Published in Sixtyplusurfers

The Canopy in Chigwell

There has been a long held belief that the retired generation choose to live in rural or seaside locations, places to enjoy their later years in peace and quiet. But Richard Williams of Cognatum, that has over sixty retirement estates across the UK, says that there is a growing trend for retirees to head for the suburbs of large towns and cities in their later years.

Richard Williams says, “While the fast pace and high cost of city centre living may not be ideal for many as they get older, what the new retiring generation are attracted by is the accessibility of the attractions that cities and large towns offer.

“There’s often a three-part geographical pattern to people’s home owning lives. They will buy their first property in the town or city in which they work, but will often relocate to a more rural area when they have a young family. Once their children leave home, there’s historically been an inclination to stay in the same area, even if they choose to downsize, or to seek out a new rural or seaside location, or to move to an area where their children are bringing up their own families.

“While there remains a significant proportion of retirees who choose to relocate to be near family, there’s a growing trend for a downsizing shift to the suburbs. This has possibly been fast-tracked by a long period of lockdown, during which the older generation found themselves starved of a vibrant lifestyle.

“With retirement freeing up many hours for leisure that were formerly dedicated to work, retirees are drawn to places that are packed full of culture, such as theatre and exhibitions, interesting restaurants and bars, and good shopping that allow them to be carefree.

“Transport is a key requirement. Rural areas that offer a sporadic bus service mean that retirees are dependent on driving taxis, while a good suburb with regular buses and trains that allow for unrestricted travel into a busy city or town centre is a huge benefit.”

Cognatum’s new development in Chigwell offers residents the enormous advantage of being within easy reach of a tube station. Travel to London is a breeze with Liverpool Street Station and nationwide rail connections just a thirty-minute journey from Grange Hill tube station.

The Canopy is a superb collection of 25 luxury apartments exclusively for the over 55s, nestled among the leafy treetops of the desirable and sought-after London suburb of Chigwell. Set in its own woodland, The Canopy is a perfect balance between bustling convenience and quiet retreat.

The large communal roof terrace, furnished with soft seating, and heaters for cooler days, is a perfect spot to enjoy views over the development’s lush landscape and further afield.

The apartments all have two bedrooms, one with en-suite bathroom, a guest bathroom, open plan living spaces, bespoke kitchens and underfloor heating. Many have a private balcony.

For more information about The Canopy, visit: @cognatum.co.uk/thecanopy

For more information:
01491 821170
property@cognatum.co.uk / www.cognatum.co.uk/properties-for-sale/

Cognatum, a not-for-profit company, has 60 retirement estates in 21 counties across central and southern England, a total of 928 retirement homes. All are in prime locations within vibrant market towns or villages, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Each estate benefits from thoughtful architecture, landscaped grounds, and a dedicated estate manager.