News | Inspired Villages

Social care white paper emphasises importance of integrated retirement communities

The Government’s social care White Paper, People at the Heart of Care, has emphasised the importance of integrated retirement communities like Inspired Villages. The paper, which was presented in…

2nd December 2021

Inspired research shows the 1980s is the best decade for Christmas – and tinsel is back too!

As Brits prepare to make the most of the upcoming festive season, award-winning later living operator, Inspired Villages, today reveals what makes the ultimate Christmas from across the ages, with…

1st December 2021

Inspired Villages scheme triumphs at the Housebuilder Awards 2021

Inspired Villages’ Great Alne Park community was a winner at the Housebuilder Awards 2021, which took place at the InterContinental London – The O2 on Wednesday 24th November. Jamie Bunce, CEO of…

1st December 2021

First female president of law society returns to university in Exeter

Inspired Villages – which owns Millbrook retirement village in Exeter – has granted a special wish for resident and trailblazer Moira Vickerman. Thanks to the later living operator, Moira, aged 87,…

24th November 2021

BBC expert unearths treasures at antiques event in Tattenhall

A diamond brooch and finely carved jade lion were among the items identified by antiques valuers Christina Trevanion and Ashley Jones at Gifford Lea later living community in Tattenhall on Wednesday…

18th November 2021

Inspired comments on new ARCO report: Putting the ‘care’ in Housing-with-Care

This report has been produced to analyse the quality, efficiency and benefits of social care provided by Integrated Retirement Community operators in the UK. Integrated Retirement Community is a term…

17th November 2021

Inspired Villages resident shares World War II story of heroic daring by his father

Millbrook Village resident Barry Carter has shared the remarkable story of how his father saved his family by shielding them from a bomb dropped on their house during the Blitz in World War II. Three…

15th November 2021

Inspired Villages supports new Willmott Dixon traineeship for NEET teens in Bedfordshire

The programme will provide a unique learning experience to at least 10 young people - offering enhanced career prospects and a glimpse into life in the construction industry Willmott Dixon has…

15th November 2021

Exeter retiree cycles 106 miles to raise money for local primary school

Robert Mansell, 78, a resident at Exeter retirement community Millbrook Village, took part in the Mallorca 312 cycling challenge to raise money for Winkleigh Primary School. The Mallorca 312 is the…

8th November 2021

Inspired Villages named ‘Seniors Housing Operator of the Year’ at sector awards ceremony

Retirement villages operator and developer Inspired Villages took home two awards at the inaugural Seniors Housing Awards, including the ‘Grands Prix’ award for ‘Seniors Housing Operator of the Year…

26th October 2021

Retirees take part in skydive and hot air balloon ride as Inspired Villages makes wishes come true

Later living operator Inspired Villages, which owns Millbrook retirement village, in Exeter, has been helping to grant ‘wishes’ for residents including arranging a skydive, hot air balloon ride and a…

18th October 2021

Residents raise thousands for St Catherine’s Hospice

Residents at Durrants Village in Faygate, West Sussex, have raised £2,546 after arranging a series of fundraising events in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice who provide expert hospice care and for…

15th October 2021

Inspired Villages acquires site for its second net-zero retirement community in Hampshire

Inspired Villages, an award-winning operator of retirement villages across the UK, today announces the purchase of a site in Horndean, Hampshire, with regional developer Highwood Group. The site…

14th October 2021

The future of grandparents: from grandparents to grandpeers – a new report by Inspired Villages

Forget everything you thought you knew about grandparents. According to a new report by Inspired Villages and The Future Laboratory, in the society of the future, age isn’t just a number – it’s flat…

11th October 2021

Inspired roundtable on the importance of intergenerational living

Inspired Villages ran a roundtable discussion on what community means today and the importance of intergenerational living with a particular focus on the Warwick Gates area around its retirement…

6th October 2021

Former employees of Maudslay Motor Company invited to celebrate resident history project

Residents and colleagues at Great Alne Park retirement community, which was built on the former site of the Maudslay Motor Company, have been working on a history project to uncover more information…

4th October 2021

Inspired Villages partners with nutritionist Jenna Hope for National Fitness Day 2021

At Inspired Villages we provide more than just bricks and mortar, we are committed to helping over 65s focus live healthy, independent lives for longer, by supporting their mental and physical…

21st September 2021

Inspired Villages’ shares a new seated exercise workout for National Fitness Day

As part of Inspired Villages’ celebrations of National Fitness Day 2021, we wanted to share a seated exercise workout routine our Wellbeing Navigator Tania Skerritt carried out with some residents at…

21st September 2021

Inspired Villages hosts the Inspired Games with a special appearance from a sporting legend

British ski jumper and sporting legend, Eddie the Eagle shared his inspirational story and participated in the Inspired Games, an event hosted by award-winning retirement communities operator,…

9th August 2021

Inspired Villages secures investment from Legal & General and NatWest Pension Trustees Limited to deliver thousands of new net-zero carbon homes

Inspired Villages secures investment from Legal & General and NatWest Pension Trustee Limited to deliver thousands of new net-zero carbon homes

UK, 26th July 2021: Award-winning later living developer and operator, Inspired Villages today unveils plans to significantly increase its portfolio of retirement villages, thanks to a £500m…

