North Yorkshire Retirement Community helps tackle UK’s Undersupply of Bungalows

Recent research has revealed there is a big shortage of bungalows in the UK. Just 1,942 were built in 2020, a fall of 26 percent from the 2,632 built in 2010 (source: NHBC). Yet bungalows are particularly favoured by over 60s, the fastest growing age group in the UK: 71 percent of over 65s say they would consider moving to a bungalow and that more should be built.

This demand will keep growing as the over 60s already make up 23% of the UK population, and the ONS predicts there will be an additional 7.5 million in this age group in 50 years' time. With just 736,000 purpose-built retirement homes available, Britain lags behind in getting age-appropriate housing stock ready.

Retirement living specialist Rangeford Villages’ Mickle Hill retirement village in Pickering, North Yorkshire, offers a solution with its range of two-bedroom bungalows. Designed specifically for the over 60s, the homes allow retirees to live independently with their own front door and address, whilst still enjoying all the comfort of living in a purpose-built retirement community.

Hugh, who moved to Mickle Hill from the Lake District in August 2020, says: 

“I particularly like the fact that there are bungalows in addition to apartments at Mickle Hill, and they are unusually spacious. I bought a resale two bed dormer bungalow that is situated towards the back of the village with attractive views overlooking fields.  

“It’s very well designed and being of modern construction means they are particularly well insulated and noticeably warmer than my previous 1970s bungalow. My heating bills here are much lower!” 

Set in the village’s grounds, the dormer bungalows boast a total floor space of 1038 sq ft and feature a modern, yet functional interior design, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Large, double-glazed windows make the most of the natural daylight, and private patios allow residents to entertain guests or catch the sun. The village is entirely pet friendly, meaning retirees can move in with their four-legged friends.

The bungalows feature convenient, discreet details to make life easier for over 60s, such as sockets at waist height, heating that can be adjusted easily from room to room, and modern en-suite shower wet rooms with pull cords for emergencies.

Residents can benefit from a wide range of onsite amenities at the village’s entertainment hub, called the ‘Pavilion’, which boasts a cinema, gym, Jacuzzi, library, café bistro and resident run bar. Adding to the lifestyle factor is the hair and beauty salon, convenience shop as well as landscaped gardens that embrace the natural surroundings.

Mickle Hill will progressively resume its busy schedule of social events and activities which include, felting, calligraphy, art and crafts, singing, gardening, gym and gentle exercise, scrabble, board games and quiz competitions. An onsite workshop is also available for crafting and woodworking.

To ensure all residents’ needs are catered for the village CQC care team provides a domiciliary care service for those who need extra assistance with say dressing and bathing. Other support services for household chores such as cooking, cleaning and shopping are also available from the village team.

Bungalows from £295,950 are available for immediate occupation.