Date: 20 February 2006

Richmond Villages, part of the Barchester Group, has opened a number of luxury retirement villages throughout the UK, with the latest village under construction located in the Cotswolds village of Painswick. These are no ordinary retirement homes. At a Richmond Village development, residents own their homes rather than renting them and so have something to show for their money. When the property is no longer required, for whatever reason, it can be sold back to Richmond Villages, which is hassle and worry-free.

Many like this approach to retirement and are choosing to buy into the schemes early in their retirement, when they are fit and can enjoy all the excellent facilities that are laid on within these purpose-built villages. Buying a property off-plan is also proving a good idea for those who have a favourite apartment or suite in mind; at Richmond Painswick more than one third of the first phase has already been sold off-plan since the summer.

Television and radio celebrity Valerie Singleton, best known for her appearances as a Blue Peter presenter, has visited all the Richmond Villages around the country and says: "Thanks to the ethos at the heart of every Richmond Village, the idea that life can and does improve with age is more than just a welcome thought, it is a distinct reality."

Richmond Painswick comprises a handsome collection of stone properties designed to blend well with the local vernacular. The development offers much more than you would find at a typical retirement home, providing a good choice of property styles and different retirement solutions that vary from independent living to 24-hour care should this be required. Regardless of a person’s retirement age, or level of fitness, Richmond has an option to suit. Many find this arrangement preferable to remaining in their own homes, where there is uncertainty over how long they might be able to stay there and where the support many not be consistent.

In addition to actually owning the properties they live in, another advantage appreciated by residents at a Richmond Village development is that they do not have the upheaval of moving again should their health deteriorate and they find they can no longer live independently.

They are not required to move to a different location simply because they need a different level of care; leaving familiar surroundings and friends is a daunting option at the best of times. Instead, they can remain in their Richmond Village development, where they are settled, and continue to feel safe and secure, enjoying good friendships with residents and staff alike.

Valerie has been impressed with the variety of living options available at Richmond Villages and adds: "Residents can have as much or as little nursing care as they’ll ever need, ensuring peace of mind. But perhaps most telling of all is the number of Richmond residents around the country who have told me they wish they’d made the move sooner."

Phase 1 of the Richmond Painswick development comprises 18 luxury apartments (known as independent living units, many of which are now completed) with prices for the two and three bedroom apartments ranging from £429,000 to £799,000.

Phase 2, which is due to be completed this year, is well underway, with this much larger phase providing a care centre, with 32 serviced suites (each with a galley kitchen, sitting room and bedroom complete with en suite) priced from £225,000 to £395,000, and 24 close care bedrooms for those who need 24-hour care.

You can live completely independently at Richmond Painswick, however, should you require help, there are four care packages available, ranging from £63.00 per week to £238.00 per week, which Richmond Villages then tailor to suit the personal needs of residents.

A service charge of an average of £80 per week is made; this covers ground maintenance, external property maintenance, a daily mini-bus service to and from shops and events, buildings insurance, administration and security.

Richmond Villages has an excellent track record across all its developments when it comes to security, offering great peace of mind to residents. At Richmond Painswick, for example, there is both 24 hour staff and CCTV.

The facilities at Richmond Painswick will be in a league of their own. Communal areas such as the elegant drawing room and the Laurie Lee Restaurant (on a par with a superior hotel) will be a focal point for those who enjoy socialising and taking part in the many activities and events organised by The Friends of Richmond. In addition, a café, shop, library and rooftop garden are sure to be popular meeting areas.

The Wellness Centre, part of Phase 2, is an inspired idea. This will include a spa, located on the lower garden level, with a pool, sauna and steam room; there will also be a fully-equipped gymnasium and studio.

Keith Cockell, managing director of Richmond Villages says: "We are fully committed to providing first class retirement villages that offer a wonderful way of life for those who live in them. Our focus is very much on quality, with this evident at every turn, both in the properties themselves and in terms of the support and care we deliver."

For further information about the properties available at Richmond Painswick, please contact:

Susie Oakley, Richmond Painswick manager, Telephone: 01452 813902,

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