2nd August 2021

Millbrook Village resident proves she isn’t retired, she’s inspired by skydiving for charity

Former teacher, retiree and 68-year-old Millbrook Village resident, Jenny Skinner, recently took back her freedom after a difficult year of restrictions by skydiving to raise money for Hospiscare and…

21st July 2021

Construction begins on first phase of Hampshire retirement village

Award-winning retirement communities operator Inspired Villages has begun work on state-of-the-art retirement village Ampfield Meadows, near Chandlers Ford, Hampshire. The scheme will create 149…

8th July 2021

Inspired Villages Gets the Green Light for Its Sonning Common Community

Inspired Villages, an award-winning operator of retirement villages established by Legal & General, today announces it has achieved planning permission to deliver a £100m retirement community in…

30th June 2021

Inspired Villages scoops win at 2021 Planning Awards for pipeline retirement village at former Legal & General HQ

Inspired Villages, Legal & General’s later living business, has won the ‘Best housing scheme (fewer than 500 homes)’ category at the Planning Awards 2021 for its Kingswood site. Located at Legal…

10th June 2021

Warwickshire retirement village launches ‘summer of culture’ with exciting line-up of outdoor events

Great Alne Park, which is owned by later living operator Inspired Villages, has kicked off the first of its summer events with an outdoor opera performance by the acclaimed ‘Gala Voices’. On Friday…

7th June 2021

Inspired Villages named 66th best large UK employer

Inspired Villages has been named the 66th best large company to work for in the UK by Best Companies, which analyses the best UK employers in its prestigious annual rankings. Not only did Inspired…

24th May 2021

Inspired CEO, Jamie Bunce Comments on new Report from the International Longevity Centre UK

"We welcome the findings of the International Longevity Centre UK's new report today, which reveals that there is no place for ageist and ableist stereotypes at work and that this is costing not only…

13th May 2021

We’re in… 7 Best Companies shortlists!

Inspired Villages has been shortlisted in seven categories by Best Companies, which analyses the best organisations to work for in the UK in a prestigious annual ranking system. The categories are:…

27th April 2021

Phase 2 of state-of-the-art retirement village complete

Work on phase 2 of Great Alne Park retirement village, located just outside Alcester, to build an additional 44 retirement living cottages, 24 apartments and extensive landscaping including an…

31st March 2021

How Covid-19 is shaping the way Inspired Villages designs retirement communities

Sonia Parol, Design Director at Inspired Villages, explains how Inspired is designing future-proof retirement villages and the lessons taken on board from the Covid-19 pandemic The Covid-19 pandemic…

16th March 2021

Legal & General brings forward UK’s first net-zero carbon retirement community* through Inspired Villages

Legal & General announces that it has started on site to deliver its first operationally net-zero carbon (regulated energy) development* (“net-zero”), which will be the UK’s first net-zero…

12th March 2021

Introducing Warwickshire’s fully vaccinated villages

Austin Heath and Great Alne Park, two retirement communities in Warwickshire operated by Inspired Villages, an award-winning operator of retirement villages, today announces the vaccination of all…

1st March 2021

Ledian Gardens construction team praised for their “exceptional” safety measures

Kier Construction have received a fantastic Considerate Constructors Scheme score of 42/50 at their last audit for their work on Ledian Gardens, Inspired’s seventh village in Kent. The report said…

19th February 2021

Millbrook residents celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day

Residents and the village team at Millbrook Village, in Exeter, which is operated by later living provider Inspired Villages, celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Day with a week full of activities.…

17th February 2021

Introducing Cheshire’s first vaccinated village

Gifford Lea announces it has become one of the first communities in the UK to complete the first round of COVID-19 vaccinations for all willing residents and team members. Through careful planning,…

12th February 2021

Legal & General launches part-exchange ‘Home Purchasing Service’ for Inspired Villages’ retirement homes

Inspired Villages launches part-exchange ‘Home Purchasing Service’

Legal & General announces the launch of its part-exchange ‘Home Purchasing Service’ (HPS), now being rolled out across its Inspired Villages retirement communities. As Inspired Villages looks to…

9th February 2021

New telephone service creates lifeline for lonely older people in Kent

Inspired Friendships, the befriending service created by later living provider Inspired Villages, has launched ‘Calls of Friendship’ – a telephone service to help combat lockdown loneliness amongst…

8th January 2021

Inspired Villages appoints Sonia Parol as design director to drive innovation, sustainability and resident wellbeing

Inspired Villages, a developer and operator of later living communities backed by Legal & General, announces the appointment of Sonia Parol as design director. Sonia joins the business with over…

8th December 2020

Inspired Villages wins award for mental health initiatives

Inspired Villages is proud to have won the ‘Best mental health initiative (SME)’ award at the Not A Red Card Awards. Established by Legal & General, the Not A Red Card Awards celebrates…

5th November 2020

Work begins on phase 3 of state-of-the-art retirement village

Work has begun at Gifford Lea retirement village, located just outside Chester, to build an additional 39 retirement living apartments due to be completed in spring 2022. Situated in the Cheshire…

