Castle Village by Retirement Villages

17/09/2025

Introducing Calm + Chaos - one of our first trio of retail partners at Botanical Place by Thrive Living✨

Led by local fitness trainer Ali Turpie, Calm + Chaos is all about helping people build strength, confidence, and balance through personal training and Pilates in a welcoming, supportive space.

Ali’s journey is truly inspiring. After suffering a stroke at just 28, he turned to movement as part of his recovery — and discovered a passion for helping others. As he puts it:

“Recovery gave me perspective and fitness gave me my life back. I started Calm + Chaos to share that with others — to help people feel stronger, more in control and more connected to themselves.”

By specialising in fitness for older adults, Ali has built a supportive community where people can train without intimidation, take care of their bodies, and see real results that last. Now, he’s bringing that same ethos to the heart of West Byfleet at Botanical Place.

👉 Read more about Ali’s story here: https://www.retirementvillages.co.uk/thrive-life/in-the-community/things-to-do/introducing-calm-and-chaos/

Next week, we’ll bring you more on COOK as we complete the first trio of retail partners announced last month.

We know a Post Office and a chemist are high on your wish list - are there any other shops or services you’d love to see at Botanical Place? Let us know below 👇

✨ Stay tuned as we build towards our November opening celebrations - with more announcements on retail partners and community events on the way!

16/09/2025

"A perfect place to live." 🏠

If you, or a loved one, are interested in a community-led retirement lifestyle, why not join us at one of our open days and find out for yourself? Our team would be deligthed to show you around and answer any questions for you. For more information, click here - https://www.retirementvillages.co.uk/

12/09/2025

We’re excited to take you behind the scenes of our new retail partner at Botanical Place by Thrive Living - Oluchi Chocolaterie 🍫✨

Founded by long-time West Byfleet resident Valerie Oluchi, Oluchi Chocolaterie is more than just a chocolatier. It’s a place where families and friends can come together to enjoy artisan chocolates, alongside a wide variety of teas and coffees. From truffles and seasonal treats to cakes and fudge, Oluchi is all about creating moments of joy! And with beautifully crafted gifts and indulgent flavours, Oluchi will soon become your go-to for special occasions - from birthdays to Christmas - all right on your doorstep.

Valerie told us: “The expansion and regeneration that Botanical Place brings to West Byfleet is wonderful. I feel privileged to be part of what is taking place here and look forward to creating a place where families and different generations meet to celebrate life around tea and coffee with chocolate at its centre.”

Oluchi Chocolaterie reflects what Botanical Place is all about: bringing together residents, neighbours, and the wider community in a vibrant, welcoming environment. 🌿

👉 Read more about Valerie’s story here:
https://www.retirementvillages.co.uk/thrive-life/in-the-community/things-to-do/welcoming-oluchi-chocolaterie-to-botanical-place/

And this is just the start... We’ve already announced COOK and Calm + Chaos as future partners, and we can’t wait to share more. Which kind of shop would you love to see next at Botanical Place? Let us know in the comments below!

🍜 Food & Drink
🧘🏽‍♀️ Wellness
🛍️ Everyday Essentials

✨ Stay tuned as we build towards our November opening celebrations - more exciting announcements and community events are on the way!

03/09/2025

The Thursday Murder Club released last week across cinema and Netflix and we gifted some lucky winners tickets to the release! La-Vern, Brian and Madeline from our Debden Grange village went to watch it along with friends and here was La-Vern's review! 🍿

"Having read the book, written by Richard Osman, I was interested to see the film.

The cast looked very promising with Helen Mirren as Elizabeth, Pierce Brosnan as Ron, Celia Imrie as Joyce, and other talented actors.

The residential home as a theatre for action and intrigue seemed unlikely until you realise that these people had all had very diverse lives and the clientele a force of life experience.

The story began with a group of 4 who met up to try to solve murder crimes from the past that had never been resolved. Very quickly they had their own murder and became a group fighting for their own existence as the owner was hell bent on selling the property to build new houses on the site, with very little thought for the current residence.

The Thursday Murder Club matched the determination and lack of respect for the law shown by the owner and the result was a witty and sometimes hilarious story with enough interest to keep you going until the end. Thoroughly enjoyable." 💚

02/09/2025

Thinking about joining one of our Discovery Days this September?

If you’re feeling unsure about what to expect, you’re not alone, and that’s exactly why we’ve created a short video just for you.

Our Discovery Day: Start to Finish film gives you a friendly introduction to the calm, enjoyable and personal experience that awaits. With no pressure and a relaxed atmosphere, you’re free to explore at your own pace.

