What developers have learned about selling homes to older people is that it isn’t a matter of 'one size fits all’. Helen Geraghty looked at some of the options when low maintenance and security become important.

When the doors swing open to McCarthy & Stone’s newest retirement development this weekend, visitors can see the fruit of 30 years experience of building for older people.

Aimed at the more active independent retired, this development offers a mix of 55 one- and two-bedroom independent retirement apartments, with prices starting from £160,950.

Enjoying a prominent position on Minster Drive, Thwaytes Court is just a short walk from the seafront and close to Herne Bay Station, a host of pubs, restaurants and amenities.

Sharon Callcut, regional marketing manager for McCarthy & Stone, said: “We’re excited to be officially marking the launch of Thwaytes Court, and are keen to show off the delightful array of thoughtfully designed and low-maintenance properties we have on offer here.

“Retirement Living at Thwaytes Court has been tailored to offer those over 60 the independence they need to enjoy their retirement to the fullest, safe in the knowledge that they still own their own home. We would urge anyone interested to bring their friends and family along to this event, to discover just how easy buying a new property with McCarthy & Stone could be.”

Thwaytes Court offers 40 one-bedroom apartments and 15 two-bedroom apartments, all with features to make life easier. The south-facing landscaped courtyard garden provides the perfect place for outdoor entertaining, while the communal lounge offers the opportunity to relax and socialise with fellow residents, friends or family.

Each new apartment at Thwaytes Court will have a light and airy open-plan lounge and dining room next to a kitchen. The fitted kitchens comprise modern fitted units, an integrated fridge-freezer and ceramic hob. Other features include a single oven with cooker hood, a stainless steel sink with lever taps, and under-pelmet lighting for added clarity when cooking.

Double bedrooms will include fitted wardrobes, a telephone point and TV aerial socket. Second double bedrooms would also serve well as a study.

The fully-fitted modern bathrooms benefit from easy- grip lever taps, a built in vanity unit and a heated towel rail. Apartments will feature either an over-bath shower, or a fully tiled shower room.

Special care and attention has been paid to incorporate features such as electrical sockets at a raised height to reduce bending, illuminated light switches and energy efficient heating.

Electric underfloor heating is fitted throughout.

Each apartment delivers a number of thoughtful features designed to make the home more comfortable and manageable, and is equipped with a 24-hour personal emergency call service and a closed-circuit TV system so residents can check who is calling. A dedicated house manager is also on hand to provide residents with added peace of mind.

There is a fully equipped communal laundry and even a mobility scooter charging point.

Herne Bay is a mile from Whitstable and seven miles from Canterbury with a short drive to the M2 and direct rail links to London Victoria.

An exclusive preview of McCarthy & Stone’s newest retirement development, Thwaytes Court in Herne Bay, is to be held on Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28.

Pop in between 11am and 4pm throughout the two-day event, for a glass of bubbly and a look round the fully-furnished show complex and communal facilities.

For more information on Thwaytes Court ring 01227 742000. You can also see www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk where there is also information on other developments for people needing a greater level of care and support.