A homeowner has explained how switching to an independent living apartment helped him feel happy.

Mick Spooner moved to the new Chapters development in Salisbury after his wife passed away.

Her death led to him to looking for a smaller home within a welcoming, supportive community.

He said: “Having been sad for so long, this place has made me so happy.

"I have a lovely one-bedroom apartment which I can keep together so easily.

"As for the homeowners, we all get on so well and the facilities are fantastic.

"My daughter lives a few miles away from Chapters, so I am not far away when she needs help with babysitting duties or to take the grandchildren to school.”

An open event to view the range of stunning independent-living apartments, cottages and houses at Chapters, close to Salisbury city centre, takes place next week.

Here's what you need to know:

Open event details

Chapters will host a special event from Monday, May 3 to Sunday, May 9, inviting the public to view a choice of homes available to people aged over 55 for reservation on a first-come, first-served basis.

Places must be booked in advance for the event, which will have enhanced Covid-safe measures in place for the benefit of visitors, homeowners, and the team.

What is the Chapters development?

The purpose-built independent-living village off Wilton Road, which has been created by Platinum Skies, comprises of exclusive one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

There is also a choice of two and three-bedroom detached and semi-detached restored Victorian cottages and new build houses, which combine classic architecture with a modern, light-filled interior.

Members of the public will also have the first opportunity to find out more and reserve an apartment off-plan in Nightingale Square, which is the next upcoming phase of the Chapters village.

It will contain 51 apartments with balconies, parking, and an outside communal courtyard.

The homes at Chapters are built to cater for the homeowner’s current and future needs including underfloor heating throughout, easy-to-use kitchens with energy-saving appliances, and bathrooms with automatic lighting and step-free showers.

Homeowners at Chapters enjoy communal facilities including a bistro and bar area, homeowners’ lounges, activity room and treatment room.

Pets are welcome in all homes within Chapters, which also have plenty of space for family and friends to stay and visit.

What are the prices at Chapters?

Prices at Chapters start from £120,000 for an apartment and from £252,500 for a cottage or house, based on the buyer paying 50% of the property’s full market value.

The homes at Chapters are made affordable as part of a government-backed shared ownership scheme delivered in partnership with Homes England.

Commonly known as part-buy, part-rent, shared-ownership homes enable people to move and potentially downsize from their existing home which may no longer be suitable for their needs while freeing up money from the sale of the property to use on other life events.

'Exciting plans' for community coming up

Chapters is overseen by Tracy Eggs, a dedicated onsite Community Manager, who organises fun activities to bring the homeowners together, as well as giving practical and emotional support.

Tracy said: “We have such a fantastic community at Chapters, which is testament to the hard work of the team and the friendly, welcoming nature of our homeowners.

"We’ve got some exciting plans in the coming weeks as the government guidance eases, which will enable our homeowners to continue to live happy, healthy and active lives.”

How to find out more

Platinum Skies, which is part of the Affordable Housing and Healthcare Group (AHH), is a registered provider of luxury and affordable homes, which is regulated by Homes England, a government agency, which helps to deliver affordable independent-living sites.

To reserve an appointment at the Chapters open week, go to Platinumskies.co.uk or call the Platinum Skies team on 01202 040996.

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