WIMBORNE'S newest retirement community recently opened its doors to local retirees, offering them the chance to trial a new development.

A total of 45 locals were invited to a ‘Taste the Lifestyle’ event, allowing people to experience the new McCarthy Stone retirement development, The Old Market Village.

McCarthy Stone is listed as the UK’s leading developer with regards to retirement communities and is passionate to share the brand-new project with the public.

On the day, the visitors were presented with a brunch prepared by the chef due to be working in the on-site bistro.

As well as enjoying a meal prepared by chef Kevin Brett, guests also got to hear about the range of dishes that would be making appearances once the development is finalised.

The Retirement Living Plus development has recently been shortlisted in the Housebuilder Awards 2024 as one of the UK’s best retirement schemes.

On top of the brunch served, visitors heard from the estate manager, Jackie Gregory, who went into detail about the care and support services available to those who chose to enlist.

A tour of the development was on offer for guests to truly get a ‘taste’ for the apartments and living spaces.

McCarthy Stone’s divisional marketing manager, Verity McKay, said: “The event was a fantastic success- the delicious cuisine prepared on-site by our experienced chef went down a treat and it was great to welcome local retirees along to experience for themselves what life at a McCarthy Stone development is like."

The new space is open for those over the age of 65, with 32 bungalows up for grabs in the Old Market Gardens. Whilst those aged over 70 have the choice of apartments within Market House.

Purchase prices for a two and three-bedroom retirement bungalow at The Old Market Gardens, where 50 per cent of the properties are now sold, start from £475,000 and £525,000 respectively.

There is a number of facilities available at this new retirement community including the bistro as referred to previously, a communal lounge, a hair and beauty salon and a wellness zone.