Countryside Retirement - The Best Retirement Homes In The Countryside
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Many older adults choose to spend their golden years in the UK countryside - and it isn’t hard to see why! From a relaxing lifestyle to numerous benefits for physical and mental health, there are lots of reasons to move from an urban to a rural setting in later life.
That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best retirement homes in the countryside. We’ve also shared the advantages of a countryside retirement lifestyle and revealed some of the best places to retire in the UK in 2023.
Where would you like to live?
Browse the best nearby countryside retirement homes.
Why You Should Retire To the Countryside
Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and embrace nature
If you’ve spent most of your life living in a busy city, moving to the countryside will allow you to slow down and relax in a peaceful setting. Studies have shown that being in nature releases endorphins which make us happier.
Something as simple as going for a countryside walk will help you feel positive and energised in your day-to-day life, while also keeping your body in excellent condition.
For many older adults, a big appeal of moving to the countryside is having beautiful scenery right on their doorstep, rather than having to drive or use public transport to reach it.
Being amongst nature may even help get your creative juices flowing!
Numerous physical and mental health benefits
When living in the countryside, you’ll benefit from much higher air quality. This is due to several factors, including lower levels of pollution and an abundance of trees. Living amongst cleaner air will provide a natural layer of protection against certain health conditions.
Similarly, this clean, fresh air will boost your immune system, better equipping your body to fight off any illnesses.
Not only that, but your brain functions differently when in a rural setting. You’re less likely to be overstimulated in the countryside, decreasing stress levels, along with the risk of anxiety and mood disorders.
Lower crime rates
Rural areas tend to have lower crime rates than urban areas such as cities. Many older adults say they feel much safer since having moved to the countryside.
Where Are the Best Places To Retire In the UK?
The UK is full of amazing places to retire, and we’ve created a guide highlighting the best places to retire, according to our research!
This research considered a range of lifestyle factors crucial to later life, such as air pollution, crime rates and affordability.
We found that some of the best counties to retire in the UK include Wiltshire, Buckinghamshire and Dorset.
Retiring by the sea tends to be a particularly popular option as well, thanks to the cleaner air and all-around uplifting lifestyle.
We’ve Rounded Up Retirement Homes That’ll Give You An Amazing Countryside Retirement Lifestyle
- Birtley House West Wing Apartments in Bramley, Surrey
- Weavers House in Hawkhurst, Kent
- Foxglove Place in Cullompton, Devon
- Honiton Retirement Community in Honiton, Devon
- Stane House in Great Dunmow, Essex
- Lonsdale Park in Oakham, Rutland
- Betjeman Lodge in Ludlow, Shropshire
- Chesterton Court in Ilkley, West Yorkshire
- Hewson Court in Hexham, Northumberland
- Stanley Place in Garstang, Lancashire
Birtley House West Wing Apartments in Bramley, Surrey
The West Wing Apartments at Birtley House are an amazing collection of 14 luxurious one-bedroom apartments. Not only do these apartments have their own living spaces and bedrooms (along with private entrance halls in some cases), but they all benefit from being set within an award-winning, 48-acre private country estate.
At Birtley House, you’ll enjoy idyllic countryside views, along with lots of interesting wildlife. Meanwhile, the surrounding grounds contain plenty of trees, landscaped flower walks and even lakes.
Set just outside of Bramley in Surrey, residents living here have access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities, while also being near other expansive areas of greenery such as the Surrey Hills.
| Birtley House West Wing Apartments at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| What picturesque areas are nearby? | The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Loseley Park and Winkworth Arboretum |
| How big is the development and what property types does it contain? | This development contains 14 one-bedroom apartments |
| What renting and buying options are available? | Apartments are available to purchase |
| What facilities are there? | A café and restaurant, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a beauty salon and on-site transport |
Are you interested in viewing Birtley House?
For availability and pricing, call 01483 967840.
Weavers House in Hawkhurst, Kent
At Weavers House, the majority of the one and two-bedroom apartments have their own private balconies which boast amazing views stretching across the surrounding countryside.
This retirement community is also on the doorstep of Hawkhurst - an idyllic village in Kent. Here, you’ll find a high street packed with pubs, quaint cafés, independent shops and more.
Convenient bus and rail links mean that despite the remote location, residents have no trouble travelling further afield, including to places such as the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
| Weavers House at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| What picturesque areas are nearby? | High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest |
| How big is the development and what property types does it contain? | This development contains 43 one and two-bedroom apartments |
| What renting and buying options are available? | Apartments are available to purchase or part-buy part-rent |
| What facilities are there? | Balconies for relaxation, a comfortable communal lounge, landscaped gardens and wheelchair access throughout |
| Who operates this development? | McCarthy Stone |
Are you interested in viewing Weavers House?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 300641.
