Developer Cognatum Property has opened a new retirement estate offering independent community living in Wingham, Kent

Orchard View offers a mix of contemporary houses and apartments with two or three bedrooms, large flexible living spaces, storage and natural light throughout. Each property has a private garden, terrace or balcony.

The properties have been “discreetly future-proofed”, with walk-in showers; level access; wide, well-lit stairs, and the provision to fit a lift at a later date.

Joe Murray, architect at Kent Design Studio, who designed the estate, says: “Residents really have the luxury of space, unlike most residential developments. We built the development around the communal spaces, and this creates a real sense of community. It’s a nice balance: residents have their private space, but they can still easily get together and socialise in the communal hub, and as we have learned during the past year a sense of community is key to wellbeing.”

Cognatum Estates, a not-for-profit organisation with over 40 years’ experience, provide the management service.  This includes all grounds and exterior maintenance, as well as a lock up and leave service enabling residents to book spur of the moment holidays without worrying about their home while they are away.  There is also an emergency alarm service, and an hour of domestic support is provided weekly to each household. Should additional support be required, the estate manager can arrange contact with a selection of care agencies, all of whom have a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ CQC rating.

Executive director of Cognatum Property, Richard Williams said: “It’s fantastic to see the estate coming to life with the arrival of the residents, and to know that the properties we’ve so carefully crafted over the development phase are now people’s forever homes. Moving from the family home to a managed estate is a big decision, and we’re delighted to have over a third of the properties sold and occupied already”.

Prices are from £565,000 for a two bedroom apartment, and properties are sold on a leasehold basis.  At the point of subsequent resales a 1% fee will be charged.  There is no ground rent.