Mulberry Court: a new approach to independent retirement living

“We are creating beautiful new homes, and we’re helping build a new community, somewhere that makes your dream retirement a reality.”

When we began work on our latest development for independent retirement living, our aim was not just to create a collection of stylish new homes: we wanted the development to be a village within a village, a welcoming community where owners would enjoy all the benefits and support of a vibrant, friendly social scene on their doorstep. Our idea was to create somewhere with everything a home buyer would need to enjoy the exciting new chapter of life that retirement represents.

To make this vision a reality, first, we made sure we chose exactly the right location, a stone’s throw from the banks of the Thames – in the heart of Hampton Wick, an attractive village with all the amenities you might need: post office, local High Street shops and restaurants, with beautiful greens spaces and river walks nearby, and excellent bus and train connections.

Second, we thought very carefully about the philosophy we would bring to the overall design of the development. For us, the community we wanted to create would be formed by making sure there were welcoming, elegant shared spaces for owners to enjoy together, as well beautiful individual apartments. Extensive living areas, with none of the pressure of the constant upkeep involved with a large property.

And third, we wanted our designs to differentiate Mulberry Court from the standard anonymous look and feel of so many independent retirement living developments. We set out to create shared spaces and individual homes that are enticing, that feel elegant and stylish, and that are places where you will actively enjoy spending your much-anticipated retirement.

How did we bring our vision to life?

Our starting point was one of the most eye-catching elements of Mulberry Court: the stunning garden.

From the outset, considering the ways that owners could use the different areas of the garden was central to the development, from places for quiet contemplation, to those for socialising and exercising. But beyond that, the garden is also integral part of the design as a whole, and the way that owners and visitors experience the Mulberry Court building and its shared spaces.

Approaching, you’ll come through the Welcome Garden, a colourful wildflower meadow which frames the main entrance to the lobby. From there, is a natural, welcoming flow through the shared areas, from the lobby to the library, club room and deli café. All these spaces open directly to the terrace and garden, bringing the leafy outdoors inside, creating a calm, light ambience.

Our aim was to create spaces that feel like a welcoming extension of your own home. These rooms are carefully furnished to fit in with how you’d like to use them – you’ll find cosy corners to catch up with friends, as well as larger areas like the flexible event space that you can use as an exercise studio or drinks party venue. The look is classic contemporary: a soft, muted palette of colours and traditional touches like panelling, architraves and herringbone timber floors, as well as a hint of luxury with the chandelier and freestanding fireplace that form a focal point in the club room.

How does the design ethos flow through in individual apartments?

When designing the Mulberry Court apartments, we carefully considered every element to create the kind of stylish living space that is a step up from standard retirement properties, and one that is convenient and easy to live with, as well as elegant.

Every apartment features the signature Mulberry Court colour palette, and quality touches like the engineered oak floors and fireplace with feature surround. The kitchen, living and dining area are open plan, giving you maximum flexibility as to how you use the space to relax or entertain, and many feature a balcony or terrace that overlooks the garden, once again bringing the beauty of the outdoor spaces into your own home.

We’ve thought about the design and layout carefully – for example we considered how sight lines from the living area to the kitchen will work and we’ve chosen integrated appliances that blend with the decor, and tucked sinks and taps around the corner, so as not to dominate the space. In the kitchen, composite stone worktops and full height splash backs work in harmony with the colour scheme, and the bathrooms – both ensuite and main, feature high quality faux porcelain tiles, and easy to clean wall mounted basins and WCs.

Come and see for yourself

We’re proud of the attention to detail that has gone in to every aspect of the Mulberry Court development, not just because we are creating beautiful new homes, but because we’re helping form a new community, and somewhere that makes your dream retirement a reality. Our Marketing Suite is now open so if you’d like to find out more, just contact our dedicated sales team on 0208 132 4120.