A new lifestyle community for the over 55s, 'Orchard Yard', has launched in the picturesque and historic village of Wingham in Kent. Located in the original farmyard of the 15th Century manor house Wingham Court and close to the site of a Roman villa, the scheme offers 15 contemporary two and three bed homes in an agricultural vernacular, with communal facilities and support services. 

The high specification homes will be completed in November 2020 with the show home open in October 2020. Prices will start from £560,000.  

Orchard Yard offers owners an active and independent lifestyle amongst like-minded people. With support services and estate management provided by the leading retirement estate company Cognatum, the new homes will enable downsizers to maintain their quality of life, with time for the more pleasurable aspects of life in a secure and supportive community.   

Peter Walton, Head of Cognatum Property comments: “With the current pandemic at the top of everyone's minds, the advantages of living independently on a managed estate have become more obvious. Whilst people may need to self-isolate, no-one needs to be isolated. Being part of a community that looks out for each other and an estate manager on hand for support has never been more important. And having access to beautiful grounds with neighbours to chat to will be so valuable if there are further pandemics.” 

Ross Anderson. Director of selling agent Fine & Country says: “Orchard Yard is unique in the area and I anticipate strong demand from mature buyers looking to downsize, that still want to live independently, but may need some support in future. The homes are more spacious than a typical retirement village, and with great facilities and support services in place when needed, it is a great option that will give residents and their families peace of mind.” 

Another advantage for owners at Orchard Yard is being free from the hassles normally associated with home ownership such as garden upkeep and external home maintenance, both of which are taken care of by Cognatum. Owners are also able to truly enjoy the freedom retirement brings and enjoy extended or spontaneous trips away, knowing that their home is secure and will be looked after by the estate manager in their absence. 

The Clubhouse will be the real hub of the community - a venue for numerous activities including a stretch studio, a gym and a space for social gatherings and visiting instructors, and the BBQ terrace and firepit will be the place to enjoy an alfresco drink in the summer months. A guest lodge is also provided for any family or visitors that wish to stay overnight while enjoying their own space. 

Cognatum will offer general support services to the owners, who in addition will receive an hour's practical help each week with tasks such as housekeeping. Extra care packages can be arranged to suit individual needs as and when required. 

Residents will be able to enjoy immediate access to the beautiful rolling Kent countryside and have Wingham literally on their doorstep.  The village has many amenities, independent shops and the award-winning pub - The Dog. From Orchard Yard there are picturesque views to the north of the spire of St Mary's Church, and to the south there is the site of a Roman villa. 

Orchard Yard is seven miles away from the lively City of Canterbury with its university and World Heritage Cathedral, and less than 30 mins drive from the pretty beaches of Sandwich and Broadstairs. Central London can be reached in less than an hour by train from Canterbury or from Ashford in 36 minutes. 

Proximity to ports, such as Folkstone and Dover, and airports make it ideal for second- home owners with properties on the continent, and those with an active and busy lifestyle who enjoy travel. 

The homes are spacious, low maintenance and energy efficient; and have flexible space and the structural provision for future additions such as a lift, should they become desirable.  The community will have 24/7 monitoring, CCTV and fitted alarm systems, allowing residents to feel safe and secure both while at home and away. 

The development will offer a mixture of nine 3-bedroom houses and six 2-bedroom apartments, with spacious and flexible reception spaces designed for home entertaining; and plenty of storage. Each home will have a parking space and dedicated carport, which has a charging point to cater for electric vehicles. 

The whole scheme was carefully designed on biophilic principles, aligning closely to nature for physical and mental well-being. Each property will have its own individual garden or balcony, and residents will have access to the beautifully landscaped communal grounds incorporating an orchard, green house and raised vegetable beds. Also in the design are hedgehog 'hotels', bird nests, and other initiatives to attract the wildlife and help it thrive. 

The two bedroom apartments start at £560,000 and the three bedroom houses start at £725,500. All properties are sold on a leasehold basis. There is a 1% resale fee charged. 

For more information please visit:www.orchardyard.co.uk  and www.cognatum.co.uk

For sale enquiries please contact

Cognatum T:01491 821170, E: Anne.Maddison@cognatum.co.uk

Fine & Country  T: 01227 479 317 E: canterbury@fineandcountry.com

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Editors Notes

Cognatum is an independent not-for-profit organisation limited by guarantee and is a member of the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM). They manage over 60 estates in the UK. They set themselves apart from their competitors by their prime locations, handsome buildings, beautifully-landscaped grounds and the personal attention of their estate managers. Their purpose is to enable downsizers to maintain a stylish, secure and independent lifestyle throughout retirement.