AN exciting new first for Salisbury – a retirement village called Chapters is opening within easy walking distance of the city centre.

Platinum Skies is aiming to change the one-size fits all mentality, which has largely put people off wanting to downsize to a retirement living property.

Chapters, with 197 properties offers apartments, cottages and larger houses, with an on-site bistro, activity suite, treatment rooms and private lounge areas. Located in the grounds of the grade II-listed, 19th Century Finch House and a stone’s throw from Salisbury’s train station, already selling fast to retirees wanting to right-size.

The first phase of purpose-built apartments, Constable Court, has a number of purchasers scheduled to move in early next year. The 47 one and two bedroom apartments, all with en-suites,

have either private patios or balconies, some with ‘Mary Poppins’ style rooftop views across to Salisbury Cathedral.  Perfectly situated on one of the main gateways into the city, Chapters, offers quick access both to the city and surrounding countryside.

As with all Platinum Skies developments, Chapters will come with its own on-site lifestyle team responsible for all aspects of residents’ well-being from organising health classes to supporting residents’ weekly shops.

Platinum Skies’ own research cites lack of suitably-located properties and the high cost of purchase as the top two reasons for preventing people from downsizing, and seeks to offer a more affordable way to access retirement housing through its part-rent, part-buy scheme, whereby prospective residents purchase a share in a property, before paying a monthly rent and management fee.

David Hines, chairman of Platinum Skies, comments: “Older people don’t just want to live in a retirement living block, they want to feel part of a real community. At Chapters, we’ve gone the extra mile to create what amounts to a village dedicated to our residents. From the specially commissioned local artwork in the manicured gardens to the range of fine cuisine at our on-site bistro, residents will have the means to socialise in elegant surroundings, with Salisbury’s historic city centre on its doorstep.

“We want our customers to look forward to their retirement making it a proactive, smart choice, as opposed to worrying about affordability or waiting for a health worry to trigger the move.

“Downsizing, or rather rightsizing, to Chapters may sound like a pie-in-the-sky aspiration. However, our flexible ownership scheme brings it down to earth, making living with us affordable and financially smart. By owning a stake in a Platinum Skies home, residents gain the security and comfort of serviced living, while having capital left over to use as they wish.”

At Chapters, prices start from £112,500 for a 50 per cent share of a one bedroom home (FMV - £225,000).

For more details call 01202 805 513, email chapters@platinumskies.co.uk or browse the website platinumskies.co.uk