When a new retirement development opened on her doorstep last year, chef Susan King spotted the perfect opportunity to share her lifelong passion for food and home cooking with her new neighbours at McCarthy Stone’s Gilbert Place.
“I’ve been in catering my whole working life – that’s 40 years now! And I absolutely love what I do”, explains Susan. “I was working at another McCarthy Stone retirement development in Devizes when I saw the new Gilbert Place Retirement Living Plus development was opening. It was the ideal role for me, enabling me to continue doing what I love even closer to home.
“For me, my job is more than turning up and cooking lunch. Many of our homeowners come to the bistro every day, and lots of others come regularly throughout the week. Friday day fish and chips and Sunday roasts are firm favourites! I like to make their visits special, and one of my favourite ways to do that is by putting on themed events to bring everyone together for celebrations and important moments. Last year we had a Ploughman’s lunch for the harvest festival, enjoyed the Queen’s Jubilee pudding, and had lunch together on the day of her late Majesty’s funeral.
“Outside of the kitchen, my garden is my haven. I’m the proud owner of a much-loved and much tended to vegetable plot, and there’s nothing more satisfying than growing your own organic produce.”
Nicki Beswarick, Divisional Marketing Manager for McCarthy Stone Southern, says: “We often hear lovely stories about how much our homeowners enjoy living life with us, and it’s people like Susan that contribute so much to that. She is hugely passionate about cooking, and we are very grateful that she chooses to share that with the community at Gilbert Place, going above and beyond to create special moments for them.”
Situated on Lowry Way, Gilbert Place is designed exclusively for the over 70s. At the development, retirees can enjoy all the benefits of home ownership in a modern, low maintenance apartment, Gilbert Place also features a stylish communal lounge, landscaped gardens and an on-site shop. An Estates team is on hand around the clock for complete peace-of-mind.
Prices at Gilbert Place currently start from £248,700 for a one-bedroom apartment and £340,200 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are now more options available for those looking to downsize in Swindon, with rental options now available to make moving even easier.
For more information on Gilbert Place, you can call 0800 310 3076 or go to www.mccarthystone.co.uk/gilbert-place.
