Homeowners moving to Riverside Gardens on Wetherby Road in Knaresborough are receiving a warm welcome from the hand-picked team.

The exclusive community, from Adlington Retirement Living, offers a selection of 61 age-exclusive one, two and three-bedroomed apartments. Communal facilities at Riverside Gardens include a homeowners' lounge, coffee lounge, on-site restaurant, hair salon, therapy room, and activities studio, all of which can be used by homeowners as an extension of their own private apartment.

A dedicated on-site team of 12 people, led by General Manager Gillian Ward-Brown, has been appointed to ensure homeowners enjoy the highest standards and outstanding support from day one. The team includes six highly experienced Duty Managers, housekeeping, maintenance, chef and restaurant staff, all working together to create a warm and welcoming community atmosphere.

Alexandra Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director for Adlington Retirement Living said: “Moving into an Adlington Retirement Living apartment is far more than just moving into a new home. It's a chance to become part of a thriving community and to enjoy having a supportive network around you. Our communities provide a safe, secure and happy environment with a circle of friends, a family of like-minded people and a sense of belonging.”

Having a supportive network around you can make a world of difference to your wellbeing.

In fact, ARCO, the independent body that sets standards for retirement communities, found that moving to a retirement community results in a 24% decrease in anxiety symptoms among homeowners.

Adlington Retirement Living homeowners have access to their own on-site management team in each community, who are available 24hours a day, 365 days a year. Like a good neighbour, they're the first port of call for any problems, large or small, and will always go the extra mile to help out.

Gillian Ward-Brown, General Manager at Riverside Gardens, said: “For me, it's all about the relationship with our homeowners. I want everyone here to feel listened to, valued and part of something special.”

Before joining Adlington Retirement Living, Gillian managed Adlington House in Otley for almost two years, where she built a strong rapport with homeowners. Her career spans more than 20 years in hospitality, 10 years as a school business manager, and five years in retirement living.

“It was lovely when I told the homeowners at Otley that I was moving to Knaresborough; they gave me cards, flowers and even a little leaving party, which really touched me. I just always try to do my best for them, and I'll bring that same approach to Riverside Gardens.

“It's exciting to start a brand-new community from scratch and to be able to put my own stamp on it. Having opened hotels and restaurants before, including Ripon's Grantley Hall, I love creating welcoming spaces and teams that feel like family. We already have our Duty Managers in place and are planning activities from coffee mornings and craft sessions to gentle exercise and gardening clubs. Most importantly, we'll always have time for a chat, because that's how communities grow.”

Her hand-picked team brings together a wealth of experience too. Rudy worked in hospitality for 12 years; Heather was an NHS matron; Elvira previously worked in a retirement community and before that was a lawyer in Ukraine; and Sally ran her own decluttering and organising business for 12 years. Gillian said she looks first for people with “a naturally caring, friendly attitude who want to go above and beyond. That's what really makes the difference.”

The 24-hour on-site Adlington team will provide homeowners with added peace of mind and can arrange optional tailored personal care packages, whenever they are required now, or in the future. In addition, there is a sophisticated emergency call system and a security video entry system to manage access into the building.

Homeowners at other Adlington Retirement Living communities have shared similar experiences of feeling supported and enjoying a worry-free lifestyle.

David, a homeowner at The Spindles in Menston, said: “When you move here, all of a sudden, you're not looking at jobs that need doing around the house and garden. The worry has instantly all gone away. You see people doing the gutters and you know all these things are taken care of. You don't have to lift a finger. The camaraderie is one of the best things about living here, without a doubt, because I see far more people than I ever did. There's a real community spirit and we're just having more fun.”

Jane, another Adlington homeowner, said: “I think one of the biggest things is keeping people comfortable and safe. I felt settled here straight away. Not all retirement communities have somebody on call 24/7. We're also lucky with the team that we have. We see them as our friends, not just managers. Moving here was the best thing I've ever done in my life, except for marrying my husband. Since I moved in, my life is far more than I ever thought it could be. It's a marvellous community. There isn't anything I don't like.”

If you would like to find out more, a range of beautifully furnished show apartments are open to view daily at Riverside Gardens, on Wetherby Road, from 10am to 5pm. Call 01423 222478 to find out more or visit adlington.co.uk to book your private tour.