Construction begins on 25 new apartments in Watlington

The project, undertaken by specialist retirement developer Beechcroft, will offer one and two-bedroom apartments, specifically designed for over 55s.

It is the second phase of construction work at the site and follows the completion of 41 homes during the first phase of development, named Castle Gardens.

The apartments will be set within four two-storey buildings centred around a communal garden.

Each will have a balcony, terrace, or private garden along with allocated parking featuring electric car charging points.

Beechcroft's contracts manager, Lewis Digby, said: "Our ground workers started work on site in August and it is progressing well.

Beechcroft's contracts manager, Lewis Digby (Image: Beechcroft) "We anticipate being able to launch the new show home in early 2025."

The new apartments will feature a communal lounge and a guest suite for visiting family and friends.

They will also be energy efficient and easy to maintain, featuring Beechcroft’s Healthihouse specification with fixtures and fittings designed to promote a "healthy home environment".

Beechcroft’s sales and marketing director, Angela South, said: "We were delighted with the response to the new homes at Castle Gardens and we are already receiving enquiries regarding this new phase of development."

The development is located around half a mile from Watlington’s High Street and offers landscaped and maintained gardens, a residents’ pavilion, a shuttle bus service, and an on-site estate management service.

Ms South continued: "Our homebuyers at Castle Gardens frequently comment on the generous proportion of the living spaces, the quality of the fixtures and fittings, the beautiful landscaped gardens which are particularly popular with the community’s dog owners and the helpfulness of the on-site estate manager."

She said the residents’ pavilion has become "a hub of activity," hosting coffee mornings, quiz and games evenings, a craft group, and more events, and said residents "relax in the communal gardens" on sunny days.

She added: "The second phase of development, which will bring further benefits, including additional green space, another communal lounge, and a guest suite with kitchen area and a shower room, provides homebuyers who missed out the first time round with another opportunity to buy.

"Whilst we hope to launch the new show home in January 2025, we would recommend anyone interested in Castle Mews to contact us so we can provide regular updates over the next few months."

The new apartments will be fitted with bespoke cabinets and a full range of top-brand name appliances in the kitchen.

Bathrooms and en-suites will include vanity units and mirrors, with fitted wardrobes in both the principal and second bedroom.