22nd October 2020

Inspired Villages finalises construction partnership to support the expansion of retirement communities across the south of the country

Inspired Villages, a leading operator and developer of later living communities established by Legal & General, has finalised its construction partnership of nine construction firms to support…

22nd October 2020

Inspired Villages wins ‘Property Investor of the Year’ at the HealthInvestor Awards for second consecutive year

Leading retirement villages operator and developer Inspired Villages has won ‘Property Investor of the Year’ at the HealthInvestor Awards for the second year running. Held virtually this year on…

16th October 2020

Survey reveals that grandparents are embracing tech to stay connected with their families

A study commissioned by later living provider, Inspired Villages, found that 80% of over 65s are now confident using modern technology. With the coronavirus lockdown and ongoing restrictions pulling…

4th October 2020

Mr Motivator and wife join forces to host live workout at Austin Heath

TV fitness star, Mr Motivator, hosted a live ‘socially distanced’ workout for residents at Inspired Villages’ Austin Heath later living community, in Warwick. To celebrate National Fitness Day on…

1st October 2020

Inspired Villages acquires second site in Hampshire for £100m retirement community

Inspired Villages, Legal & General’s later living business, announces that it has expanded its presence in Hampshire through the acquisition of a 10-acre site in Chandlers Ford, for the delivery…

20th September 2020

An evening of opera at Great Alne Park

Residents at Great Alne Park, Inspired’s retirement community located just outside Alcester, enjoyed an evening of music and operatic performances in the village’s very own on-site grassy…

14th September 2020

Inspired Villages accelerates development pipeline as works start on six-acre site in Bedfordshire

Construction starts on new £60m Inspired Villages scheme in Bedfordshire. Inspired Villages, Legal & General’s later living business, has started construction at Elderswell, its £60 million later…

8th September 2020

Inspired Villages is now on Sky!

Inspired Villages is delighted to announce its debut on Sky TV! From this week, you will be able to see adverts highlighting our beautiful villages and the inspiring lifestyles of the residents,…

25th August 2020

Inspired Villages CEO interviewed by Health Club Management magazine

Inspired Villages CEO Jamie Bunce was interviewed by Kate Cracknell for the August 2020 issue of Health Club Management magazine. You can read the full article below. How would you describe the…

24th August 2020

Neal Dale comments on the government white paper 'Planning for the Future'

Commenting on the government white paper Planning for the Future, Neal Dale, Development Director at Inspired Villages, said: “It is hugely ironic the government has named this paper ‘Planning for…

7th August 2020

International Friendship Day

To celebrate International Friendship Day, Inspired talked to six residents at Millbrook Village, in Exeter, to hear how their friendships at the village have helped them throughout lockdown, kept…

30th July 2020

From sailing around the world to life at an Inspired Village

Globetrotting resident David Phillips shares why renting in later life gave him a new start and improved his wellbeing Later living operator Inspired Villages has responded to demand for more…

24th July 2020

Outstanding colleagues at local retirement community honoured on the ARCO Roll of Recognition

Retirement community specialist Inspired Villages, which operates Millbrook Village in Exeter, is proud to announce that 20 of its team members have been listed on the ARCO Roll of Recognition, with…

21st July 2020

Why the stamp duty holiday is a move in the right direction and the industry must take advantage of this window

~ by James Cobb, Director, Inspired Villages Last week’s ground-breaking government move to stimulate the property industry – the stamp duty threshold has moved to £500,000 for all buyers completing…

16th July 2020

Stamp duty and senior living

Earlier this week, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a range of measures to help support the economy, among them a stamp duty holiday. Property purchasers will now only pay the basic rate of stamp…

13th July 2020

Inspired Villages welcomes ‘transformative’ stamp duty holiday for last-time buyers

Leading retirement communities developer and operator Inspired Villages welcomes yesterday’s announcement of a stamp duty holiday for all home buyers on properties of up to £500,000 in value. The…

9th July 2020

Legal & General’s later living business, Inspired Villages, achieves 4th major planning win since lockdown, as it gets green light for £100m Tunbridge Wells scheme

Inspired Villages has achieved outline planning permission to deliver a £100 million retirement community on the edge of Tunbridge Wells. Creating 146 new homes, this planning approval is the fourth…

16th June 2020

How Inspired Villages is moving out of lockdown – a note from CEO Jamie Bunce

The safety and wellbeing of the residents in our villages as well as our colleagues are top priorities for Inspired Villages. I am really proud of the way the company has pulled together to keep…

4th June 2020

Inspired Villages bucks downturn in planning permission activity as April 2020 marks its strongest month yet for planning wins despite lockdown

Inspired Villages, Legal & General’s later living business, has secured two further planning permissions, bringing the total new homes secured in the last month of lockdown to around 450. These…

6th May 2020

Alison Harrison joins the team at Leamington retirement village Austin Heath

Alison Harrison has been appointed Village Manager at Austin Heath, a retirement community with a focus on supporting wellness, located on the outskirts of Leamington Spa and operated by Inspired…

1st May 2020

Inspired Villages gets go-ahead on site in Bedfordshire for £120m retirement community

Inspired Villages is pleased to announce plans to deliver a retirement village in Caddington, Bedfordshire, on a 12-acre site newly acquired by partner Legal & General. The site has been…

