Doors open at Sandford Station

First residents have arrived in Sandford Station, sowing the seeds for a new 200-strong retirement community in North Somerset.

Built on Sandford Old Station, a historic landmark site in Sandford, Sandford Station is the fourth, innovative sheltered housing facility from award-winning west charity, the St Monica Trust, an investment of £27 million. Historic station buildings have been carefully renovated, some, like the Old Barn and the former Station Master’s House converted to character homes. In total 168 one, two and spacious three bedroom apartments have been created, along with a restaurant, health spa, hairdresser, library and other social and leisure facilities.

Outside there are a variety of communal gardens and space for residents’ allotments, and a bowling green, croquet lawn and pavilion are under construction. Work is also underway to build an on-site care home, 25 en-suite rooms for elderly residents in need of respite or specialist nursing care.

Eddie Still from Langford, North Somerset is one of the first to move in, the French windows in his ground floor apartment looking out across the Somerset countryside. “The views are fantastic, “says Eddie. “I’m close to the restaurant and just a few steps from the Strawberry Line, the footpath that used to be part of the old Cheddar railway, which is a lovely walk.”

Staying local, Eddie has been able to keep his doctor, dentist and bank and stay close to lots of old friends, one of whom will move into Sandford Station in the next few months.

A few doors down, Marjorie Stoodley is also settling in well, celebrating her 84th birthday just days after her arrival. Says Marjorie, “Here at Sandford Station I’ve got my independence and that’s really important to me. It’s not like being in a residential home where you share your space and facilities. I’ve got my own living room, kitchen and even my own garden.”
All residents at Sandford Station have access to a team of dedicated carers providing flexible care and support. Much more than a warden service, they help with domestic chores, shopping, bathing or dressing. The village will also have a full-time activities co-ordinator and residents’ personal well-being, questions of faith and spiritual fulfilment are supported in all their many forms by the Trust’s pastoral care team.
Adds Eddie, “I have a really good feeling about this place. I’m looking forward to a few more faces, a dip in the pool and enjoying a drink by the bowling green when the sun shines next summer.”

A bit of a bookworm, Marjorie’s looking forward to exploring the library, but don’t expect to see her in the gym. “I’ll give the pool a try,” she concedes, “but that’ll be it. I’ve come here for a well-earned rest!”