Audley Shiplake Meadows, the luxury retirement village near Henley-on-Thames, marked its official opening on Wednesday 1st October with Guest of Honour, Dame Mary Berry.
Dame Mary was joined by current and prospective property owners, members of the local community, and Nick Sanderson, CEO of luxury retirement villages brand Audley Villages, for a ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony. Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, speeches from Dame Mary Berry and Nick Sanderson, a tour of the new village and its grounds and the celebrations were followed by a delicious afternoon tea.
Audley Shiplake Meadows is home to 65 luxury senior living apartments, duplex penthouses and cottages for people over 65, all with a balcony, terrace or private garden. The village is set within beautiful, landscaped grounds and gardens with owner’s community allotments.
The design of the village prioritised traditional characteristics and materials of South Oxfordshire to honour the village’s location, while all efforts have been made to ensure the village is sustainable as possible.
When moving into the village, owners automatically become a member of the Audley Club, which features Tennyson’s lounge bar and bistro, a fully equipped gym and fitness suite and wellness services for homeowners. Prospective owners also have the option to ‘rent before they buy’, allowing them to rent for 12 months before purchase providing flexibility over the sale of their own home, and can receive up to three months’ of rent back*.
Dame Mary Berry commented: “It was such a joy to be part of Audley Shiplake Meadows official opening event. Having called this area home for the past seven years, I know the new homeowners will be very happy here. Whether they’re enjoying their beautiful new homes, tending to their allotments, taking a walk in the beautiful countryside, or treating themselves to a day out in Henley-on-Thames, they’ll find so much to love. I can already see how Audley Shiplake Meadows will become a wonderful part of the local community, with its beautiful bar and bistro open for everyone to enjoy. I’m looking forward to seeing the village flourish in the years to come.”
Nick Sanderson, CEO of Audley Villages, commented: “It was a real pleasure to host the official opening of Audley Shiplake Meadows with Dame Mary Berry, new and prospective property owners, and guests including our joint venture partners, O’Shea and Galliard. Shiplake Meadows is a stunning village in a beautiful setting, and I’m looking forward to seeing the community grow as we welcome more people to the village.
“Bringing more options to the retirement living market is something we’re really passionate about, providing the properties, and facilities, that enable more people to live long, independent and healthy lives.”
Rory O’Connor, on behalf of Galliard and O’Shea commented: “We’re delighted to officially open Audley Shiplake Meadows with the team at Audley Group and welcome the first owners into the village. It’s a project that we are proud to have delivered, combining exceptional properties and facilities with sustainability at its very core. We look forward to welcoming more owners and seeing the village grow.”
