Baby boomers reject country retirement
As the baby boomer generation starts to approach retirement, the concept of relocating to the country is rapidly being redefined in favour of a preference towards city centre living, with mid-lifers increasingly seeking to live in areas where they can expect to maintain active lifestyles well into their twilight years. For Tony Ingledow, who will be celebrating his 60th birthday in September, and his 55-year old wife Susan, the location of Crest Nicholson’s thehub:mk development in Central Milton Keynes made it the perfect choice when they were looking to relocate from the North. As Tony explains:
“We originally decided to move south from our home in Cumbria in order to be closer to our daughter, who now lives and works in London after graduating from University College London. Although we’d lived in Cumbria all of our lives, once our own parents had passed away we realised we no longer had such strong links with the region. We wanted to downsize anyway, and it made sense to combine that with moving nearer to our daughter.
“Direct rail links mean that London is only half an hour away, so our daughter can visit us easily – and vice versa of course! - but we still have enough distance between us to be able to live our own, independent lives.”
Tony works as a Duty Manager and bingo caller at Gala Bingo and, having been able to transfer to the Milton Keynes branch, is enjoying the fact that he can now walk to work in just over 10 minutes.
“It was really important for us to live in a central location and at thehub:mk everything we could possibly need is within easy reach,” he says. “Not only can I get to work easily, but the train station is also within walking distance and, combined with the excellent public transport links in and around the area, we actually have very little need for a car here.”
The couple have downsized from a Victorian four bedroom townhouse, into a contemporary one bedroom apartment. Explaining their decision, Susan continues:
“Now that it’s just the two of us, it made sense to start looking at more manageable options. Thehub:mk suits us down to the ground and the fact that it’s a new build development is yet another added bonus, meaning that our home was ready to move into immediately without us having to worry about costly and time consuming DIY.”
Thehub:mk offers a selection of luxury studios, as well as one and two bedroom apartments, set around a Central Piazza within 4.3 acres of landmark architecture and landscaping. With exterior façades featuring smooth, sleek lines and generous areas of glass, the modern design ideally complements the urban architecture of its surroundings.
“It’s wonderful being so close to the bars and restaurants of the Piazza,” continues Susan. “With all the shops, as well as a cinema and even a theatre, we’re really enjoying finding our way around the area. This is a lovely, vibrant location where we can really start to make the most of our free time.”
Inside the homes have a clean and fresh feel, with full height windows and open plan living areas that maximise the use of light and space. With sizeable living/dining areas, the homes all feature fully-fitted Manhattan kitchens with a comprehensive range of integrated De Dietrich appliances including oven, hob, extractor hood and, in many apartments, a dishwasher and fridge/freezer. The bathrooms feature white sanitaryware by Villeroy and Boch with chrome Hansgrohe mixer taps and fittings, whilst many of the two bedroom homes also have the added benefit of en suite facilities to the master bedroom.
Describing the development, Kerry Jones, Sales and Marketing Manager at Crest Nicholson, concludes:
“This is a stunning destination that appeals to a real cross-section of people. The fact that these homes are both affordable and in a city centre location has proven to be a significant draw, particularly when you take into account the fact that London is also within such close proximity. Milton Keynes has a cosmopolitan edge that is attracting professional commuters, younger first time buyers and, as Mr and Mrs Ingledow prove, older couples who want to make the most of their new found freedom!”
There is only one apartment remaining at thehub:mk for £167,950. For sales information visit Crestnicholson.com.
