Rented retirement homes provider Birchgrove has completed the topping out of Pepperpot House, a new 52-unit development in Godalming, Surrey.

The ceremony was hosted by Birchgrove’s chief executive Honor Barratt alongside John Whelan, chief executive of housebuilder Natta and attended by more than 30 guests, including future residents who have reserved apartments.

Barratt and Whelan spoke about the roles their companies played in Pepperpot House’s development, and the significance of the project for the local community. The pair then inserted the final ceremonial roof tile, marking the conclusion of the project’s roof construction.

Pepperpot House will offer one and two-bed self-contained rented apartments to people aged over 65. Communal facilities will include a 24-hour concierge service, café/restaurant, licensed bar, wellness suite and a courtyard with a lounge and landscaped roof terrace.

The 1.02-acre plot has been developed on the site of a former Mole Country Stores that had stood empty since September 2017. As part of the development, the Grade II listed cowshed at the entrance to the site is also being restored to provide two one-bed apartments.

Pepperpot House will be the fourth addition to the Birchgrove portfolio, which currently comprises communities in Ewell, Woking, and Sidcup, housing more than 170 residents. Construction of a fifth community in Banstead is under way, with sites to establish four further communities having also been secured in Leatherhead, Surrey; Chiswick, West London; Hampton Court, West London; and Mill Hill, North London.

Barratt said: “I’m hugely proud that Birchgrove is on the cusp of launching its fourth site, but I’m even more inspired by our wonderful residents-to-be who attended the topping out ceremony. They are so excited about this next chapter, and to see them and their families together, interacting and forging a new community, is the real milestone for us. We can’t wait for them to move in and to be able to call Pepperpot House home.”