28th April 2020

Inspired Villages gets green light to develop Legal & General's former Kingswood HQ into a £215M retirement community, providing significant local jobs and economic boost

Inspired Villages is pleased to announce that Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has yesterday (15 April) approved its plans to deliver one of the UK’s largest retirement communities on the site of…

16th April 2020

The Virtual Village Centre

As an organisation, creating communities is the core of what we do. Inspired Villages is keen to make sure self-isolation doesn’t mean the residents in our villages and their families, plus you and…

20th March 2020

First photos of our Kent later living community, Ledian Gardens

Kier has begun construction on our brand new, state-of-the-art later living community, near Maidstone, Kent. Ledian Gardens will offer 116 one-and two-bedroom homes for over 65s, with a village…

12th March 2020

Inspired Villages becomes headline sponsor for Donald Healey exhibition

Inspired Villages has partnered with Heritage and Culture Warwickshire (HCW) to become the headline sponsor for an upcoming exhibition about the Donald Healey Motor Company. Inspired Villages’s…

11th March 2020

Ben Ling joins Inspired Villages as Village Manager at Great Alne Park

Leading retirement village operator and developer, Inspired Villages, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Ling as Village Manager at Great Alne Park, one of its Warwickshire-based villages…

25th February 2020

Children join residents at Gifford Lea for National Storytelling Week

In celebration of National Storytelling Week, 66 pupils from Tattenhall Park Primary School attended a storytelling event at Gifford Lea retirement community, to read some of their favourite stories…

12th February 2020

Our partner Legal & General teams up with Edinburgh University to launch £20m research centre

Increasing life expectancy is to be celebrated, but it poses major challenges for individuals, families and the public and private sectors. Legal & General’s partnership with the University of…

5th February 2020

Construction begins on first phase of a Kent later living community

Kier has begun construction on a state-of-the-art later living community, in Leeds, near Maidstone, Kent, for Inspired Villages, a leading operator and developer of retirement villages established by…

3rd February 2020

An Inspired Year...

A packed programme of activities and events ensured 2019 was another year to remember for residents of Cheshire retirement community Gifford Lea. Active retirees who have made the later living…

16th January 2020

Rise of The Golden Gap Year

Nearly a quarter of retirees go on holiday five or more times each year If cost was not an issue, retirees would increase travel from 11 days to three months per trip Dream destinations are New…

6th September 2019

Inspired Villages Group crowned Property Investor of the Year at HealthInvestor Awards 2019

Inspired Villages Group is delighted to have won Property investor of the year at the HealthInvestor Awards 2019. “Over the next 20 years the population aged 80+ will double, 90+ will triple and…

2nd July 2019

Jim Buttress judges local gardening competition at Durrants Village

On Friday 28 June, renowned horticulturalist and head RHS judge Jim Buttress visited Durrants Village to give a talk on how to make the most of a small garden space and judge a residents’ gardening…

30th June 2019

Hundreds turn out to Grand Opening Gala with Gregg Wallace

Austin Heath, an award-winning later living community in Heathcote, Warwick officially opened its eagerly anticipated Village Centre on Saturday 22nd June, with a family fete ‘Grand Opening Gala’…

27th June 2019

Inspired Villages welcomes Gloria Hunniford OBE & Dame Helena Morrissey DBE to Durrants Village for 101 Ways to Enjoy Getting Older event on 5 June, with Legal & General

On Wednesday 5 June, Durrants Village, the retirement village in Faygate, West Sussex, hosted a special event with veteran broadcaster Gloria Hunniford OBE. 101 Ways to Enjoy Getting Older was an…

11th June 2019

MasterChef star Gregg Wallace to officially open new Clubhouse in Heathcote

Austin Heath will be officially opening its eagerly anticipated Clubhouse on Saturday 22nd June, with a family fete ‘Grand Opening Gala’ for residents and the local community. Gregg Wallace, best…

10th June 2019

Cycling to live better – for longer

Hundreds of residents and staff at retirement villages, across the UK, joined celebrities in an epic 1,000-mile cycling challenge, amid new research findings on the link between exercise and mental…

4th June 2019

Sittingbourne resident takes part in Inspired 1,000 mile cycle challenge to raise funds for MIND

A keen cyclist and resident of Sittingbourne, Stephen Butt, has taken part in a gruelling 1,000 mile cycle challenge to help raise funds for the mental health charity, MIND. The 64 year old, who is a…

3rd June 2019

Inspired Villages Group crowned Retirement Living Operator of the Year at prestigious awards event

Inspired Villages Group – which owns and operates later living communities around the UK – has won the coveted title of Retirement Living Operator of the Year at the prestigious RESI Awards 2019. The…

27th May 2019

Kingswood community is invited to view plans for Legal & General House

Inspired Villages, an operator and developer of later living accommodation across the UK, is bringing forward proposals to deliver a vibrant retirement community on the site of Legal & General…

3rd May 2019

Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst at Millbrook Village

TV antiques experts Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst visit Millbrook Village retirement community to give free antiques valuations

On Wednesday 20 March, BBC TV presenters and antiques valuers Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst paid a special visit to Millbrook Village, the later living community in Exeter, to offer free…