Foxglove Place in Cullompton, Devon
At Foxglove Place in the Devon town of Cullompton, you’ll find 43 one and two-bedroom properties, all of which have been designed specifically for over 60s.
Foxglove Place represents the best of both worlds, with brilliant facilities like a stylish communal lounge, while you can also relax on the balconies and admire the large, south-facing gardens.
Meanwhile, the small town of Cullompton is located just a few hundred metres from the development. This town is perfect for countryside retirement, with plenty of convenient amenities and beautiful views nearby, including the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
| Foxglove Place at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| What picturesque areas are nearby? | The Blackdown Hills and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty |
| How big is the development and what property types does it contain? | This development contains 43 one and two-bedroom apartments |
| What renting and buying options are available? | Apartments are available to buy outright or through shared ownership |
| What facilities are there? | Balconies for relaxation, a cosy communal lounge, landscaped gardens and wheelchair access throughout |
| Who operates this development? | McCarthy Stone |
Are you interested in viewing Foxglove Place?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 300680.
We can help you find the perfect UK retirement home. Use our free service to filter by location, price, the facilities available, purchase type and more!
Honiton Retirement Community in Honiton, Devon
Situated on the banks of the River Otter in the town of the same name, Honiton retirement community is a wonderful place to spend your golden years.
Managed by Churchill Retirement Living, each of the 57 one and two-bedroom apartments has been thoughtfully designed and contains convenient features such as spacious kitchens, comfortable lounges and modern bathrooms.
For those after a countryside retirement with beautiful views to match, this Devon location is difficult to beat. The retirement community is located in the middle of the East Devon and Blackdown Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you’ll never be short of stunning scenery to explore and admire.
| Honiton Retirement Community at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| What picturesque areas are nearby? | The Blackdown Hills and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty |
| How big is the development and what property types does it contain? | This development contains 57 one and two-bedroom apartments |
| What renting and buying options are available? | Apartments are available to purchase |
| What facilities are there? | A stylish yet comfortable communal lounge, car parking and guest parking, a 24/7 call system if required and wheelchair access throughout |
| Who operates this development? | Churchill Retirement Living |
Are you interested in viewing Honiton?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 301593.
Stane House in Great Dunmow, Essex
Stane House is located in the centre of Great Dunmow - a quaint Essex market town that’s packed with history. Not only does Great Dunmow boast a vibrant high street full of cafés, restaurants and independent retailers, but it’s also near idyllic nature spots such as Hatfield Forest which is managed by the National Trust.
Though a popular retirement home for a countryside retirement lifestyle, Stane House is still near larger towns and small cities such as Braintree and Chelmsford.
The development itself offers a range of spacious and comfortable one and two-bedroom apartments, along with a stylish communal lounge and a shared garden for further outdoor enjoyment.
| Stane House at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| What picturesque areas are nearby? | Hatfield Forest and the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty |
| How big is the development and what property types does it contain? | This development contains 29 one and two-bedroom apartments |
| What renting and buying options are available? | Apartments are available to purchase or part-buy part-rent |
| What facilities are there? | A comfortable communal lounge, a courtyard and landscaped gardens, car parking and guest parking and wheelchair access throughout |
| Who operates this development? | McCarthy Stone |
Are you interested in viewing Stane House?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 301078.
Lonsdale Park in Oakham, Rutland
The county of Rutland is often considered one of the best places for rural living in the UK. Rutland also contains one of the best countryside retirement homes in Lonsdale Park. Situated in the small town of Oakham, Lonsdale Park contains 38 apartments for over 60s.
Here, residents can enjoy the private homeowners’ lounge and the idyllic landscaped gardens. What’s more, family and friends are accommodated through on-site parking and a guest suite.
When living in Lonsdale Park, you’ll be surrounded by an array of parks and lush green fields, while Oakham itself is one of the prettiest towns in the East Midlands.
| Lonsdale Park at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| What picturesque areas are nearby? | Rutland Water Nature Reserve and Burghley Park |
| How big is the development and what property types does it contain? | This development contains 38 one and two-bedroom apartments |
| What renting and buying options are available? | Apartments are available to purchase |
| What facilities are there? | A 24/7 call system for those who require it, balconies for relaxation, a cosy communal lounge, landscaped gardens and wheelchair access throughout |
| Who operates this development? | McCarthy Stone Resales |
Are you interested in viewing Lonsdale Park?
For availability and pricing, call 03309 121214.
