Mark and Jackie Gregory, 69, had always planned to move to their forever home in their early 70s, ensuring moving to their retirement property would be a choice and not a forced, last-minute move. After coming across an advert for Rangeford Villages’ Wadswick Green in Wiltshire on TV, they decided to explore the idea sooner than expected. Mark comments: “After finding out more and realising this was the perfect place for us, we had to ask ourselves… what are we waiting for?”

The couple moved into their brand-new, two-bedroom apartment on the ground floor in November 2025. The couple add: “We don’t have any children so we always knew making that final move would be a choice on our terms, with little external influence. Staying in our four-bedroom house wasn’t going to be attainable so moving with plenty of time on our side was the preference.”

Mark goes onto say: “The care provisions at Wadswick Green were an important appeal for us. Whilst we luckily don’t need them currently, it’s so reassuring to know they’re available and that we won’t need to make another move in order for them to be accessible. The options available, from the facilities to the care team, are really impressive.

“I used to work in the care industry and know first hand how quickly your health can change, sometimes just overnight. We wanted to make sure we were being sensible and chose a future-proofed home that had everything we need now and moving forward. I still work once a week and it’s lovely to be part of a community that’s so supported yet independent; the village can adapt to our changing lifestyle over time.”

Deciding to move to Homewood Grove, Rangeford Villages’ exclusive retirement village for the over 60s, six months ago with her late husband, marked a new chapter for Cheryl, 68.

Cheryl says: “My husband was 15 years older than me so we knew we needed to move from our house in Twickenham to a new, fresh, fully-integrated apartment like we have now at Homewood Grove. The move was to make life easier for the both of us with a lower-maintenance property.

“My husband sadly passed away soon after moving in, however I know every day that moving here was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The community around me has been central to everything. Feeling supported, cared for and connected has been exactly what I needed, rather than being in a larger house all by myself.

“The staff go above and beyond to look out for us and the owners here are just wonderful. I’ve made some special friendships. I know I have everything I need; impressive facilities, hobby groups, regular events and care provisions. All of this will take me from what I need now to what I perhaps need in the future as circumstances change.

“From first visiting, we’d moved in within six weeks. We were instantly blown away and knew this was the place for us, that’s something that hasn’t changed.”

Arno and Brenda, owners at Siddington Park in Cirencester, have experienced first-hand the benefits of the village’s guest suite. Arno comments: “Our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughters live in Germany and whenever they come over to the UK, the guest suite is incredibly useful. “All we have to do is ring up reception, say our dates and as long as there are no existing bookings in the diary, it can be booked just like that, it really couldn’t be easier. Our granddaughters are in their 20s so they stay with us in our two-bedroom apartment but our son and daughter-in-law love being able to stay in the suite. “It hugely saves on accommodation costs but also provides a hotel-style experience as we have all the wonderful amenities here. We can all have lunch in The Orangery [Siddington Park’s on-site restaurant], enjoy the pool or sit out in the gardens, it’s just wonderful having the option for them to stay with us. They stayed over Christmas last year, the set-up really couldn’t be better. “Ultimately, the suite means that despite having family and friends who want to stay with us, our two-bedroom apartment is still the right size for what we need.

We didn’t have to contemplate purchasing a larger retirement property as the suite is here for the use of owners.” Brenda adds: “One of my friends even stayed in the suite once. I booked it for her as a treat. It meant she could have her own space whilst visiting us, rather than staying in our apartment. “Before searching for our forever home three years ago, we would’ve never known that retirement villages such as Siddington Park have a guest suite; it’s fantastic.”

Soon after moving to Siddington Park in Cirencester in March 2025 with his wife, Carol, Roy (69) decided to upgrade their new two-bedroom apartment with a significant amount of smart technology. Roy comments: “It’s something I used extensively in our previous home. It’s not only an interest of mine but it makes our lives so much easier, I couldn’t imagine our home without it. Siddington Park incorporates the latest, contemporary technologies in line with the wishes of modern retirees.  Consoles for emergency calls have been installed which offers many other facilities and benefits including video audio entry and the villages internal messaging service, allowing residents to feel safe and secure both while at home and away.

Roy adds: “Security and easy access is an important factor to us. So many of the features we have in place utilise smart systems that include presence and contact sensors, a monitoring video doorbell and smart door lock, giving us peace of mind about the safety of our home, belongings and ourselves.”

In addition to entertainment systems such as speakers and a smart TV, Roy and Carol have a host of impressive smart technology systems integrated into their property including smart lighting, electric blinds, electric curtain closers, smart ceiling fans and smart air purifiers. As part of this system, he has used smart sensors for detecting water leaks open doors/windows, movement, presence and light levels.

Roy says that he is an ‘early adopter’ when it comes to technology and often likes to use the latest new products and systems. He adds: “Once you start using smart technology and AI systems, you start to see the benefits in so many ways. It really is at the forefront for us, whilst keeping it as affordable as possible. We love the benefits our smart home gives us.”

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.”

“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.”