21st March 2019

James Cobb, Jackie Usher, Dr Dawn Harper, John Kennedy, Fab Marcarian, Liam Stack

TV’s Dr Dawn Harper visits Durrants Village later living community to help launch new Assisted Living option and discuss how to live well for longer

On Saturday 19th January, Durrants Village later living community in Faygate, West Sussex hosted an event to launch a new Assisted Living package at the village, featuring a Q&A with TV’s Dr Dawn…

21st January 2019

TV’s Dr Dawn Harper visits Millbrook Village later living community to help launch new Assisted Living option and discuss how to live well for longer

On Monday 14th January, later living community Millbrook Village in Exeter, Devon hosted an event to launch a new Assisted Living package at the village, featuring a Q&A with TV’s Dr Dawn Harper…

14th January 2019

TV’s Dr Dawn Harper to visit Durrants Village later living community to help launch new Assisted Living option and discuss how to live well for longer

On Saturday 19th January, Durrants Village later living community in Faygate, West Sussex is hosting an event to launch a new Assisted Living package at the village, featuring a Q&A with TV’s Dr…

11th January 2019

National Wellbeing plan piloted at Millbrook Village sees pensioners walk twice as far as average Briton

A new national wellbeing plan for older people has been launched at Millbrook Village later living community in Exeter which has seen residents clock up more than 7 million steps in the space of just…

7th January 2019

Jane Shotliff community liaison manager at Inspired Villages

Inspired Villages appoints Community Liaison Manager for new retirement village in Kent

Inspired Villages has appointed former journalist and PR consultant Jane Shotliff as its Community Liaison Manager for its forthcoming retirement development in Leeds, Kent. The role has been newly…

11th December 2018

Millbrook Village sponsors inaugural Exeter Literary Festival

Millbrook Village sponsored the inaugural Exeter Literary Festival which took place over three days between 15 -18 November 2018. The festival was held across a range of venues in Exeter and featured…

23rd November 2018

TV antiques experts Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst visit Bramshott Place retirement village to give free antiques valuations

On Wednesday 31 October, BBC TV presenters, valuers and auctioneers Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst visited Bramshott Place to offer free antiques valuations for residents of the village and…

13th November 2018

Discover the Salutation Inn, Exeter

The Salutation Inn, just a short trip from Millbrook Village, the restaurant has received glowing reviews from critics and customers alike. We decided to pay them a visit and hear from the team…

2nd November 2018

Timothy Medhurst values some vases at Bramshott Place

TV antiques experts Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst visit Bramshott Place retirement village to give free antiques valuations

On Wednesday 31 October, BBC TV presenters, valuers and auctioneers Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst visited Bramshott Place, a later living community in Liphook, Hampshire, to offer free…

1st November 2018

Christina Trevanion values a sculpture at Durrants Village

TV antiques experts Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst visit Durrants Village retirement community to give free antiques valuations

On Tuesday 30 October, BBC TV presenters, valuers and auctioneers Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst visited Durrants Village, a later living community in Faygate, West Sussex, to give free…

31st October 2018

Inspiration for Activities with your Grandchildren

Many of us are looking forward to spending precious time looking after grandchildren and maybe even great-grandchildren. We thought we would highlight family activities located near to our villages…

25th October 2018

Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst at Bramshott Place

TV antiques experts Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst visit Bramshott Place retirement village to give free antiques valuations

On Wednesday 31 October, BBC TV presenters, valuers and auctioneers Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst will be paying a special visit to Bramshott Place, the later living community in Liphook,…

24th October 2018

Timothy Medhurst and Christina Trevanion at Durrants Village

TV antiques experts Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst visit Durrants Village retirement community to give free antiques valuations

On Tuesday 30 October, BBC TV presenters, valuers and auctioneers Christina Trevanion and Timothy Medhurst will be paying a special visit to Durrants Village, the later living community in Faygate,…

23rd October 2018

Interview with Sandra Dodds of The Flower Studio

The Flower Studio visited Bramshott Place on Thursday 5 July to host a stall at the pop-up artisan food and craft market which the village held to celebrate the launch of the final phase of homes.…

8th October 2018

TV presenter Julia Bradbury joins residents on a walk through the Warwickshire countryside

Residents and staff were joined by TV presenter and walking enthusiast Julia Bradbury on a walk exploring the area around Great Alne Park in Warwickshire. The three-mile walk, which took place on 6th…

25th September 2018

Residents pose with Sue Cooper (Front Office Supervisor at Gifford Lea) and Kate Mylchreest (Storyhouse)

Inspired in Cheshire teams up with Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre in Chester

Gifford Lea showed its support for the regional arts scene by sponsoring a renowned Chester theatre. Gifford Lea teamed up with Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, one of the country’s best-loved open…

25th September 2018

Mayor of Warwick officially opens new apartments at Austin Heath

The Mayor of Warwick, Richard Eddy, cut the ribbon to mark the launch of the first apartment blocks to reach completion in phase two of the development at Austin Heath on Saturday 4th August. Guests…

10th August 2018

Toby Buckland judges gardening competition

On Wednesday 25 July, BBC gardening broadcaster Toby Buckland paid a visit to Millbrook Village to judge a gardening competition at the later living community. The Gardeners’ World and Flower Shows …

