When Trish decided it was the right time to retire, she started searching for the perfect new home to mark the next chapter in her life.

She comments: “I knew I needed more than just a home, but somewhere that promoted a lively lifestyle with activities which encouraged me to be out and about.”

After seeing an advertisement for Rangeford Village’s latest retirement village for the over 60s, Strawberry Fields, in a local Stapleford community magazine, Trish promptly showed interest in the new homes available. She adds: “I was interested in the village from the very beginning. I first visited in March 2024 and attended many of the pre-purchase events hosted by Rangeford. I quickly knew this was the ideal place for me, and the sales team always made me feel comfortable and supported. This has been carried on by the village team, radiating warmth, friendship and availability to help as needed.”

As the first owner to have moved into Strawberry Fields, Trish can enjoy watching the new community flourish around her. “My new home is just perfect, I already feel very settled and am getting to know the other owners as they move in.”

One of the main standouts for Trish is that Strawberry Fields is an open village. The Rangeford team work hard to ensure its outward-facing and well-integrated with the wider Stapleford community. “The location of the village and proximity to local amenities were essential for me. I enjoy being a member of the Stapleford community, so the inclusive feel of the village is great. The on-site restaurant, Wild Thyme, is open to everyone. Many of the events hosted at Strawberry Fields are for locals too and it’s similar for the gym and spa memberships.”

Strawberry Fields has a range of spectacular hotel-style amenities at the Club House and Revive Spa. Trish adds: “I am overwhelmed by all the facilities that we have access to, it’s just amazing. In particular, it’s been wonderful to get back to swimming.”

Activities and events are another priority at the village to bring everyone together and promote the wellbeing of owners. “From the Summer Fair to the official opening event of the village, where Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen led the official ribbon cutting, the events are not only really well-organised but they have been a great way to meet my neighbours. I can’t wait for what’ll be planned next.

“The jam-packed schedule of activities has also allowed me to try things I’ve never done before. We recently had an art session which was thoroughly enjoyable. There is something for everyone.”

“I was drawn to Homewood Grove because, first of all, I could bring my dog; I mean, I never would have come if I couldn’t bring her, and she has been so welcomed. One of the staff made her a cone full of biscuits and a little tennis ball, so she has been made very welcome, which is lovely.”

“There’s lots going on here with all the facilities; it’s lovely, and I have lovely views, and the staff could not be more attentive, and it’s been really, really good.”

“As I heard people kept saying they wish they had done this years ago, and I can see where they are coming from now. It’s definitely to be recommended.”

“I think we were drawn to Homewood Grove because we’d looked at two or three other retirement places, but they were very old and looked like big country houses that had been converted into flats. They did not have any proper balconies, and they did not look the part. But when we came here to look at the ones here, these were so modern, so clean, so sharp, purpose-built, and with lovely big balconies. It made a world of difference to us.”

“And the staff have been absolutely wonderful; I can’t fault the staff at all, absolutely ely superb. If anything, the staff have made it because they have been so good and so helpful. They can’t do enough for you, and we love it.”

“It’s given us a new lease on life, because before we were stagnant. The activities here have been very, very good for us and our age group. We never thought that we would be going and doing aquaerobics a couple times a week and tai chi at our age, but we’ve enjoyed doing it, and we feel fitter and healthier for it. And even the family has said they can see a remarkable difference in just five weeks.”

“I think mainly we moved to Rangeford Villages to bring us closer to family. Our age group now, we did not want to be a burden on the family, and when we looked at Rangeford, it offered everything and ticked all the right boxes for us.”

Mr Stevenson, 71 a retired Technical Trainer in the Aviation Industry and former RAF employee & Mrs Stevenson 69, a retired Personal Assistant and former Police Officer, have been living at Mickle Hill in North Pickering since 8^th May 2024, after moving from a large 4-bedroom property in Ayrshire, Scotland.

The couple first heard about Rangeford Villages after Mrs Stevenson’s sister, who lived in Wiltshire, told them about one of Rangeford Villages at Wadswick Green in Wiltshire. The couple loved the Rangeford Village style and feel; however, they ideally wanted a bungalow, and when they discovered that Mickle Hill had a range of fantastic dormer bungalows, they were delighted and decided to book a viewing.

The couple took advantage of the Rangeford ’Try Before You Buy’ scheme, which allows interested buyers to spend an overnight stay in a property to experience the Rangeford lifestyle. The couple said they were really impressed with the village upon arrival, and how well maintained it was, as well as the facilities and the friendly owners that they met on the first night, who all seemed to be really enjoying life at the village. After viewing a delightful 2-bedroom dormer bungalow with pretty countryside views, they were instantly sold and put down a deposit the next day.

All in all, the couple agree that moving to Mickle Hill is the “the best thing we’ve ever done” and would recommend it to anyone considering a similar move and who wants to enjoy a hassle-free retirement in a beautiful environment with lovely surroundings.

Having decided it was the right time to downsize, Kevin, 76, and his wife Maureen, 73, started to consider the idea of moving to Australia to be nearer to their daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. However, after experiencing some health issues, the retired couple started to look at options in the UK. Kevin and Maureen came across Mickle Hill, a picturesque retirement village by Rangeford Villages in Pickering, North Yorkshire, online and felt they had found the perfect home for their new chapter.

The couple had lived for over thirty years in a four-bedroom detached house in a small market town around 70 miles away from Pickering. They had looked at a few different options, but quickly realized after visiting Mickle Hill that it ticked all of their boxes. Kevin comments: “Location was incredibly important to us. We were familiar with Pickering and we love that while benefiting from scenic surroundings, we also have good bus and train links and feel very connected.” Maureen adds: “We like that we also have places nearby like North Yorkshire Moors, Whitby, York and Leeds to enjoy a day out with family or friends.”

The homes at Mickle Hill have been designed with a modern yet practical approach. Maureen says: “We have everything we need and more. Our friend who is in a wheelchair came to stay with us recently and had no problem maneuvering around our home as it is spacious and the corridors are wide.” Kevin adds: “It’s really convenient to have a downstairs wet room which would make life much easier if we ever find ourselves in a similar situation”

When it came to moving to Mickle Hill, the couple had quite a bit to sort out in their previous home having lived there for so long. They decided to use Rangeford Village’s Home Exchange to make the process that bit easier and remove some of the stress. Kevin and Maureen started the process around Christmas time in 2023 and were moved in within a few months. They agreed that it was a “seamless process” and couldn’t have done it without the “excellent sales team” at Rangeford who they were in “constant communication” with them.

“I’m looking forward to the re-opening of the facilities especially the swimming pool and the new putting green, as well as enjoying time with my grandchildren. My daughter’s family is coming to stay next month from Berkshire, and they will have the pleasure of staying in the Wadswick Green guest suite. Similarly, my son and his family are coming to stay in the summer, which happens to coincide with several birthdays. Although I have been able to keep in regular touch with my grandchildren over zoom and facetime, I now haven’t seen them for 16 months. It will be wonderful to catch up with them in person”