About high quality Retirement Property
A good-sized home you can comfortably manage is still somewhat of a rarity in independent retirement housing. It may be that your present home is taking up more and more of your time and energy but you still feel the need to have a certain amount of space and attractive gardens nearby. Retirement properties come in many shapes and sizes to suit the over 55's from housing with services and security to whole retirement villages.The very best properties have well proportioned rooms designed to let in plenty of light with space for favourite pieces of furniture and room for entertaining. Well landscaped courtyards with their shrubs, plants and trees provide year-round colour and interest in a quiet atmosphere and with a sense of place.
Different people live different lives in retirement but one constant remains the same and that is you tend to like what you have been used to but you may wish for something different in the future. Our priorities change as we grow older but the desire for greater quality in life is something everybody aspires to and appreciates. Some people will continue to pursue their business interests or special interests, hobbies and skills and others to use their new found freedom to travel or spend more time with the family. Still more just seek to unwind and let the days unfold with more and more opportunities Each season offers something new. Every month has possibilities.
Cognatum Estates
Many of the top retirement companies have won extensive awards and commendations for excellence in architecture, design and landscaping with some featuring in King Charles book A Vision of Britain observing that (in this case English Courtyard part of Cognatum Estates) that 'their designers had the humility to recognise the value of their architectural heritage'. Cognatum Estates was formed in 2010 following the merger of the The Beechcroft Trust with The English Courtyard Association.
Today in 26 counties there are more than 95 estates with just under 200 acres under management in some of the finest towns and villages in the country. And although built specifically for people in retirement this is not always evident. All that the casual visitor or occasional passer-by will see are stylish well proportioned houses and apartments set in delightful garden squares. Owners and residents will have moved here to simplify the pattern of their lives: provision of high quality retirement housing for the independently minded under the watchful and caring eyes of their estate managers who monitor standards and ensure they are maintained. Cognatum is committed to acting in the best interests of owners and residents and aims to provide the highest quality of service and maintenance consistent with reasonable costs.
As an owner-occupier of a Cognatum retirement property you would normally be responsible for the interior and such domestic expenses as electricity and contents insurance.The annual service charge is set to cover all known expenditure with an element to cover major periodic planned costs. The service charge covers all aspects of managing the estate not unlike managing your own property. Key headings are: Salary of estate managers and their reliefs, Council tax for managers accommodation, postage, telephone and stationery; Water charge ( if no individual meters) - communal water charges if there are individual meters; Light and heat of communal areas; Maintenance of alarm system; Maintenance of grounds; Maintenance of buildings; Insurance of buildings; External window cleaning; Hygiene and other expenses; Managing fee; Provisions for future costs.The Estate Manager looks after the gardens and grounds as well as overseeing security allowing you to make extended visits to family or holidays abroad without so much as a backward glance.
Cognatum aims to scource new estates that provide larger than usual living spaces that accommodate guests in attractive surroundings close to shops and other facilities where you can remain fully independent and feel secure. Effective and supportive management is the bedrock of Cognatum's philosophy. Estate managers look after the day to day matters with the operational support of regional managers and a full administrative structure. The local team operates a 365 day service based on personal contact giving owners and residents reassurance that in the event of any personal emergency there will be a rapid response from a familiar face able to to take any necessary action.
Our service is based on residents living independent lives within their own homes but with building upkeep, gardening, window cleaning, security and a host of other matters taken care of on their behalf. We believe in traditional service and values with modern management practices.