Case Study: Mr and Mrs Wilkin

Graham and Diana Wilkins, 72 and 71 respectively, moved to Wadswick Green in October 2019 from Littleton near Winchester.

“Initially we wanted to stay reasonably local to Winchester, because it would have been an easier move,” Graham, a former structural engineer, explains. “We had a look at one or two retirement developments in the area, but nothing particularly appealed to us. When we visited Wadswick Green and saw the facilities and amenities, we had seen nothing quite like it – that’s what convinced us to move here.”

The couple soon moved into their three-bedroom apartment in Almond Close, one of the latest developments at the village. They lead an active lifestyle and take part in the many activities, hobby groups and outings on offer.

Graham says: “There’s so much to do here, so we try to make the most of it and take part in most events. We felt it was important to move before we got too old, because that way we feel able to enjoy all there is on offer.”

The couple like to monitor their health and keep fit and particularly enjoy the fitness and wellbeing facilities.

Graham says: “We walked a lot prior to moving to Wadswick Green so we joined the owners’ walking groups and we’re very happy we still get to do it here. We also use the gym and pool facilities a lot – I try to go three times a week, and I like to think it makes me fitter!”

Wadswick Green’s onsite gym, located in the Pavilion, is open 7 days a week and accessible to all owners. It comes complete with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

“The gym facilities are very good,” Graham comments. “They have a variety of exercising equipment like treadmills, bicycles and a clever weight machine… I had belonged to a gym a few years ago but had given up soon after as I felt rather bored. There is also a personal trainer onsite to guide owners, provide advice, and develop custom programmes.”

He continues: “They have a lot of different classes like Qi Gong, Aerobics, and Yoga – we haven’t tried Aqua Aerobics or Zumba yet, but Diana goes to the stretching classes. All this exercising is very good, because now I don’t feel quite so guilty about having a glass of wine in the evening!”

The Wilkins’s apartment features three bedrooms and large picture windows and a balcony with views of the courtyard and countryside beyond. It has a spacious kitchen with engineered, high-quality hardwood flooring and the latest Neff appliances.

“It’s just what we needed,” Graham comments. “Diana paints, so we turned one of the bedrooms into an art studio with a pull-down bed for guests visits. I make model aircraft so the other bedroom doubles as a study and my workshop. The apartment feels very modern and spacious, it’s really well designed.”

Wadswick Green apartments are built with the needs of over 60s in mind and boast a single floor, open-plan layout for ease of mobility, walk-in showers, moveable kitchen units and waist-height appliances.

Graham says: “We have always loved Bath so we initially considered moving there as well. But most of the housing on offer were townhouses which tend to have up to four or five stories. We thought this just wouldn’t be practical as our needs may change in the future. It’s also very hilly, which again wasn’t convenient for mobility. Apartments at Wadswick Green, on the other hand, are future proof.”

The village can also offer its owners tailored personal care plans via its Rangeford Care service, which means a team of professional carers can be on call 24/7.

“We don’t use any of the housekeeping or care services at the moment,” Graham says. “But the great thing with Wadswick Green is that it’s adaptable. We moved here in anticipation of the future, so we know that if our needs change and we find we ever need it, help will easily be accessible.”

Bath is also located only 8 miles away, allowing them to frequently visit. “When we saw the location of Wadswick Green we thought, perfect! We use the chauffeur service – it’s very convenient, because we don’t have to worry about parking or anything. There are also visits to local supermarkets if required.”

The couple also enjoy the numerous groups and activities on offer. Graham attends the Gentlemen’s evenings, while Diana is part of the painting club. They also go on the organised trips to concerts, films and venues of interest.

Graham says: “It’s really easy to settle in here. We use the onsite restaurant and coffee shop a lot, it’s very good. We’ve been to the owners’ supper club and Sunday Lunch a number of times and we’re planning on going to the curry evening next Friday! The facilities and activities are what makes Wadswick Green unique: it’s really lived up to our expectations.”