Boutique developer Aitch Group announce the successful sale of all 29 apartments at their Loughton development, Hollyoak House. The one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments developed for those aged 55 years plus, offer residents high quality homes specially designed to meet their needs along with the communal facilities required for a social scene, located within a communal oasis of green space.
To celebrate the success of the scheme, Aitch Group recently held a well-received wrap party at the development with the residents enjoying afternoon tea and VIP guest Actress Vicki Michelle, who launched the scheme in 2019, in attendance. Aitch Group Land Director Stephen Hollyoak, whom the development was named after was also at the event to celebrate the success of the scheme.
The success of Hollyoak House is a result of the thorough research conducted by the Aitch Group team into the needs and demands of buyers of retirement age. Buyers want the opportunity to maintain their current routines and independence while being part of a community of like-minded people. Hollyoak House offers residents the “best of all worlds”, in a post-pandemic era where downsizers desire social life facilities and urban amenities on the doorstep.
Nick Beasley, now the House Manager at Hollyoak House was previously a London taxi driver for over 30 years. During lockdown, Nick chose to transfer his incredible people skills to work at the development and hasn’t looked back since: “When I first started at Hollyoak House, I thought this role was about the building, I didn’t realise the relationship I would grow to have with the residents. We have built a wonderful lifestyle and community that has an impact on everyone who resides or visits here.”
The cleverly-conceived apartments, designed and delivered by Aitch Group, benefit from private balconies and terraces, set within a gated scheme which is complete with a guest suite, resident’s gardens, parking/mobility scooter storage and a spacious club lounge.
During the design phase, special consideration was given to the construction of attractive communal spaces, such as the Club Lounge, shaped to foster community spirit and encourage informal interaction. The Club Lounge emulates a relaxed but high-end boutique hotel whilst the large planted communal garden is ideal for outdoor socialising and events.
Community activities are an important part of life at Hollyoak House and Nick makes sure that residents get full autonomy over what is organised at the development: “The majority of people here are single and have lived on their own for a number of years, what makes this place so beautiful is that it brings those people together, this is why community events are so important. It’s quite daunting to move into a new place but every time, when someone new has moved in, within ten minutes they’re sat with the other residents telling them their story.
When a resident comes up with an idea for an event we try to do it, this should be the place where everyone feels free to do what they want. For example, at the moment we have a fish and chip night every other Friday and in between that we have a film night, we also do Pilates twice a week.”
John and Jenny Dessauer, who recently moved into Hollyoak House are very pleased with their decision and say: “We chose Hollyoak House as the location, facilities and community were everything we would need as we get older. Our family are very pleased that we have moved to Hollyoak House as they know we are safe, secure and have a community life here. We have met with other residents as they have moved in at our informal coffee mornings, which are a truly lovely way to meet people.
Hollyoak House is on the High Street in Loughton with its cafes and restaurants, its choice of shops and importantly nearby supermarkets. It’s in close proximity to Epping Forest for lovely walks, there is a bus stop directly outside and the underground station with the Central Line station is very advantageous as being able to still visit new places remains important to us.
Security was also an added factor when looking for our future home – Hollyoak House has a secure gate which was very reassuring. We believe that living here will give us a sense of security and enable independent living in a supportive community.”
Chelsea Reynolds, Director at Aitch Group says: “We are delighted with the success of Hollyoak House and are very proud of the excellent facilities and apartments as well as the wonderful community that we have helped shape. Some homeowners felt isolated during the lockdowns and now want amenities and social life on their doorstep rather than being a drive away, making carefully-designed developments such as Hollyoak House even more relevant.”