Betjeman Lodge in Ludlow, Shropshire
The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is known as one of the most idyllic places in the West Midlands. Betjeman Lodge is a popular later-living development near this stunning expanse!
Betjeman Lodge is also located in the Shropshire town of Ludlow. Previously described as the ‘most vibrant small town in the country’, Ludlow is perfect for older adults who wish to be surrounded by nature, while also having easy access to convenient amenities and facilities.
Every apartment at Betjeman Lodge is completely self-contained, giving residents plenty of privacy and peace when they want it.
| Betjeman Lodge at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| What picturesque areas are nearby? | The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty |
| How big is the development and what property types does it contain? | This development contains 44 one and two-bedroom apartments |
| What renting and buying options are available? | Apartments are available to purchase |
| What facilities are there? | A 24/7 call system for those who need it, a communal lounge for relaxing and socialising, car parking options and wheelchair access throughout |
| Who operates this development? | Churchill Retirement Living |
Are you interested in viewing Betjeman Lodge?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 301086.
Chesterton Court in Ilkley, West Yorkshire
The spa town of Ilkley in West Yorkshire is one of the best places in the north of England for a countryside retirement. Chesterton Court is located here, and there’s a bus stop nearby which will transport you to a wealth of restaurants, cafés and more!
You’ll also be close to Ilkley Moor - one of the best places to admire breathtaking panoramic views stretching across Yorkshire.
The one and two-bedroom later-living apartments at Chesterton Court are exclusively aimed at over 70s, and each of these boasts private, comfortable living spaces.
Chesterton Court even contains an on-site restaurant - the perfect place for wining and dining with fellow residents, family and friends.
| Chesterton Court at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| What picturesque areas are nearby? | Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Yorkshire Dales National Park |
| How big is the development and what property types does it contain? | This development contains 58 one and two-bedroom apartments |
| What renting and buying options are available? | Apartments are available to buy outright and through shared ownership. There are also rental options to choose from |
| What facilities are there? | A café and restaurant, a 24/7 call system for those who need it, landscaped gardens, a communal lounge and wheelchair access throughout |
| Who operates this development? | McCarthy Stone Resales |
Are you interested in viewing Chesterton Court?
For availability and pricing, call 03339 993127.
Hewson Court in Hexham, Northumberland
At Hewson Court in Hexham, you’ll find a variety of one and two-bedroom apartments available to those over 60 years old. These apartments can be purchased outright, rented or part-buy part-rented.
The picturesque town of Hexham is a brilliant one for a countryside retirement lifestyle. You’ll have several popular amenities and attractions right on your doorstep, including the weekly market, Sele Park and Hexham Abbey.
What’s more, the wider area of Northumberland boasts even more rural retreats, such as Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
| Hewson Court at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| What picturesque areas are nearby? | The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Northumberland National Park |
| How big is the development and what property types does it contain? | This development contains 43 one and two-bedroom apartments |
| What renting and buying options are available? | Apartments are available to buy outright and part-buy part-rent. There are also rental options to choose from |
| What facilities are there? | A 24/7 call system if needed, balconies for relaxation, a courtyard and landscaped gardens, plenty of parking options and wheelchair access throughout |
| Who operates this development? | McCarthy Stone |
Are you interested in viewing Hewson Court?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 300594.
Stanley Place in Garstang, Lancashire
Rounding off our list of the best retirement homes in the countryside is Stanley Place in Garstang, Lancashire. Stanley Place undoubtedly benefits from its location in the heart of Lancashire, with plenty of countryside areas for older adults to explore, such as the Forest of Bowland and the gorgeous North West coastline.
Many of the one and two-bedroom apartments at Stanley Place even have their own balconies, allowing residents to kick back and relax on a warm summer’s afternoon while enjoying lovely views stretching across the landscaped garden.
Other facilities at this retirement home include a popular communal lounge for socialising and events, as well as a convenient scooter storage room.
| Stanley Place at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| What picturesque areas are nearby? | The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Yorkshire Dales National Park |
| How big is the development and what property types does it contain? | This development contains 40 one and two-bedroom apartments |
| What renting and buying options are available? | Apartments are available to buy outright and part-buy part-rent |
| What facilities are there? | A 24/7 call system if required, balconies for relaxation, a cosy communal lounge, landscaped gardens and wheelchair access throughout |
| Who operates this development? | McCarthy Stone |
Are you interested in viewing Stanley Place?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 300570.
Retirement homes in the countryside offer secure, vibrant and luxurious housing with state-of-the-art facilities for older adults. Request a free retirement living shortlist and we’ll recommend retirement properties matching your budget, location and desired facilities.
