The article on this page is a transcript of the entire article that appeared in the magazine 'Living for Retirement'.

Norfolk Charm

'WE CAN SIT BY THE POOL AND SHARE A BOTTLE OF WINE,' SAY BRIAN AND JEAN TAYLOR FROM THEIR AGE-EXCLUSIVE APARTMENT IN SHERINGHAM

THE UNSPOILT natural beauty of Norfolk's coastline boasts breathtaking stretches of white sand and pebble beaches, fragrant pine forests, salt marshes, sand dunes and a wealth of fauna and flora. Visitors flock from far and wide to witness the resident seal colonies, taste the local succulent delicacy of salty Samphire and sample the delights of the region. North Norfolk embraces around 400 square miles at the far eastern tip of England. Its coastline stretches over 40 miles and much of it is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Part of the largest coastal nature reserve in England and Wales, North Norfolk is a haven for nature lovers, especially twitchers. Nature reserves sit alongside old-fashioned seaside resorts, Georgian towns and pretty villages. In Norwich, the thriving regional capital, medieval streets and the Norman castle and cathedral combine with a 21st century business city, a major centre, for leisure, shopping and culture. Aficionados of architecture can admire an array of historic houses including the Jacobean splendour of the National Trust's Blickling Hall, the Palladian grandeur of Holkham and the regal delights of Sandringham House. The gentle landscape in this region is ideal for golf, cycling, walking and horse riding and no trip to the region would be complete without an outing along the Norfolk Broads.

The coastal town of Sheringham has retained much of its old- fashioned seaside resort charm. It boasts plenty of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, a Blue Flag beach and is proud of its fishing and crab fishing heritage. The Little Theatre hosts plays, films, exhibitions, comedy, music and a has a wonderful summer Repertory Season and the town also benefits from a well-equipped leisure centre with swimming pool.

But it was the lure of the sea that brought Brian and Jean Taylor from Yorkshire to North Norfolk. That and the promise of the fabulous Romano-inspired indoor swimming pool that is a central feature of Sheringham House, Richard Davies's new gated development of penthouses and apartments overlooking the town.

"The one dream that my wife and I had when we retired was to have an indoor swimming pool and a view of the sea. Now we have the added bonus of a snooker room and twenty acres of well-kept grounds!" said Brian, the former chairman of a group of engineering companies.

"The old hips are beginning to groan a bit and the chores of maintaining a reasonable sized house and garden were an increasing pain which often prevented us from enjoying the fruits of our labours. When I found myself up a ladder clearing blocked gutters for the third time, having just bent double weeding the garden, we decided it was time for a change of lifestyle."

However the move did not take place without a great deal of thought. "I'd never lived in a flat, but my wife had and, at first, we had visions of the family from hell charging noisily up the stairs and dancing around the floor above us in what seemed like hob nail boots at three am. We soon realised that an increasing number of modern apartment blocks are built specifically for the over-55s — not old folks' homes with a matron and a red button hanging from your' neck — but very smart apartments with like-minded residents and sound insulation which means no one's bothered by neighbours even if they do need the TV up a little higher."

Designed in the knowledge that purchasers were likely to be downsizing from familiar family surroundings, efforts have been made to create a feeling of space and security as well as relaxation and elegance.

The 53 apartments and 11 penthouses combine practicality, classical design and contemporary styling. Each has at least one balcony or terrace with views, some look out over the sea and some also have their own fully maintained garden set within the extensive grounds. All have secure underground parking reached by lift.

"I thought we might be cramped after living in a relatively large house," confessed Brian. "But we have been very pleasantly surprised at the large rooms and loads of storage space which has meant we can fit in all our existing furniture.

We can sit by the poolside, inside or out, where we drink coffee or share a bottle of wine with other residents.

"Naturally we have to pay a service charge each year, but when you consider this includes all the external building maintenance costs, window cleaning, building insurance, the upkeep of the grounds, swimming pool and a 24-hour concierge service, then it's very good value. It's also nice to be able to go away and know your home is safe. The heating can be turned on for your return and they'll even water your indoor plants for you if you like!"