-suite bathroom.

There will also be a range of serviced apartments for those requiring more help.   Living in a serviced apartment allows residents to maintain their independence, by owning the property and having their own front door, but they can relax knowing that all daily chores such as cooking, cleaning and laundry are taken care of.  ‘Assisted living’ includes all meals and drinks, and residents have free use of all village facilities, yet still enjoy the privacy of their own ‘home’.  These apartments will include a spacious living room, kitchenette, one or two bedrooms and an en suite bathroom.  Both the village and serviced apartments feature sumptuous carpets and décor throughout, and are appointed with high quality fixtures and fittings.

At the heart of the retirement village will be a nursing home with 30 bedrooms for those requiring 24 hour nursing care.  A further area will comprise dementia care bedrooms and dementia care apartments for couples.

The village's superb facilities will include a restaurant, café, shop, IT room and library, craft rooms, a bowling green and a wellness spa with a swimming pool.  The development will nestle in beautifully landscaped grounds which will include lakeside gardens and a nature reserve with disabled access for all residents.

Properties at the village will be available for purchase as soon as the sales and marketing suite opens.  Show apartments will be available to view in spring 2009 and the first residents will be able to move in from January 2010.

To arrange a visit, or to register interest in the new village in Letcombe Regis, please call: 0845 607 6405 or visit www.richmond-villages.com.

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Note to editors

Richmond Painswick has been awarded Best Retirement Development by both What House Awards and the Daily Mail Property Awards, and has received a Highly Commended award in the Assisted Living category at the recent Daily Telegraph Your New Home Awards.  These awards have recognised that Richmond Villages has created a stimulating and life enhancing environment in which to enjoy retirement.

Pictured is local master thatcher, Mark Constable, who has thatched the roof of one of the buildings at the new Richmond Villages retirement village under construction at Letcombe Regis.

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