10th August 2018

Mayor of Warwick to Officially Open Austin Heath’s 8 new apartments

As the UK continues to enjoy the most sun-drenched summer in decades, Austin Heath, has been reaping the benefits of a quintessential Great British Summer, with a host of ‘traditionally British’…

30th July 2018

Austin Heath Residents raise over £350 for Myton Hospice

Residents from Austin Heath ran a gift tombola, raising over £350 alone for the hospice’s life-changing funds. On Sunday 15th July, Austin Heath sponsored the annual Myton Hospice summer fete,…

30th July 2018

Hundreds turn out to PARKFEST music festival at Great Alne Park

Hundreds of people flocked to Great Alne Park on Saturday 21st July for the inaugural PARKFEST. The event gave lucky ticket winners FREE entry to the event, which included entertainment by 4 Poofs…

30th July 2018

Great Alne Park to host exclusive music festival to celebrate opening of new clubhouse

Inspired Villages and Great Alne Park are offering people the chance to win tickets to Parkfest, on Saturday 21st July, in a special ballot. The FREE event will include entertainment by 4 Poofs and a…

10th July 2018

Dawn Harper, Gloria Hunniford and Rebecca Parker

101 Ways to Enjoy Getting Older at The Storyhouse in Chester

Gifford Lea host celebrity panel discussion with Gloria Hunniford at The Storyhouse in Chester. Over 100 people from Chester and further afield turned up to take part in a lively panel discussion…

3rd July 2018

Inspired Style at Austin Heath

Ladies turned out in their droves to Austin Heath last month, for a fashion-filled evening with fashionista Sarah Gray. Guests were welcomed with a complimentary drink and nibbles, before sitting…

21st June 2018

Great Alne Celebrates Royal Wedding

As the nation prepared for the biggest party of the year, retirement villages up and down the country didn’t shy away from embracing Royal Wedding fever on Saturday 19th May. Great Alne Park, the …

25th May 2018

Royal Wedding Garden Party In Great Alne

On Saturday 19 May, Inspired Villages Great Alne Park is hosting a Royal Wedding party to remember from 11am! The event is open to all interested to attend. The royal wedding will be shown live on a…

14th May 2018

Relive our 101 Ways to Enjoy Getting Older Event

Over 100 residents filled Leamington Spa Town Hall for our '101 Ways' event which saw Gloria Hunniford OBE join a panel including Dr Dawn Harper, Inspired Villages Chairman, Keith Cockell, Matt…

14th May 2018

101 Ways to Enjoy Getting Older Success

We are delighted at the success of our ‘101 Ways to Enjoy Getting Older’ event, held on Friday 20th April at Leamington Spa Town Hall. Attended by over 100 local residents, the discussion was…

26th April 2018

‘I want to be as active as I possibly can’

Helping others is important to The Reverend Canon John Moore. It’s what he has done for a lifetime. The 83-year-old grandfather had a distinguished career. He was made a Canon in Coventry Cathedral…

10th March 2018

A taste of things to come at Gifford Lea

A Taste of Things to Come, Gifford Lea

On Thursday 22nd February, an exclusive event for residents and foodies was held in the restaurant at Gifford Lea. Restaurant guests were joined by Mark Ellis, well known from the BBC’s the Great…

5th March 2018

A Taste of Things to Come, Austin Heath

On Tuesday 27th February, Austin Heath hosted an exclusive complimentary pop-up lunch with Paul Foster, award-winning Head Chef at Salt, Stratford-upon-Avon. Residents and local foodies were invited…

5th March 2018

Quizzing in the dark? It's snow problem for residents of Gifford Lea

An eventful evening was had by all at our monthly quiz and fundraiser when a power cut struck on February 28th. Just as the second round had finished, the event was plunged into total darkness and…

2nd March 2018

Inspired Retirement Myth-busting

Whether it’s advertising, the press, government or even those around us — it’s common that we view retirement with woes and the prospect of loneliness in later life. Here at Inspired, we are striving…

1st February 2018

Moving here was the Right Decision

The crests of four ships hang proudly in the hallway of Bob Dobney’s apartment. Each one brings back memories of the ships he served on, during a 25-year career with the Royal Navy. Bob Dobney, OBE,…

17th January 2018

Quintessentially English - England are through to the Finals

Last Friday saw England and Australia face off in the Ashes One Day International at Tattenhall Cricket Club. The prestigious fixture continues our sponsorship deal with Tattenhall Cricket Club in…

19th December 2017

Bake Off Star Brings Festivities to Gifford Lea

It may only be October but that didn’t stop residents and guests getting into the festive spirit at Gifford Lea on the morning of the 24th. Joined by star of The Great British Bake Off, Howard…

27th October 2017

Inside Housing Development Awards

We’re delighted to announce that our Austin Heath village has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Best Residential Development’ category at the 2017 Inside Housing Development Awards. The…

25th August 2017

Austin Heath welcomes first residents

John and Jean Radford were among the first to get the key to their new Inspired Villages home, set within the first phase of development at Warwick Gate. The couple, both in their 70s, who moved from…

