Enjoy an energy-boosting retirement in Ditchling
Research published this week has found that one of nature’s great energizers is – Nature itself. Merely being in the great outdoors can instantly boost energy levels as much as a cup of caffeine-rich coffee, according to Richard Ryan, a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, New York State.
And that makes another very good reason to choose award winning St George’s Park in Ditchling, East Sussex, for the very finest in retirement living: its setting amidst 250 acres of rolling lawns, resplendent landscaped gardens and extensive farmland just north of the South Downs is enough to galvanise the entire community of 160 residents.
Professor Ryan’s team worked with 537 students to test the energising effects of nature, experimenting with both active and sedentary activities indoors and out. The students found that simply imagining themselves outside made them feel more energetic; actually being outdoors increased their vitality significantly.
That’s good news for buyers of the latest phase of two-bedroom apartments at St George’s Park, because they’ll need all the energy they can get if they want to make the most of the superb facilities on-site: a gymnasium and games room are already provided and a swimming pool and spa, bowling green and tennis court are planned for future phases of the development. There is also a well-stocked lake where residents can get even closer to nature for a spot of fishing. More relaxing pastimes are available at the restaurant, shop, cafe/bar, hairdresser and library.
St George’s Park is a retirement community created by Augustinian Care, which was established by the Sisters of St Augustine in 1866. The principal mansion, Máes Court, features a fine concert hall with an ornate ceiling, an ideal venue for events such as plays, guest speakers, film nights or concerts.
The apartments combine the best of traditional and contemporary style, with limestone fireplaces, oak-veneered doors, integrated full-height fridge-freezers, washer/driers, dishwashers, contemporary sanitary ware, quality chrome fittings and wireless broadband.
St. George's Park may enjoy rural tranquillity, but it is far from being remote. Both Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill are within three miles distance and provide choice local shopping facilities, including major supermarkets, and excellent rail links to Brighton, Gatwick Airport and London Victoria.
Brighton & Hove – the largest sea-side resort in South-East England – is just 12 miles away, offering its own cosmopolitan buzz combined with gracious 18th-century architecture and interesting curiosity shops. Café bars, bijou restaurants, theatres, shows, cinemas, arts festivals plus a marina make this a wonderful place to have virtually on your doorstep.
Prices at St George’s Park start at £345,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further information, visit: stgeorgespark.co.uk
