With last week’s spending cuts leaving those under the age of 57 with the gloomy prospect of waiting until at least 66 to receive a state pension (The Guardian, 20 October 2010), downsizing at an early stage may be about to become more appealing, or financial necessary, than ever.

The Knight Frank 2010 Retirement Housing Report also addressed this issue, referring to “the need to release equity, and potentially move to a smaller property rather than the traditional pattern of a move from a family sized house to a warden-assisted flat.”

The report continued: “People are living longer, healthier and more active lives, and this will have a dramatic impact on housing requirements later in life. The need for residential care is diminishing.”

Long-established Scottish developers Bancon Homes and CHAP Homes anticipated this trend and, last year, embarked on a unique joint venture to offer exclusive, luxury living for active, independent, people over 55.

Woodland Grove, located in Milltimber, is one of the first developments of its kind in Scotland and the only property north of the border to reach the Daily Telegraph’s list of ‘Britain’s Most Desirable Retirement Properties.’ The Woodland Grove concept is perfect for those not yet ready for retirement but looking to downsize, freeing up finances and time to ensure a luxurious, comfortable and manageable third age.

CHAP Homes managing director Bill Burr explains: “I know we’ve got something really special here. We are not a retirement village. We are definitely not a care home. Some owners are still in full-time work and most are very active. With an aging population, it is important that house builders reflect the way people actually live their lives. We remove the hassle of running a larger home and allow owners to get on with the rest of their independent lives. This is a well-tested concept in the USA and Scandinavia. As the number of people aged over 55 increases, Scotland needs to catch up.”

The Knight Frank report also highlighted this, citing the popularity of the concept in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Half of the luxurious homes at Woodland Grove have already been sold and occupied, indicating that the local market is likely to catch on to the new concept. Apartment owner Evelyn Burt said: “We knew it was home. Milltimber is a great area and Woodland Grove is a lovely building although we’re not home too often as we’re always on the go. It’s so secluded, with such beautiful grounds, I feel like I’m in a country club. We have been able to retain our independence but eliminate the hassle and worry of managing a big house.”

Evelyn’s husband, Norman, continued: “I love waking up here in the mornings and coming home here at the end of the day. No-one could come out here and not be happy.”

Patricia Edwicker and her husband Alec were the first people to move into Woodland Grove. Patricia said: “Woodland Grove ticks all the boxes. It was a fixed price, it’s located in the country and it boasts excellent views. But the fact that our Alsatian dog, Roxy, is welcome is the jewel in the crown.”

The beautiful 14-acre Woodland Grove site is nestled in a semi-rural location at Milltimber, a sought-after suburb close to Aberdeen’s West End. This provides the ideal balance with close proximity to the city centre and the countryside. The location is also ideal for leisure pursuits, with golf, walks, gyms and spas nearby. The four-storey fully-refurbished Victorian granite building is surrounded by gardens and woodland. No expense has been spared in developing these one-bed and two-bed apartments, from the tasteful internal oak doors to the sun-catching balconies and quality en-suites. Prices range from £195,000 to £345,000.

For further details, visit Woodland Grove today.

Editor, Third Age.