The art of retiring has become very much a 21st century concern. There is much to consider and a wealth of decisions to make on how to capitalise your new free time and all the associated benefits of less work and responsibility.
Inevitably, the biggest question has to be regarding what kind of lifestyle you wish to pursue. Is it important for you to focus on time with immediate family and grandchildren? Do you have a passion project or hobby that you would like to devote your days to? Is travel high on the agenda, to visit those special places that you promised to revisit? Or maybe even tick off the locations that remain uncharted?
Chief amongst the considerations for every retired lifestyle is finding the best location to make your home, and a base for all of your intended activity. With the benefits and advantages of London long being the subject for thousands of column inches, it is always worthwhile looking a little further afield for the best places to retire to away from the capital.
Surrey
The countryside idylls of Surrey present a thrilling natural backdrop that still has the convenience of being a relative stone’s throw from London, if business concerns do mean you occasionally have to be there. Popular towns such as Guildford and Farnham offer a mix of modern amenities and open air tranquillity, with an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provided by the Surrey Hills on your doorstep. Walking, hiking and cycling in these surroundings is sure to keep your mind active and body healthy too. The ultra-exclusive Weybridge and Virginia Water neighbourhoods benefit from proximity to world-class golf courses in between serene woodlands.a
Kent
The ‘Garden of England’ is definitely not a name that has been bestowed lightly. This place can confidently claim everything required to support the perfect retirement in terms of surroundings. The countryside charm melts into coastal retreats with picturesque towns and villages that have captivated visitors for hundreds of years. Again, transport links that may prove essential are extremely well catered for to take you back to the capital and beyond. However, pulling you away from towns like Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells, with their exquisite Georgian architecture with independent & boutique style shopping, might prove difficult. The rich history and relaxed pace can prove irresistible for those looking for a place to call home in the Home Counties.
Alderley Edge
The North of England has built a long standing reputation on the importance of community and connectedness. The leafy village of Alderley Edge in Cheshire might just be the most prestigious and sought after embodiment of this philosophy, while also providing luxury homes in stellar surroundings. The last twenty years has seen a boom in grand architectural designs here that sympathetically blend with the existing Georgian architecture and the landscape in a genuinely exciting way. Hilcote and Finlows Villa, both designed by AC Architects, are wonderful examples of this in action. Great transport links to Manchester, and some breath-taking walking routes that evoke memories of an industrial past, will provide interesting and beautiful scenery to explore for years to come in your retirement.
An Easy Life in Edinburgh
The Athens of the North is how Edinburgh was often referred to, due to its history as a great seat of intellectual and cultural significance. Those looking for a more literary and intellectual way to while away retirement can easily be seduced by this marvelous city’s allure and attractions. The gorgeous, cobbled streets of New Town are home to the most elegant residences of Georgian and Neoclassical architecture that have even made the area a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keen golfers will surely already be familiar with the world-beating courses of East Lothian & St Andrews that are just a decent drive away. And with hiking in the Pentland Hills and fine dining in Michelin-starred eateries such as The Kitchin, there is definitely something for all walks of life and all palates in this Royal City.
The Heart of Hertfordshire
Approaching retirement can often be an overwhelming proposition, and adding in a big move from the capital can make it a little more daunting. Hertfordshire has so much to offer in this instance. Locations here such as Harpenden are often spoken about as ‘villages with a city feel’ - the tree-lined streets and immaculate Edwardian homes are decoration for a very modern lifestyle with upscale dining and luxury retail on every corner. Nearby St Albans is a haven for history that charts medieval times and Roman occupation with some wonderful attractions and landmarks to prove it too. The affluent neighbourhoods of Pondwicks Close and Cunningham Hill Road showcase some excellent real estate that make Hertfordshire an appealing London alternative for those not quite ready to retreat from the city completely.
Eternally Charming Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire has been the home and inspiration for some of the greatest minds in all of history and it is easy to see how. Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires, never fails to muster awe from the charming, cobbled streets, stunning architecture and palpable sense of culture and creativity. However, this county is immensely lucky to also hold places like The Cotswolds in its borders, an area of such outstanding scenery that it stands as a byword for beauty and majesty in this part of the world. The riverside village of Henley-on-Thames, a market town made famous for its annual Regatta, can easily be viewed as the most prestigious place for retirees to find a new home with locations such as Rotherfield Road showcasing some remarkable Edwardian & Victorian architecture. This place is definitely worth a look for those with a rambling heart or a sailing soul.
With more time hopefully at your disposal, it makes sense to build your new retirement base in a place that matches your needs, meets your intended pace of life and offers a few new activities to try. The UK can easily attend to all of these, so spending time investigating which one you like the most while finding your perfect new home could always be part of the pleasure too.
