The New High-End Retirement Residences To Know

More people are living longer, healthier and more fulfilled lives than ever before in the UK. That’s why Riverstone was created: to offer people choices for their future unlike anything else available in London. Riverstone offers its residents the chance to make the next phase of life as rich and rewarding as it has always been, but with the safety net of support as and when it’s needed. 

Launched by ultimate Londoner Joanna Lumley in the summer, Riverstone Kensington is open and ready for residents to move in. The Kensington community offers over-65s the chance to future proof and take control of where and how they want to live. It’s for people who have lived – and continue to live – busy, full and vibrant lives and still want to benefit from everything London has to offer. Riverstone Fulham is opening in November, with a Hampstead launch to follow next year.

• COMMUNITY: The best of luxury living for discerning Londoners aged over 65.
• EXPERIENCE: Offering more than just great customer service, the team offers a lifestyle experience, while providing a safety net on health and wellbeing.
• INDEPENDENCE: Riverstone believes that people over 65 have earned the right to maintain independence, free of the hassles of day-to-day living.

The Facilities

Riverstone Kensington offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in a lovely, peaceful setting. The space also includes a restaurant, club room, private cinema, fitness studio with state-of-the-art E-GYM equipment, a vitality pool, spa and treatment rooms, and beautifully landscaped gardens by award-winning designer Andy Sturgeon. Alongside a 24/7 concierge service, dedicated wellbeing team, access to health services, bespoke care from The Good Care Group and a rich cultural programme, residents are fully supported.

Residents can relax with a newspaper in the Club Room, enjoy the latest films and classics in the private cinema, pick one of over 2,000 books from the library and socialise with like-minded individuals over coffee or a glass of wine at the bar. Kensington itself is a cultural hotspot and is home to the Royal Albert Hall, the Design Museum and a number of Royal Parks; and the vibrant high street is full of great shops and restaurants, so there’s plenty to see and do not far from the front door.

Regardless of size, each apartment comes with an outdoor terrace. The accommodation is highly specified, with simple, natural finishes, fitted wardrobes and plenty of utility and storage areas that provide an elegant backdrop to display personal belongings. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers, slip-resistant tiles and easy-to-use taps and controls. Best of all, the apartments are accessible, adaptable and can be easily modified to suit changing requirements.

Robin Gill – of the much-missed The Dairy in Clapham – has a new restaurant, Maria G's, on site. Inspired by his time spent working in the south of Italy and his love for a particular fishing village, Marina Del Cantone, the neighbourhood spot offers Italian staples made with British ingredients sourced from Robin’s close network of suppliers. A beautifully designed restaurant and bar, of all the spaces, we love the tables in the flower-filled garden. Hits on the current menu include pappardelle with pink fir potatoes, pancetta and egg yolk; linguine ‘Nerano’, a famous Amalfi pasta dish made with fried courgette and provolone cheese; and an excellent olive oil soft-serve gelato. Don’t forget to order a portion of parmesan fries to go with your aperitif – we’ve tried them and they’re delicious.

While many of us may be living longer, the time will still come when decisions need to be made about where to live and how. While moving into a more manageable property, moving in with family and arranging for additional support are all on the table, these days there are more options available for later living. If you’re concerned about a parent living on their own or managing the day-to-day when they could do with a little more company, Riverstone could be worth looking into. It’s also available for those who are still working and travelling, but perhaps need a well looked-after base to come home to, or for married couples where one person needs a bit more care and attention. Many residents have also chosen to move to Riverstone because they already live locally and know and love the area, or because they want to be closer to family or the city centre. In all cases, independent living is a priority.

Opening this autumn, Riverstone Fulham will offer near-identical amenities to Riverstone Kensington, alongside a hair and nail salon. On a prime location on the north bank of the River Thames, the Fulham site will sit on the Thames Path, offering riverside views. Riverstone Hampstead is set to follow in 2023.

For more information or to book a show-round of Riverstone Kensington, visit RiverstoneLiving.com