Meet our team 👋🏻
Enjoy one-to-one tours 😊
Start the day with refreshments ☕
Chat informally with residents and like-minded people 💚

Watch the video and read the blog to discover helpful tips, insights, and the full journey of a Discovery Day! https://www.retirementvillages.co.uk/open-days/

29/08/2025

28/08/2025

The Thursday Murder Club is out on Netflix - and we can't wait to watch it! 📽️

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is a witty, heartwarming mystery set in a quiet retirement village where four unlikely friends - Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron - meet weekly to dig into unsolved crimes. When a real murder lands on their doorstep, they swap puzzles for police work, proving it’s never too late to solve a mystery… or cause a little mischief!

Let us know your thoughts on the movie by leaving your comment below. 🤩

20/08/2025

"Coopers Chase is full of the great and good, people who have done something or other with their lives. It's really a lot of fun. There's someone who helped design the Channel Tunnel, someone who has a disease named after them and someone who was the ambassador to Paraguay or Uruguay."
- Richard Osman, The Thursday Murder Club

Like Cooper's Chase, our retirement communities are home to people from all walks of life, each with incredible stories, experiences, and achievements. They're communities as vibrant and diverse as the lives within them.

The community featured in Richard Osman's best-selling books is actually based on a real retirement village, and the stars of the book inspired by the residents he spent time with there. Our latest article follows a journalist from Good Housekeeping who spent time with the real life residents who inspired the stories. Read more on our blog here:
https://www.retirementvillages.co.uk/thrive-life/purposeful-living/retirement-lifestyle/the-real-thursday-murder-club/

"What I’ve learned is that this community is definitely not about ‘retirement’ – not in the conventional sense, in any case. What I can see is growth. And joy. And it’s pretty damn inspiring."

19/08/2025

The Thursday Murder Club Countdown - A Day at the Open Air Theatre!

Today, residents at The Wyldewoods by Thrive Living enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Open Air Theatre to see The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes as guests of the amazing team at Storyhouse, thanks to our partnership.

This also marked the launch of our Thursday Night Murder Club theme month here at the village, with more themed events to follow. What a fun way to start, and a lovely day out with great company and plenty of laughs. 💛

18/08/2025

“It was a community, and in Ibrahim's opinion that was how human beings were designed to live. At Coopers Chase, anytime you wanted to be alone, you would simply close your front door, and anytime you wanted to be with people, you would open it up again. If there was a better recipe for happiness than that, then Ibrahim was yet to hear it.”
― Richard Osman, The Thursday Murder Club

We are delighted to begin our 10-day countdown to the official release of The Thursday Murder Club film! Based on the best-selling series of novels by author and TV personality Richard Osman, the story follows the adventures of four friends living in a retirement community similar in many ways to our own villages. Using their unique backgrounds and life experience, this group set out to examine cold cases, but end up solving real life mysteries.

Starring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie, the film will be released on Netflix on the 28th of August and will have a limited cinema pre-screening on the 22nd. Over the next 10 days, our communities will be hosting themed events, discussing the series and attending screenings.

We will keep you updated here, so please do check back regularly for more!

18/08/2025

Last week we were delighted to unveil the name of our latest sustainable Integrated Retirement Community in West Malling: The Russetts, (Thrive Living in West Malling) as part of the topping out ceremony which was celebrated with the local community.

The name, chosen by members of the community, reflects the area’s rich apple growing heritage including at the adjacent Maceys Meadow, as well as Kent’s symbolic status as the leafy garden of England.

Community is at the heart of everything we do and we’re proud to be integrating with and supporting the local area:

🏫 Inspiring and teaching local West Malling CofE Primary School & McGinty Language Centre primary children about architecture and construction
🏏 Supporting Town Malling Cricket Club with sponsorship and club house renovations
🍜 Sponsoring the Kent Food Festival
🌱 A landmark partnership with local charity Communigrow.org.uk to deliver a therapeutic gardening initiative focused on improving mental and physical wellbeing for older adults and those with long-term health conditions

A huge thank you to everyone who is bringing this incredible project to life. We’re proud to be creating spaces that support wellbeing, community connection, and long-term environmental responsibility.

Find out more about The Russets here:
https://www.retirementvillages.co.uk/our-villages/west-malling-kent/

14/08/2025

Today we’re at The Priory by Retirement Villages for our Great Communities, Amazing Lives campaign, hearing Olive’s story. Olive is getting her hair and make-up ready and set for her time in front of the camera.

We’re sharing the experiences of our residents and giving a glimpse into the warmth, friendships and everyday moments that make life in our villages so special.

Find out more about life at our villages here: https://www.retirementvillages.co.uk/about-us/

13/08/2025

🎥Capturing Village Life🎬

We’re out filming our Great Communities, Amazing Lives campaign at Blagdon Village by Retirement Villages, The Priory by Retirement Villages and Roseland Parc by Retirement Villages.

This shoot is all about showing the warmth, energy and joy that fill our villages every day. We’re celebrating the wonderful stories, passions and experiences of our residents, and how these make our communities such special places to live.

Find a community near you here: https://www.retirementvillages.co.uk/our-villages/

15/05/2025

Join us for an exclusive Open Day!

