Life at St George’s is as easy as riding a bike

Riding a bike is a proven stress reliever and, regardless of whether it’s for pleasure or to get you from A to B, you will arrive at your destination feeling relaxed, energised and happier about everything - especially when you don’t have to worry about other vehicles. So when Derek Moore and his wife Valerie found themselves at St George’s Park Retirement Village, which is wrapped in some 250 acres of beautiful countryside, the opportunity to get on a bike again suddenly presented itself.

“We chose to move to St George’s because of its rural location and what that had to offer us. I have not ridden a bike since I was 20 and didn’t dream that I would be doing so again at the age of 75! When you find yourself living in a home alongside quiet footpaths, fields and woodlands - all waiting to be explored, it seemed a very logical thing to do,” commented Derek.

“St George’s seems to offer a lifestyle that suits everyone and starting something new is refreshing and exciting. We’ve even taken the opportunity to play bowls, table tennis and a little croquet. There is no pressure to get involved with the activities here; but it’s nice to know that there is always something going on,” says Derek.

“I love local history and when we lived in Bletchingley, near Redhill in Surrey, I became Chairman of the Blechingley Conservation and Historical Society - something I have been doing for the past 25 years: so when I started to look into the history of St George’s I became so enthralled with the Augustinian Care and St George’s Retreat, that I arranged for an historical talk to be given to those who wanted to know more about their surroundings. Almost 100 residents came to listen as well as enjoy a cup of tea and view dozens of old pictures in an exhibition entitled ‘Yesterday is History’. It’s rewarding to know that other people are interested in finding out about the place that they are pleased to call home.”

Valerie said, “We are overwhelmed by how friendly everyone is. There is always a ‘Good Morning’ even from those who don’t even know you. There is a real community spirit here amongst people who have the same goals in life as ourselves – to enjoy and be happy in retirement.”

Currently available for immediate occupation are just two 2 bedroom apartments in Birch Walk, which are available from £345,000, whilst prices at The Cedars start from £365,000.

The superbly designed kitchens combine both simple elegance and functionality, whilst the bathrooms are complete with white sanitary ware and quality chrome fittings throughout. The living room includes a classic limestone fireplace with slate hearth and electric fire, whilst the master bedroom has fitted wardrobes. Additional features include energy efficient gas central heating and cat 5 cabling giving broadband and satellite access.

For peace of mind St George’s Park has ensured that all apartments come with monitored security, video entry and fire alarm systems.

For those not wanting to cook, there is an excellent restaurant in the retirement village, whilst the concierge is there to help with any queries or requests. There is also a well-stocked convenience shop, a multi-function gym, a hairdressing salon, treatment suite, games and snooker room, a library with IT and internet service, bowling green and croquet lawn.

Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill are less than 3 miles from St George’s Park, offering good local shopping including major supermarkets and excellent rail links to Brighton, Gatwick Airport and London Victoria.
For further information on St George’s Park, visit stgeorgespark.co.uk.