An apartment at Maryland Place proves the perfect place for Janet Denton’s retirement

One of the main reasons that the over 55s downsize is to find a home that meets their changing needs in retirement. This was certainly the case for retired teacher, Mrs Janet Denton, who moved to Beechcroft’s Maryland Place in St Albans last June.

Created on the site of the former Maryland Convent on Townsend Drive, Maryland Place is an impressive collection of 35 newly built houses and apartments in a beautifully landscaped setting within walking distance of the city centre. Designed exclusively for the over 55s, the new homes provide high quality fixtures and fittings and each features a balcony, terrace or private garden – or a combination of these – along with allocated parking.

“I was living alone in a large house with a garden of about a third of an acre – and there was just too much maintenance,” says Mrs Denton. “The location wasn’t ideal for retirement either: the village was small, without any local facilities. I decided it was better to make a move whilst I was fit and able to do so.”

“One of my sons, who lives about five minutes’ drive away, introduced me to Beechcroft’s Maryland Place. I looked at another retirement development in St Albans but the apartment on sale had two flights of stairs and needed total refurbishment which wouldn’t have been suitable. At Maryland Place, we viewed two new apartments and I chose the larger of the two – which has a private garden and loads of cupboard space.”

“The move went smoothly; I lived in Hitchin before so I wasn’t moving very far. I have settled in well and really like the apartment – and I’m getting used to not having an upstairs.”

“One of the deciding factors in choosing to live at Maryland Place was the estate management service. I don’t have to worry about anything outside – the external windows are cleaned and my private garden is maintained for me. My grass gets cut regularly so I don’t have to take responsibility for that. I like to travel and I’m able to lock my door and go away without worrying about my apartment. The Estate Manager keeps an eye on things and picks up the mail. Last time I was away there was a problem with the security alarm and he sorted it out for me. It’s so nice to have someone like that on hand – and the Estate Manager here is really nice.”

The final new homes are now available at Maryland Place – all with three-bedrooms, including three luxurious apartments and an elegant house, priced from £775,000. For further information, please contact the sales team on 01727 869674, between 10 am and 5 pm, Tuesday to Saturday inclusive.