5th April 2017

Autumn Open Day Success

Last Tuesday we welcomed visitors to Inspired Warwick for our Autumn Open Day, celebrating the progress of our phase two development. Current resident, 70-year-old great grandmother Lizzie Dunne…

25th January 2017

The retiree revolution

Nicholas John talks to David Scott-Malden, Operations Director at Inspired Villages, about how the population is ageing and how its needs can be met. We hear in the media that people are living…

4th October 2016

Designed for a new age

It’s a worrying fact that many accidents occur in the home. A fall or an accident could become a major issue and safety in the home is an important topic. Nicholas John talks to Keith Cockell about…

19th September 2016

Bungalows in the sky

Nicholas John talks to the Chairman of Inspired Villages, Keith Cockell, about the planning that goes into the design of a care village. Keith, do we perhaps have a misconception in this country…

19th September 2016

An inspiring introduction

The first in a series of articles introducing Inspired Villages, market leaders in the care village sector. Nicholas John talks to Chairman, Keith Cockell. Keith, why are you looking to publish this…

19th September 2016

Sun plays ball as Inspired and Cheshire celebrate championship win

Cheshire’s 8-wicket win over Wiltshire at Tattenhall Cricket Club (Wiltshire 166 & 233, Cheshire 303 & 98-2) as part of the Unicorns Championship was celebrated by fans and visitors last…

6th August 2016

More tea, Ern? New village hub at Austin Heath pays tribute to comedy star

Inspired Warwick is delighted to open the doors to Eric’s – a social hub for residents to meet up for a coffee, enjoy a light lunch, play bridge or any other activity they choose. Named after much-…

28th June 2016

Bungalows: A storey of decline and Inspired Solution

News of a national ‘bungalow crisis’ has been widely reported across the UK in recent weeks, with a shortage of the single-storey housing being blamed on developers neglecting the needs of today’s…

9th June 2016

Hundreds inspired by star-studded Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival

Packed audiences enjoyed an inspired day of discussions and workshops at The Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival on 30 April, which was supported for the second year by Inspired Warwick Retirement…

4th May 2016

Plans for retirement take central stage at expert forum

Retirees gathered at Rowton Hall in Chester this week to receive independent advice from a panel of experts on existing retirement trends and the future of retirement planning. Guests at the free…

7th April 2016

Inspired living - a solution to loneliness and isolation

If you’ve recently retired, been bereaved or found yourself living alone, you might be feeling isolated and lonely. If that sounds familiar, you’re one of a growing number of older people facing this…

25th February 2016

Interview with Inspired Villages' Richard Fenn

With over 30 years experience in the world's most exclusive hospitality venues, we catch up with Inspired’s Director of Leisure and Hotel Services, Richard Fenn. We catch up with Inspired’s Director…

31st January 2016

Adapting to retirement - maintaining a strong relationship

Retirement can be an exciting but challenging time for couples. If one or both of you have stopped working, your day-to-day life will change. Planning your retirement together can help make this…

25th January 2016

Show Home offers glimpse of Inspired lifestyle

Retirees in search of the desired lifestyle will soon get a glimpse of what Warwick has to offer, when a show home is unveiled at a new retirement village coming to Warwick Gate in Heathcote.…

12th January 2016

Warwick’s first purpose-built retirement village is officially the best designed in UK

A new development in Warwick has been officially lauded for having the most outstanding new retirement village design in the UK. Inspired Villages, part of the Warwick Gates LLP site at Gallagher…

12th January 2016

Topping out ceremony at Warwick

The Mayor of Warwick, Cllr Mandy Littlejohn, has laid a commemorative brick at the county’s first purpose-built retirement village, to mark the latest milestone in its construction. Cllr Littlejohn…

3rd November 2015

Work begins on £50m retirement village in Tattenhall

Work has begun on a £50m purpose-built retirement village in Tattenhall that will offer the over 65s an active lifestyle. New images show for the first time how the initial phase of 48 apartments…

29th July 2015

Retirement villages let you lock up and leave

Taking the lead from the US, developments are springing up around the country - though they aren't a budget option. For many expats, there are compelling reasons to return to their homeland when they…

29th July 2015

Inspired Villages launches new sales suite at Warwick retirement village

Inspired Villages is inviting people from Warwick, Leamington and the surrounding area to visit its new sales suite located on the site of the retirement village, which is currently being constructed…

29th July 2015

Work set to start on retirement village in Warwick

Work is set to get underway this month on a purpose-built retirement village at Heathcote in Warwick. New images show for the first time how the initial phase of 49 apartments will look at Inspired…

29th July 2015

Tattenhall residents make their mark on new retirement village

Tattenhall residents are putting their own stamp on a new retirement village after taking part in a competition to name the apartments that form part of the £50m scheme. Inspired Villages, which is…

8th April 2015

News & Press

Social care white paper emphasises importance of integrated retirement communities

Inspired research shows the 1980s is the best decade for Christmas – and tinsel is back too!

