We know that choosing the right retirement home is an important decision. Here you’ll find helpful information about Monica Wills House retirement village, including the living arrangements, our facilities, accessibility, parking, as well as staffing and security. If you need any further details, our team will be happy to assist you.
Frequently asked questions
Who can live in the retirement village?
Our retirement village is designed for older people who wish to live independently, with access to community facilities, and opportunities to take part in social and other activities. Care and support services can also be provided if needed.
What’s the age range to be eligible for purchasing a retirement apartment in your village?
You must usually be aged 55 or over.
When was the retirement village designed / built?
It was built in 2006.
Can couples live together in the retirement village?
Yes, couples are welcome to live in our retirement village. Our apartments are designed for sole or dual occupancy. The service charge payable depends on the size of the property and the number of occupants. There are different charges for singles and couples.
Are pets allowed in the retirement villages?
Yes, pets are welcome within the village, subject to prior consent from the Village Manager.
What happens to my apartment if I pass away or want to move out?
At St Monica Trust, we’ve always offered leases with the promise that the Trust will buy back the property from the resident when they leave. In April 2025, we updated our leases further to offer more openness, transparency and guarantees on the repayments that will be made. There are no hidden costs and, as the Trust buys the property back from you, no stress or worry of selling on the open market for you or your family.
Your guaranteed final repayment will be the original purchase price* of the apartment minus a ‘surrender fee’ calculated on the number of years of residency (1% per year or part year of residency up to a maximum of 10%).
We take the worry and uncertainty away of what will happen when you surrender your apartment, giving you and your loved-ones peace of mind.
A surrender fee is payable when the property is returned to the Trust, calculated at 1% of the purchase price for every year or part year of residency, up to a maximum of 10%*. All retirement properties are also subject to a monthly service charge. For details of the monthly service charge, please refer to each property's listing.
* For Equity Participation leases at The Chocolate Quarter, this figure is calculated at 2% per year or part year of residency up to a maximum of 10% on the resale price of the property.
Can I bring my own furniture and belongings?
Yes, apartments are leased unfurnished so you will need to bring your own furniture and belongings.
Can friends and family visit or stay overnight?
Friends and relatives are welcome to stay, either within your apartment or in our on-site guest room, which can be booked in advance. Please note that there is a charge for use of the guest room. If friends or relatives are staying overnight in your apartment, please notify us for fire safety purposes.
Is there a dining room or café on-site?
Yes, we have a café on site. Monica’s Café serves as the perfect place for our residents to connect and enjoy quality time with their friends and families. Our expert chefs serve a variety of food, including ciabattas, paninis, sandwiches, cakes and pastries, salads, quiche, sausage rolls, jacket potatoes, hot and cold drinks and daily hot specials, as well as barista-style coffee.
Do you provide a domiciliary "care at home" service?
Yes, whether it’s helping around your home or more complex needs, our care and support team offer a flexible service, tailored to your exact requirements. You can request a care plan from the domiciliary care team who will organise for an assessment to be carried out. The care plan will then be discussed with you (and anyone else you would like to be involved). The cost of your care plan will need to be agreed before your care can start.
What pastoral care services are available in the village?
The village has a dedicated pastoral care coordinator for people of all faiths, regardless of ethnic origin or religious affiliation. They arrange regular opportunities for worship and occasions to enrich and nurture spiritual well-being.
Are there on-site staff available 24/7?
Yes, we have staff on-site 24 hours a day to support residents and help everyone feel safe and secure.
How safe and secure is the retirement village?
We have door entry systems, CCTV and staff on-site 24 hours a day to make everyone feel safe and secure. If you’re away from your home these same systems will give you peace of mind as you enjoy a holiday or visit family. Every apartment is also fitted with a discreet emergency call system to give residents peace of mind.
Is the retirement village wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.
Does the retirement village have a lift?
Yes, lifts are conveniently located in our buildings for easy access.
Does the retirement village provide parking?
There are 49 car parking spaces and four disabled bay spaces at Monica Wills House. There are no allocated parking spaces.
Who owns the retirement village?
Monica Wills House is owned by the St Monica Trust - an innovator and leader in retirement living since 1925.