Inchbrook, Stroud, GL5

Conveniently positioned on the first floor of the main building at Woodchester Valley Retirement Village, this well-appointed one-bedroom apartment offers true independent living within a supportive, vibrant retirement community. The village is purpose-built, and is mutually owned and democratically run by its residents.

Set safely and securely in the scenic Inchbrook Valley just outside Nailsworth, the village has on-site support staff, community facilities including a restaurant, and sits amidst over 20 acres of beautifully maintained grounds in the heart of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The apartment is a good size for an individual and provides good access to the village's community infrastructure, blending peaceful independence with the opportunity to be involved with a thriving over-60s community. The accommodation features a bright reception room, a well-equipped fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, a well-proportioned bedroom and a good-sized bathroom with walk-in shower.

The Apartment

Communal Entrance: The building is approached via a secure, coded communal entrance on the ground floor, with lift and stair access to the first floor, where the apartment is entered from an internal corridor.

Living Room: A bright and well-proportioned sitting room enjoying a pleasant outlook over the planted communal courtyard. A comfortable and easily arranged room, and a restful place to relax.

Kitchen: A well-fitted kitchen with a range of modern wall and base units in a clean, contemporary finish, incorporating an electric oven, hob and extractor, with a tidy and manageable layout.

Bedroom: A good-sized double bedroom, bright and well-proportioned for the apartment, with space for freestanding furniture and useful storage. A restful, well-presented room ideally suited to comfortable single occupancy.

Shower Room & WC: A modern shower room comprising a large walk-in shower, wash hand basin, low-flush WC and heated towel rail. Cleanly finished and easy to maintain.

General: The apartment benefits from underfloor heating throughout, served by the village's communal gas system, adding to its comfortable, easy-living feel.

A Mutually Owned Retirement Village (Aged 60+)

A unique, resident-owned and democratically managed community offering true independent living with flexible support when required. On-site staff provide 24-hour emergency response and assistance, with third-party carers permitted as needed. There are varied community-led social events and outings, as well as weekly shopping trips via a dedicated minibus.

Woodchester Valley Village stands out as Britain's first mutually owned retirement community. Residents own the freehold collectively and run it solely for their benefit: no external profits, just decisions made by and for the people who live here. Previously known as Crystal Fountain Village, it faced uncertainty when the original owner went into administration in 2010. In a remarkable effort, residents united to purchase the freehold in 2013, transforming it into a vibrant, resident-led haven. Directors are elected from leaseholders and families, with regular board and general meetings where every voice counts. This mutual model fosters pride, efficiency and excellent value: service charges compare favourably because the focus is on residents' needs, not shareholder returns.

Extensive Communal Grounds and On-Site Facilities

Over 20 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, including courtyards, woodland walks, green spaces, allotments and a picturesque millpond. Key amenities include a residents' lounge (the Octagon) and library, a restaurant offering freshly prepared meals daily (with home delivery), and residents' and visitor parking throughout the estate. Services include one hour of weekly housekeeping with one weekly laundry load (8kg) and a 24-hour emergency alarm system.

Facilities, Support and Everyday Ease

Daily Restaurant: Open every day for freshly prepared meals, dine in or have them delivered to your door. Frozen meals and event catering available too.

Communal Spaces: Well-stocked library, hairdresser, village shop, Green Room for small gatherings, and The Octagon village hall for larger events.

Support Services: 24-hour on-site staff for emergencies, concierge help (parcel handling, newspaper delivery, pet sitting), weekly housekeeping (1 hour), weekly laundry (1 load), and maintenance for odd jobs and repairs.

Minibus Outings: Regular trips to shops (including Waitrose), supermarkets, cultural venues and sightseeing spots, so there is no need to drive.

Activities: A buzzing calendar with book clubs, knit and natter, art workshops, play readings, wine tastings, themed lunches, musical entertainment, illustrated talks, a gardening group and more.

Pets are welcome, and the gardens and grounds are beautifully maintained, with help available if desired, plus allotments for keen gardeners.

Superb Cotswold Location

Set in a peaceful position just off the A46, the village lies between Nailsworth, a thriving market town with supermarkets, specialist shops, boutiques and a variety of dining options, and Stroud, which offers a theatre, cinema, Waitrose, wider shops and services. Both have regular farmers' markets and independent boutiques. Glorious open spaces at Woodchester Park, Minchinhampton Common and Rodborough Common are a short walk or drive away, with excellent golf clubs, gyms, spas and health clubs nearby. Further afield, there is easy access to Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury, Cirencester, Cheltenham, Bourton-on-the-Water and countless traditional villages. Stroud station (4 miles) offers direct trains to London Paddington in about 90 minutes, plus links to Bristol, Cheltenham and Gloucester.

Technical Details / Material Information

Total floor area: 35 sq m (335 sq ft)
- EPC Rating: C (79)
- Council Tax Band: A (Stroud District Council)
- Tenure: Leasehold on a 999-year lease commencing 2013
- Age restriction: for residents aged 60 and over
- Service charge: £9,529 per annum (£2,382 per quarter), including;
- external building and grounds maintenance;
- use of all on-site facilities, events and
- restaurant; 24-hour service alarm;
- 1 hour weekly housekeeping;
- 1 weekly laundry load; and the minibus scheme and outings
- Ground rent: £130 per annum
- Option to use third-party carers

Management: mutually owned and managed by its residents, with directors elected from residents and families

Services: connected to mains gas, electricity, water and drainage; underfloor heating served by the communal gas system; communal utilities £110.22 pcm (at the time of writing)

Broadband: excellent connections available (Ofcom); average speeds subject to provider and postcode. Phone signal poor due to valley (improved by wifi connection)