A secure retirement in Ditchling
When it comes to retirement living, the most valued offering is peace of mind for both residents and their families according to residents at St George’s Park, the visionary retirement community in Ditchling, East Sussex.
That means providing the highest quality of care in a charming and stimulating environment. But it also means offering the financial peace of mind of knowing that residents can still own the property they live in.
Three years ago this balance of care and practicality helped Sarah Pavey and her mother, Benedicta Fitzgerald, make the life-changing decision about the best options for retirement living. Mrs FitzGerald, now 90, was one of the first residents to move into St George’s Park, which has provided her with security, care, exquisite surroundings and a stimulating social life.
‘St George’s has given me peace of mind,’ says Sarah who lives in Surrey. ‘It has been a wonderful relief to know that my mother is in a community of like-minded residents, remains a property owner and still has her independence.
‘When my mother was no longer able to drive and had increasing problems with mobility, we faced a choice between sheltered accommodation with limited facilities or a residential care home. Neither were particularly appealing plus it would have limited mum’s independence.
‘St George’s had all the answers. Although it has grown substantially since my mother moved in, it has not lost its community spirit, and on my regular visits I, too, have made many friends amongst other residents. I know my mother has everything she needs – a vibrant social life, a fantastic circle of friends, and all the care she needs.
‘I rang my mother one evening and she said “I can’t talk now – its Wii bowling in the Bistro tonight.” Not a bad life for a 90 year-old!’
With a number of families choosing St George’s Park, many lives have been changed and altogether improved by the lifestyle and help provided. Philippa Hunt, daughter of residents Mr and Mrs Samuel says: “We were very pleased that our parents chose St George’s Park retirement village as it caters for many of their requirements, which are for my Father, who is 90+, to be in a Nursing Home and for my Mother, who is in her late 80’s, to live close by but in her own accommodation. The ethos of St George’s Park gives them both Nursing care & independent living within a community. This gives us as their children great comfort & peace of mind.”
Meanwhile Anne Parry has been delighted with how her mother Peggy has settled into her new home. Anne comments: “My mother had been looking for an apartment for some time as she knew the family home and garden were becoming too much to cope with. When we drove through the gates of St George's Park she knew she had found exactly what she had been looking for. Nearly three years on, she is very happy leading a busy life enjoying art classes, croquet, music evenings and many more social activities. The apartment is delightful and she can close her door and relax knowing that she is secure. There is an excellent restaurant, library, hairdressers and as she said it is like being on a permanent holiday. All the family love to visit and we are so pleased that she is 'living life to the full.'
St George’s Park – created by Augustinian Care, which was established by the Sisters of St Augustine in 1866 – offers the very finest in retirement living. The development offers a fine concert hall with an ornate ceiling, an ideal venue for events such as plays, guest speakers, film nights or concerts. Facilities also include a gymnasium and games room, restaurant, shop, cafe/bar, hairdresser, library and a well-stoked fishing lake. A swimming pool and spa, bowling green and tennis court are planned for future phases of the development, which is set in 250 acres of rolling lawns, resplendent landscaped gardens and extensive farmland just north of the South Downs.
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.
Prices for currently available properties at St George’s Park start at £345,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further information visit: stgeorgespark.co.uk
