A Lincolnshire woman says moving to a bungalow has improved her everyday quality of life as figures show demand is through the roof. Bungalows have long been favoured by retirees wanting to downsize or looking to avoid climbing the stairs several times a day.
However, figures show that supply isn’t keeping up with demand due to increased competition for bungalows from both older and younger buyers. It is estimated that there are 12.5 million people aged 65 and over in the UK with not enough suitable options for them to move to in later life.
In Lincolnshire, developer and manager of retirement communities, McCarthy Stone, is taking steps to provide options for older people in the area. The developers recently opened 41 one and two-bedroom bungalows for the over 55s at Hotchkin Gardens in Woodhall Spa, where homeowners have started to move in since the retirement community opened its doors last year.
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One woman who moved into one of the new bungalows is 76-year-old Jennifer Boulstridge. She previously lived in a retirement home apartment across the road. She said: “I initially moved into a McCarthy Stone apartment across the road at Gibson Court shortly after my husband passed away.
“I had a fantastic time whilst I was there, getting to know the staff and forging lifelong friendships with the other homeowners, some of whom I still visit and vice versa.
“However, prior to moving there, my husband and I lived in a bungalow. When he died, the space felt empty, and I didn’t want to live alone in what was too big for one person. We both really loved the bungalow, so I was only prepared to leave it for the right place.”
She added: “I missed bungalow living and the thought of having my own garden really appealed – so moving from my apartment to Hotchkin Gardens just made sense. I very much enjoy my own company and being alone with my own thoughts – and Hotchkin Gardens has granted me that, helping to improve my everyday quality of life.”
Located on Tattershall Road, the development comprises nine one-bedroom and 32 two-bedroom retirement bungalows, plus eight three-bedroom cottages, exclusive to the over 55s. Property prices at Hotchkin Gardens start from £199,950, with each property coming with its own private back garden, along with access to the superb communal spaces, including the pavilion and relaxing sensory garden.
Jenny said: “We get lots of people come to visit the development at the weekends and they always ask the residents what it’s like to live here. I always tell them how much I love it. The location is great too; Woodhall Spa is a beautiful town with many amenities, from coffee shops, butchers and fishmongers to hairdressers and independent boutiques.”
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