Head east for retirement bliss

Traditional retirement hotspots include many counties in the south west of the UK – notably, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. The mild climate, peaceful environment and access to beachside towns have been attracting retirees seeking coastal bliss for decades.

But the tide is turning, and with retirees having different priorities, the focus is doing a 180 degree turn to counties that are better connected, closer to the capital, culture, and transport connections, in particular, Kent, the Garden of England.

Paul Adams, head of property for Cognatum, says, “The new generation of retirees have a different lifestyle in mind than those who were retiring twenty years ago.

“Many retirees still have consultancy interests; others are focused on making the most of travel opportunities given their increased availability of time; and there’s a growing desire to be within an easy distance of children and grandchildren, many of whom will be based in London and the surrounding areas.

“One of Kent’s greatest advantages is its fantastic connectivity, with fast trains from Canterbury taking under an hour; Eurotunnel from Dover reaching Calais in 35 minutes from Dover; ferries to Calais and Dunkirk for European day trips; and Gatwick conveniently located just south of the M25. Kent’s motorway is the M20 which links with the southerly part of the M25, while the motorway network to the north of London is easily reached by the Dartford Crossing.

“It’s these fantastic communications that are making the county a favourite with the older generation who want to downsize to an area that has lots to offer, is within easy reach of London, and from which they have excellent options for transport overseas.

“Kent’s not all about convenience. The county punches well above its weight when it comes to coastline with 350 miles of North Sea, Thames Estuary, and English Channel. Nobody who lives in Kent is far from the sea. Having gone under the radar for decades, Kent’s coastal towns have been undergoing a gradual regeneration process and they now have so much to offer and are attracting young and old alike. And Kent is significantly drier and sunnier than it’s south western county cousins.

“Inland, there are charming market towns, beautiful countryside, pretty villages with local architecture and Oast houses, and of course the cathedral city of Canterbury.”

Anne Osborn, who’s 79 years old, bought her property at Cognatum’s development, Orchard Yard in Wingham, in 2021. She has a ground floor apartment with two private areas of garden that lead directly onto the beautiful communal gardens of Orchard Yard.

She says, “Living at Orchard Yard is ideal for those of us who like to travel. When we go away, even if it’s just for a night, we tell the Estate Manager that we’re going and they do a daily walk around. If they see anything untoward they can check it out immediately. And everything’s beautifully maintained in my absence, the gardener is fantastic, and he will water, weed and mow my patch, and look after my pots, if and when I need him to. I grow veg in the allotment, we have a huge crop in the summer, I love going out and watering, and picking, but if there’s a drought or a glut of courgettes or tomatoes while I’m away, I know it will be looked after.

“I’m loving exploring Europe, and I’ve done cookery courses in Venice, Sicily, Bologna, Florence and Seville. It’s fun to meet new people and cookery courses are a great way of making connections. I’m perfectly placed here in Kent for overseas travel.

“As far as living in Kent is concerned, it’s a beautiful county. Canterbury is a short bus ride away and it’s a fantastic city, with great shopping and facilities. The north coast is ten miles away, as is the east coast, so there are lots of beach options nearby. And of course the countryside is gorgeous – the garden of England. There’s a superfast train to London taking under an hour to St Pancras International, with the obvious benefits of onward train travel to Europe.”

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cognatum has four retirement estates in the county of Kent:

Orchard Yard, Wingham, Kent

A small development of fifteen luxurious homes with landscaped grounds, a gym, clubhouse, guest suite and allotments. All the homes have their own balcony or garden, plus a parking space and dedicated carport with electric charging points.

The communal hub is in The Clubhouse, where there’s a stretch studio and gym as well as space for social gatherings, while outside is a barbecue terrace and firepit. There’s also a guest lodge for overnight stays by family or friends that can be booked by residents.

The lovely village of Wingham is literally on the doorstep with a range of shops, restaurants and pubs. The beaches of the Kent coast, including Whitstable with its Oyster Festival are close at hand, and Europe is a short hop away via the nearby ports.  The historic city of Canterbury is a short drive away, and London is less than an hour by train.

Resident estate manager, guest suite, gardener, allotments, clubhouse with gym.

Prices from £600,000.

Learn more about Orchard Yard >

 

Eylesden Court, Bearsted

Built in the spacious grounds of a former school, Eylesden Court sits in a lovely open parkland setting with an orchard and backdrop of Oast houses and village church. There’s a croquet lawn and allotments. Right outside the gate is the village green that hosts regular cricket matches in the summer as well as monthly Sunday markets, and there’s a local tennis and bowls club. Bearsted train station is a ten minute walk away.

Resident estate manager, guest suite, gardener, allotments, minibus service.

Prices from £450,000

Learn more about Eylesden Court >

Atwater Court, Lenham, Kent

Atwater Court sits in the former walled garden and orchard of Grove House. Owners on the estate enjoy what must surely be some of the most beautiful views in England, across the gardens towards the tower of the 12th century St Mary’s Church. The properties surround two landscaped courtyards which include a large lily pond and fountain.

Lenham’s picturesque market square with its pubs, restaurants and facilities, is an easy stroll from Atwater Court, and there are rail services from Lenham and nearby Ashford.

Resident estate manager, guest suite, gardener, allotments.

Prices from: £280,000.
Learn more about Atwater Court >

Muskerry Court, Rusthall, Kent

Muskerry Court is in a classical parkland setting with a delightful tree-lined avenue. The properties are approached through an impressive archway leading into a formal courtyard with an ornamental pond and fountain, encircled by a gravel driveway.

Rusthall village has a lively high street and a wonderful selection of bars, restaurants, pubs, shops and essential facilities. Nearby Rusthall Common and its neighbour Tunbridge Wells Common offer between them more than 250 acres in which to walk, relax, picnic and birdwatch, while Royal Tunbridge Wells is a five minute drive.

Resident estate manager, guest suite, gardener, minibus service.
Learn more about Murskerry Court >