What a Silver Service!

Churchill Retirement, Gerard Lodge, Bognor Regis

It was easy to find Gerard Lodge with signs pointing me in the right direction and the main frontage of the site being obvious. Parking was provided and luckily it was not full; as it is a “first come, first serve” basis with only 13 spaces provided for the 39 one and two bedroom apartments. It is a new build which is available for the retired, yet it blends well with the surroundings and still offers the comfort of independent living plus the added peace of mind with safety and security at the purchasers’ fingertips.

I strolled up the winding pathway, with beautiful landscaped gardens to my left and right, and entered the airy sales office. There were many informative boards about the developer and the site hung on the pastel coloured walls which helped me to get an idea of what was on offer. I was greeted by a well-dressed sales consultant who talked me through the specifications and correctly qualified my relatives before we entered the first of two show-homes.

When entering the building through the main doors, you arrive at a large, traditionally styled “owners lounge”. With chairs, sofas and a kitchen available, no-one will feel glued to the confines of their apartment and they can enjoy the added benefit of socialising with other owners and their guests. Furthermore, a guest suite (which is situated on the third floor) is on offer from £12 per night. A notice board is also on show for social and entertainment events as well as additional information such as the bus numbers and timetables.

I was accompanied to plot 11, a two bedroom spacious apartment in which there were many eye-catching features. There are plug sockets at a convenient height, an easy to use security system in case of emergencies, illuminated light switches and an electric window in the kitchen. This, plus the wide entrances show me that the developer has really considered the future residents in their plans and designed everything, to the smallest detail, accordingly.

Hotham Park is conveniently a stone’s throw away where tennis, a putting green and crazy golf is on offer for the active and a snack bar providing light refreshments for those looking to enjoy the views. The seafront is close by and boasts cafés, bars, Bognor Regis’ Pier and the Alexandra Theatre. In addition, there are department stores, the Picturedrome cinema, a bingo hall and the many festivals that are held throughout the year.

The lounge was large, and was designed with a traditional touch yet with modern features, which is a theme throughout. The kitchen is modern and although fairly small in size, perfect for the residents with everything within easy reach. Both of the bedrooms are favourably sized, however I felt that there was not enough available natural light.

With 125 years’ leasehold, estimated weekly costs £38.40 for one bedroom apartments and £53.90 for two beds apartments.

What you get for your money:
Prices from £156,950

Location, location, location:
Opposite Hotham Park, close to Butlins and University of Chichester (Bognor site), restaurants, bars, shopping and other entertainment facilities about a 5 minute drive away.

Best feature:
Video entry shown through the television, owners lounge very good for socialising, plug sockets at a manageable height, illuminated panels around light switches so it’s easy to find during the night, access to all amenities.

Worst feature:
Only 13 car parking spaces for 39 apartments. Perhaps not everyone will benefit from the laundry room which consists of only 3 washers and 3 dryers.

Contact the sales office for further information: 01243-867026

• Location: 7 of 10 (Easy access by roads and to amenities)
• Product: 8 of 10
• Sales Negotiator service: 9 of 10 (went through specs and very knowledgeable)
• Value for money: Very good