Enjoy light refreshments in our restaurant, relax in the cosy residents' bar, and engage with our friendly community members who are eager to share their experiences.

Whether you're considering a move for yourself or a loved one, this is the perfect opportunity to see firsthand what life at Castle Village has to offer.

Book your place: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0k5lG30

18/04/2025

A beautiful afternoon at Castle Village!

Our Lent Service brought residents together for a meaningful time of reflection, followed by a delightful Afternoon Tea that was filled with smiles, laughter and plenty of sweet treats!

With a full house and joyful hearts, it was truly a special day shared among friends and neighbours. 💜

14/04/2025

Thinking of joining us at an open day?

From friendly faces and cups of tea to stunning homes and vibrant community life — these open days are all about discovering what retirement can really look like. Whether you're curious for yourself or helping a loved one plan their next chapter, it’s a lovely, pressure-free way to explore the lifestyle on offer.

Think chats with residents, strolls through beautiful gardens, and a real feel for community life.

📍Find your nearest community and pop along — you might just fall in love with the idea of your future self living here! https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0jbznL0

10/04/2025

The future of retirement living is net zero, and we’re proud to be leading the way.

At Retirement Villages, every new development is designed with sustainability at its heart. From greener homes to thriving, eco-conscious communities, we're building a future that’s better for people and the planet.

Our commitment? Net-zero living that supports a more sustainable, connected, and positive later life.

Read how we’re making it happen ➡️ https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0jbLVh0

17/01/2025

Join us on Wednesday 29th January for an exclusive Open Day at Castle Village!

Explore our stunning 28-acre grounds, tour the Grade II-listed mansion, and experience the vibrant community life that awaits you. Enjoy light refreshments, meet our friendly residents, and discover the exceptional amenities we offer, including a Japanese garden, games lawn, snooker room, and library. Whether you're considering this move for yourself or a loved one, we're excited to welcome you.

Reserve your spot today! ✨ More details here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0fXCkr0

28/12/2024

This January, we’re opening the doors to 5 incredible communities across the UK, and you’re invited!

Whether you’re seeking vibrant social spaces, peaceful surroundings, or just a warm and welcoming atmosphere, our Discovery Days are the perfect way to explore it all. ✨

Say 'yes' to attending a Discovery Day—see the beautiful spaces, meet the residents, and get a real feel for life in our communities.

Visit our website to reserve your place: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0fy_hB0

25/12/2024

🎄✨ The Best Gifts Are Moments Shared ✨🎄

This Christmas, we're taking a moment to reflect on the incredible communities that make them shine.

To our residents, living fun, sociable, and independent lives, you are the heart of everything we do.
To our dedicated teams, your passion and care make it all possible—you are the magic behind the moments.
And to everyone who helps us create great communities where people can thrive.

From all of us at Retirement Villages Group, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! ✨

14/12/2024

There’s just one week left to take advantage of our FREE Support Your Move Package, worth £1,000, available with every property purchase across our communities, nationwide.

This exclusive offer includes:
✔️ Expert Downsizing Support: Practical help to organize, plan, and settle into your new home.
✔️ Relocation Assistance: From managing change-of-address tasks to safely delivering cherished items, we’ll take care of it all.
✔️ Stress-Free Setup: We’ll connect your utilities, internet, and more to ensure a smooth transition.

Offer ends 20th December. Start your next chapter with confidence. Let us handle the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your new home and community.

Find out more here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0dW1WP0

03/12/2024

Your New Chapter Made Simple

We’re offering our Support Your Move Package—worth £1,000—completely free with every property purchase across our communities, nationwide.

Here’s what’s included to make your move stress-free:
✔️ Downsizing Support: Expert help to plan your space and organise your belongings.
✔️ Relocation Assistance: From managing change-of-address notifications to delivering cherished items, we’ve got you covered.
✔️ Practical Moving Help: Get connected with internet, TV, and utilities—all set up and ready for you.

Available until 20th December, this is the perfect opportunity to start planning your next chapter. Let us handle the details while you enjoy the journey into your new home and community.

Find out more: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0f73yS0

25/11/2024

We know that moving in retirement can feel overwhelming, so we’re here to help. Our FREE Support Your Move Package, worth £1,000, is designed to make the process simple and stress-free.

Here’s what’s included:
✅ Expert guidance for downsizing (or rightsizing)
✅ Relocation assistance tailored to your needs
✅ Practical support to help you settle in quickly

Available until 20th December.

Let us take care of the logistics, so you can focus on settling into your new home and community. To find out more visit https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0dW1Xm0

06/11/2024

🌿 Staying connected in retirement 🌿

Retirement brings time for new experiences, and keeping in touch is a big part of enjoying it. Our latest blog shares simple tech tips for retirees—from video calls to online communities—that can help you stay connected with family, friends, and new interests.

At Botanical Place, we’re glad to be part of this supportive community. Find out more here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0dq9D40