The beauty of independent living

How do you imagine spending your retirement? There are numerous possibilities and different options to choose from. Here we look at one typically British retirement solution: a small urban haven nestled amidst greenery, fragrant flowers and a newfound circle of friends. Our destination is Hampton Wick, situated on the left bank of the river Thames in Greater London. This peaceful, leafy suburb lies to the west of the City, in proximity to Bushy Park and Hampton Court Park, which is home to the renowned Hampton Court Palace, one of the baroque marvels of the British capital. Here, just a short stroll from a tube station, we find Mulberry Court. This residence is the outcome of an extensive renovation project undertaken by Lifestyle Residences Ltd and completed in 2022. The project, a kind of village within a village, was specially designed to cater for independent people seeking a relaxed yet enriching retirement experience in a context of understated luxury and outstanding comfort.

The project’s exceptional quality is most evident in the choice of materials, particularly those adopted in the outdoor spaces of the residence. Concrete-effect porcelain slabs from Marca Corona’s Phase collection were chosen for their durability, making them ideal for areas exposed to moisture, adverse weather conditions and thermal fluctuations. These slabs gracefully lead visitors through the garden to the primary entrance. Upon crossing the threshold, the lobby seamlessly connects the various communal areas within the complex: the library, the Club Lounge, the Café, and a flexible space called the Mulberry Room. This room, complete with a beauty and massage parlour, can be used for events such as meetings, fitness classes and even film screenings. Concierge services and tailored assistance are also readily available.

Connected to the lobby via a staircase, elevator and generously proportioned corridors and doorways are the 34 one- and two-bedroom apartments that constitute Mulberry Court. These apartments feature classic modern furnishings that are neither excessive nor mundane. Spanning four floors, with penthouse apartments on the top level, they offer an open-plan kitchen and living and dining area complete with herringbone parquet flooring. Sliding doors provide access to terraces or balconies that overlook the splendid gardens. The tastefully designed kitchens boast Italian furnishings.

The bright and spacious bedrooms are thoughtfully lit and offer customizable arrangements of either the residents’ own furniture or designer-recommended matching wardrobes. Last but not least, the bathrooms feature Italian floor and wall tiles, again supplied by Marca Corona. The chosen collection, Motif Extra Marble Effect, comprises elegant porcelain stoneware tiles known for their resistance to mould and bacteria, making them particularly suitable for wet areas. The impeccable ceramic reproduction of finely speckled marble contributes to a warm yet opulent atmosphere that enhances the feeling of space and well-being, rendering the bathroom an ideal haven for relaxation and personal care. The highly efficient air-source heating system, constructed in line with the most stringent energy sustainability criteria, is another addition to Mulberry Court’s long list of qualities.