Family connection sees couple buy retirement flat in Wantage

When former East Hanney residents Jenny and Keith Diment agreed they would help their nephew Chris, former Marketing Director at Renaissance Retirement, with marketing a new retirement development in Wantage, they didn't anticipate it would mean buying a brand new apartment there.

But that's just what happened. Jenny, 78, and Keith, 81, have just moved into a spacious two bedroom Renaissance Retirement flat in the centre of Wantage.

Keith explains what happened: "We were originally thinking of downsizing into a bungalow in the village but that didn't materialise. We knew about Renaissance's development and watched the build over the last 18 months. It then seemed a logical solution for us. There is so much we do in Wantage and we have friends and family there. We can live independently which is also important."

Chris added: "Jenny and Keith were very good at keeping me informed with how the build was coming on so when I sent them a sales brochure it was more for their interest.

"We met for lunch one day and Keith had a list of questions about our free moving service, service charges and what was the next step to reserve. I was pleasantly surprised and delighted to say the least! But the pressure was then on to make sure we didn't let the family down!"

The couple moved into their apartment without too many hitches and are now very happily settled at Fleur-de-Lis.

Keith added: "East Hanney was our family home for 50 years and we have lots of lovely memories. We are now entering another period in our lives and another set of memories. We are lucky that we still see our family just as much. Our daughter Sarah lives very close and we can walk to her house now. Our granddaughter goes to the school next door to Fleur-de-Lis so she pops around when she's finished for some refreshments."

Jenny added: "The location couldn't be better. We are just 400 steps to the centre of Wantage so popping out to the shops is very easy. We also have the added benefit of Rachael the concierge who is on site Monday to Friday and always happy to see us."

The development, built on the former magistrates' court and Police station on Church Street, comprises 32 one and two bed spacious apartments. The company has been attracting a wide range of interested buyers from the local area.

Renaissance Retirement's sales director Matt Smith said: "There is very strong interest in the Wantage area for good quality retirement apartments. Our sales message is clear – come and view some very smart, spacious, energy efficient flats while there's good availability."

Chris Wotton, former marketing director at Renaissance Retirement, said: "If it's an easier lifestyle people are looking for this is perfect. With only a few hundred steps to the market square from your apartment, you have superb access to the very best Wantage offers on your doorstep."