New community is thriving in Wantage

Percival King, 84, was finding it hard to maintain his large property in Wantage, but now he has found the ideal home at Willow Grange, the David Wilson Retirement Homes development in the historic market town.

“Dad has just moved into a one-bedroom, ground-floor apartment at Willow Grange and it’s very nice,” said Percival’s son, David. “It’s a self-contained home with a parking space, which is ideal as Dad still drives. The development has attractive landscaped gardens and there are good social facilities.

“It’s great that Dad can live close to his family in Wantage, but without the worry of looking after a big house,” David continued. “I certainly feel happier knowing that he is living in pleasant surroundings and, although he’s only just moved there, he’s already feeling part of the community at Willow Grange.”

Sales director Louise Ware said: “Our residents’ lounge is becoming a hive of activity, with weekly coffee mornings and events like a craft fair. We also have a guest suite where family and friends can stay while visiting residents.

“Buyer incentives include part exchange for people moving to a smaller home and downsizers can take advantage of the Movemaker scheme, whereby we manage the sale of the buyer’s existing property through to a successful completion and pay the estate agents’ fees,” Michelle concluded.

Located on the doorstep to local amenities and shops, Willow Grange offers security, independence and convenience. Features include a video entry door system, kitchens with integrated appliances, a 24-hour emergency call system and a House Manager.

Wantage nestles just 13 miles from the spires of Oxford, and is surrounded by the glorious countryside of the Vale of the White Horse. The town is based around a large square which features a statue of the town’s most famous resident, King Alfred the Great, who was born there in the 9th century.

On the last Saturday of every month, scores of traders gather in the square for the farmers’ market and there is a town market every week. A month long festival of music and arts is held in June and July, with plenty of opportunities to participate. There is also a Dickensian Evening before Christmas, when shops open late and the Town Mayor and Town Crier lead the townspeople and visitors around the town.

The retired community is well catered for, as local groups include the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Round Table, WI, WRVS and University of the Third Age (UTA). Sports clubs include Wantage Bowling Club and Frilford Heath, Drayton Park and Carswell Golf Clubs. There are home library services and free newspaper tapes for blind and partially sighted people.

For further details of homes at Willow Grange, log on to Davidwilsonretirementhomes.co.uk.