Inspired Villages scheme triumphs at the Housebuilder Awards 2021

First female president of law society returns to university in Exeter

BBC expert unearths treasures at antiques event in Tattenhall

Inspired comments on new ARCO report: Putting the ‘care’ in Housing-with-Care

Inspired Villages resident shares World War II story of heroic daring by his father

Inspired Villages supports new Willmott Dixon traineeship for NEET teens in Bedfordshire

Exeter retiree cycles 106 miles to raise money for local primary school

Inspired Villages named ‘Seniors Housing Operator of the Year’ at sector awards ceremony

Retirees take part in skydive and hot air balloon ride as Inspired Villages makes wishes come true

Residents raise thousands for St Catherine’s Hospice

Inspired Villages acquires site for its second net-zero retirement community in Hampshire

The future of grandparents: from grandparents to grandpeers – a new report by Inspired Villages

Inspired roundtable on the importance of intergenerational living

Former employees of Maudslay Motor Company invited to celebrate resident history project

Inspired Villages partners with nutritionist Jenna Hope for National Fitness Day 2021

Inspired Villages’ shares a new seated exercise workout for National Fitness Day

Inspired Villages hosts the Inspired Games with a special appearance from a sporting legend

Inspired Villages secures investment from Legal & General and NatWest Pension Trustee Limited to deliver thousands of new net-zero carbon homes

Millbrook Village resident proves she isn’t retired, she’s inspired by skydiving for charity

Construction begins on first phase of Hampshire retirement village

Inspired Villages Gets the Green Light for Its Sonning Common Community

Inspired Villages scoops win at 2021 Planning Awards for pipeline retirement village at former Legal & General HQ

Warwickshire retirement village launches ‘summer of culture’ with exciting line-up of outdoor events

Inspired Villages named 66th best large UK employer

Inspired CEO, Jamie Bunce Comments on new Report from the International Longevity Centre UK

We’re in… 7 Best Companies shortlists!

Phase 2 of state-of-the-art retirement village complete

How Covid-19 is shaping the way Inspired Villages designs retirement communities

Legal & General brings forward UK’s first net-zero carbon retirement community* through Inspired Villages

Introducing Warwickshire’s fully vaccinated villages

Ledian Gardens construction team praised for their “exceptional” safety measures

Millbrook residents celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day

Introducing Cheshire’s first vaccinated village

Inspired Villages launches part-exchange ‘Home Purchasing Service’

New telephone service creates lifeline for lonely older people in Kent

Inspired Villages appoints Sonia Parol as design director to drive innovation, sustainability and resident wellbeing

Inspired Villages wins award for mental health initiatives

Work begins on phase 3 of state-of-the-art retirement village

Inspired Villages finalises construction partnership to support the expansion of retirement communities across the south of the country

Inspired Villages wins ‘Property Investor of the Year’ at the HealthInvestor Awards for second consecutive year

Survey reveals that grandparents are embracing tech to stay connected with their families

Mr Motivator and wife join forces to host live workout at Austin Heath

Inspired Villages acquires second site in Hampshire for £100m retirement community

An evening of opera at Great Alne Park

Inspired Villages accelerates development pipeline as works start on six-acre site in Bedfordshire

Inspired Villages is now on Sky!

Inspired Villages CEO interviewed by Health Club Management magazine

Neal Dale comments on the government white paper 'Planning for the Future'

International Friendship Day

From sailing around the world to life at an Inspired Village

Outstanding colleagues at local retirement community honoured on the ARCO Roll of Recognition

Why the stamp duty holiday is a move in the right direction and the industry must take advantage of this window

Stamp duty and senior living

Inspired Villages welcomes ‘transformative’ stamp duty holiday for last-time buyers

Legal & General’s later living business, Inspired Villages, achieves 4th major planning win since lockdown, as it gets green light for £100m Tunbridge Wells scheme

How Inspired Villages is moving out of lockdown – a note from CEO Jamie Bunce

Inspired Villages bucks downturn in planning permission activity as April 2020 marks its strongest month yet for planning wins despite lockdown

Alison Harrison joins the team at Leamington retirement village Austin Heath

Inspired Villages gets go-ahead on site in Bedfordshire for £120m retirement community

Inspired Villages gets green light to develop Legal & General's former Kingswood HQ into a £215M retirement community, providing significant local jobs and economic boost

The Virtual Village Centre

First photos of our Kent later living community, Ledian Gardens

Inspired Villages becomes headline sponsor for Donald Healey exhibition

Ben Ling joins Inspired Villages as Village Manager at Great Alne Park

Children join residents at Gifford Lea for National Storytelling Week

Our partner Legal & General teams up with Edinburgh University to launch £20m research centre

Construction begins on first phase of a Kent later living community

An Inspired Year...

Rise of The Golden Gap Year

Inspired Villages Group crowned Property Investor of the Year at HealthInvestor Awards 2019

Jim Buttress judges local gardening competition at Durrants Village

Hundreds turn out to Grand Opening Gala with Gregg Wallace

Inspired Villages welcomes Gloria Hunniford OBE & Dame Helena Morrissey DBE to Durrants Village for 101 Ways to Enjoy Getting Older event on 5 June, with Legal & General

MasterChef star Gregg Wallace to officially open new Clubhouse in Heathcote

Cycling to live better – for longer

Sittingbourne resident takes part in Inspired 1,000 mile cycle challenge to raise funds for MIND

Inspired Villages Group crowned Retirement Living Operator of the Year at prestigious awards event