Gloria and Terry Watkins, both in their 70's, recently decided it was time to downsize from their four bedroom, detached home in Swanley, Kent. After looking around for over a year at various properties, including retirement homes and bungalows, in various locations, they decided on Brunswick Square in Orpington, by Berkeley.
"Moving to Orpington is going back to my roots" said Gloria. "I moved there from London when I was nine years of age, spent my childhood there and have seen it transform over the years into a thriving town. The house we're currently in is too big and it's time to downsize into a smaller property which will be less maintenance and we will release equity. We discovered Berkeley's Brunswick Square through an advert in our local newspaper, also a friend of ours had bought on one of their developments nearby and couldn't speak too highly of the quality of their Berkeley home." Gloria and Terry are moving into a two bed apartment at Brunswick Square with a south facing balcony, which they say offers everything they were looking for and will be much easier to maintain.
A major attraction of Brunswick Square for the retired couple was the conveniently placed location and the great facilities it offers. Gloria comments: "The development really has everything on its doorstep. Orpington has excellent restaurants and a good selection of shops, not forgetting the Sainsbury's supermarket next door to the development. We are also looking forward to visits to the cinema which recently opened. Also my husband plays badminton and I enjoy going to the gym, so the gyms and fitness facilities nearby are an added bonus."
Commenting further on Orpington, Gloria said: "A lot of people may not be aware, but the area also has two lovely parks, very close to Brunswick Square. Priory Gardens and Goddington Park are perfect for leisurely strolls and are both an ideal substitute for a garden." The development also offers underground parking with electric car charging points and an on-site car club. Gloria said: "We can't imagine ourselves without a car and have bought a parking space in the underground car park, which is very convenient. "
Brunswick Square also has a Health and Well-being centre on site, Gloria said "The Health and Well-being Centre is a great idea and no doubt will be another facility we will use when we've moved in."
Orpington is served by great transport connections and offers fast and frequent trains into London in under half an hour, which is ideal for the couple who enjoy travelling into London. "We love popping into London for great days out at the theatre and eateries, so it's brilliant being so close to Orpington station which offers a convenient train service."
The couple will move into their new apartment at the latter end of 2017 and described the buying process and service provided by Berkeley as excellent. "The people at Berkeley were very professional and covered everything. We were given very good literature on the development and everything was explained to us in great detail. We're thoroughly looking forward to moving in and everything has worked out rather well for us."
Orpington has seen impressive regeneration in the last few years, and now offers an exciting new range of retail, dining and leisure facilities, including a 24hr Pure Gym, conveniently located on the doorstep of Brunswick Square. Bluewater shopping centre is also only 20 minutes' drive away.
Brunswick Square is situated within London's Travel Zone Six, allowing residents to use Oyster Card to travel into and around the capital. Orpington railway station provides commuters with fast and frequent trains to London Bridge, Charing Cross, Cannon Street and Victoria. Two trains will also be added to Orpington's peak services from August 2016, increasing trains into London to up to nine times an hour. The area is also served by a comprehensive bus service, and there is easy access to London's M25 orbital motorway.
Prices start at £305,000 for a one bedroom apartment and £390,000 for a two bedroom apartment. For further information on Brunswick Square please call 01689 669066 or visit: http://www.berkeleygroup.co.uk/new-homes/london/orpington/brunswick-square