LARKFLEET HOMES’ AND KEYSTONE DEVELOPMENT’S RETIREMENT COMMUNITY WINS NATIONAL HOUSING ACCOLADE

The Croft, an age-exclusive retirement development by Larkfleet Homes and Keystone Developments, has won a national housing award.

The development, located on North Road in Bourne, Lincolnshire, won a HAPPI (Housing our Aging Population Panel for Innovation) Award at the national Housing Design Awards.

The HAPPI award celebrates the innovative approach to the design of older people’s housing with a specific focus on the users’ living experience.

The judges believed The Croft development met the government’s objectives in helping the older population live a longer and happier life. By attracting the older generation to new exclusive retirement developments such as The Croft, the current housing crisis is also helped as larger houses are made available for growing families.

Larkfleet’s managing director Karl Hick was present at the awards ceremony to collect the winners’ certificate. He said: “We are delighted to receive this award for The Croft development in Bourne. Larkfleet and Keystone have worked hard to ensure that The Croft provides an outstanding environment for retirement living. It is the perfect place to live for people who prefer enjoying life rather than having the worries associated with managing a home.

“The history of the site, coupled with the high quality properties and excellent grounds maintenance, will help sustain property investments and the future value of the homes.

“I would also like to thank South Kesteven District Council and Louise Cooper Architects for their assistance in the development and planning of The Croft.”

Karl was also invited to deliver a presentation on design aspects and residents’ facilities at The Croft to senior figures in the housing industry before the awards ceremony.

The Croft development consists of 68 one and two-bedroom bungalows and two and three-bedroom chalets, arranged around attractively landscaped courtyards in the grounds of The Croft – a historic former ‘manor house’. Within the manor house a two-bedroom apartment is available.

The Croft is being marketed as not only a place to live but as a community of like-minded people who enjoy a lifestyle full of possibilities. Homeowners at The Croft will be able to live the life they want to lead, in a secure and caring environment.

As part of The Croft development, the existing manor house is being restored and will act as the ‘hub’ of this new community to provide residents of the 68 retirement properties with access to a variety of services and facilities.

As The Croft is right in the centre of Bourne, many local amenities including a local supermarket, a doctor’s surgery and a bus stop are only a short walk away, as are many shops and restaurants.

With so many excellent facilities in the area, such as a nearby leisure centre, residents can easily pursue activities such as golf, gardening, craft groups and health and well being classes.

Karl added, “Larkfleet is hoping to develop similar schemes in Oakham, Whittlesey and Baston. We welcome comments from local communities about this type of development and how we can continue to meet the local need.”

Also in Bourne, Larkfleet Homes has recently begun work on its Abbeyfields development which will comprise two and three bedroom properties with prices starting at just £125,000.

There will be 108 properties including 33 affordable homes of which 13 will be offered through shared ownership and 20 through affordable rent.

Properties at Abbeyfields are perfect not only for first-time buyers but also for buyers who are looking to downsize and young families looking for a high quality new home. Abbeyfields is situated in an existing residential area and is close to the town centre, Bourne’s secondary and primary schools and various sports facilities.

People who are interested in purchasing a property at The Croft are encouraged to visit the site on North Road in Bourne or contact the sales team at The Croft sales office.