Enjoy the Easy Life at Queen Anne Court

DOWNSIZERS Tony and Jean Lowe are enjoying the benefits of living in a new home in Quedgeley that’s easy to manage and efficient to run and offers them support from friendly staff should they need it.

The couple live independently at Queen Anne Court, off Bristol Road, in a two-bedroom apartment they own but, when they wish, can choose to spend time in the company of like-minded individuals.

Retired engineer Tony explained: “When we got to the end of my working life we decided that we would downsize then rather than waiting until our health necessitated it.

“It was a natural break and we’re enjoying the ease of life. There’s a lot less stress. It’s about personal choice and making a sensible decision. A lot of people leave it too late and don’t move until they’re not fit enough and have stress about moving. We’ve found a good church locally and maintained all of the essential parts of our lives.”
The Aspen Retirement development enables home owners to enjoy the advantages of independent living, but with the backing and reassurance of friendly on-site support staff, an emergency call system and serviced communal areas, including a residents’ lounge, restaurant, conservatory, landscaped gardens and a guest suite for when family come to stay.

“When you move in you can take part in some of the activities if you wish – we do, we play scrabble with some of the other home owners,” Tony added.

“There are also nice gardens so we can sit outside if we want to but without having to worry about maintaining them.”

Tony, 72, and Joan, 69, moved from a three-bedroom bungalow in Southport to Queen Anne Court, Quedgeley, six months ago.

“Downsizing to somewhere smaller means we don’t use half of the energy we used to,” Tony said.

As well as saving money on their fuel bills, the couple saved on the price of their new home as Aspen has retained a 10% share through its shared equity scheme.

“The opportunity to buy 90% of the apartment was a big help as it meant we could hold on to some of our assets from selling our old home,” Tony added.

The location is ideal for the Lowes as it’s closer to their children who live in Cardiff and Braintree, in Essex, and very handy for friends in the Cotswolds.

“Location is absolutely vital and Queen Anne Court is ideally placed. It’s very central and has good transport links. There are lots of local amenities including doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries and shops within walking distance. You don’t need to use a car if you live here,” Tony commented.
The Aspen apartments and bungalows at Queen Anne Court are spacious, stylish and well equipped. Kitchens include an electric eye-level oven, hob, fridge-freezer and washer dryer, while bathrooms include a walk-in shower and a bath.

For legal completions by March 31, 2012, prices are from just £147,600 with Aspen’s 80/20 shared equity scheme. The home owner pays for only 80% of the property and Aspen retains a 20% share.

To find out more about life at Queen Anne Court, Quedgeley, contact Brian Stanley, tel: 01452 720511 or email: queenanne@aspenretirement.co.uk.