We know that choosing the right retirement home is an important decision. Here you’ll find helpful information about The Chocolate Quarter 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 want to live independently, with access to community facilities, and opportunities to take part in organised social activities and classes. 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 and opened in 2017.
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 amount of service charge payable depends on whether you choose a one or a two-bedroom apartment, rather than the number of occupants.
Are pets allowed in the retirement villages?
Yes, it’s your space to make your own and pets are welcome too.
What happens to my apartment if I pass away or want to move out?
At St Monica Trust, we’ve always offered lease options 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.
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?
Yes, it’s your space to make your own and friends and family are welcome to visit and stay overnight.
Is there a dining room or café on-site?
Yes, we have a restaurant and café on site. Residents can enjoy the Somer Dining restaurant or join friends for a cup of freshly brewed barista coffee, a snack, or a hearty meal at the B Block Café. Our menus change with the seasons so that there’s plenty of variety throughout the year.
Do you provide a domiciliary "care at home" service?
Yes, our home care service is ready to lend a hand. You can tailor the service to your needs, selecting as little or as much support as you want. Daytime and early evening care packages are available to support our residents.
Are there on-site staff available 24/7?
Yes, we have a 24/7 concierge to support residents and make everyone safe and secure.
How safe and secure is the retirement village?
We all want to sleep easily in our homes, so we’ve provided secure entry systems, on-call staff and discreet CCTV. Inside each apartment there are smoke and heat alarms and, should you want it, we can provide an emergency call system.
Is the retirement village wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.
Does the retirement village have a lift?
Yes, lifts are available for easy access.
Does the retirement village provide parking?
The current annual fee is £735 per annum for your own exclusive parking space. Parking on site is restricted and we are therefore unable to offer allocated spaces for every apartment at The Chocolate Quarter. Parking is situated in various locations around The Chocolate Quarter and we work with purchasers to identify the most appropriate space for their needs. However, it may not be possible to offer everyone their preferred space. Rental of your parking space is covered by a separate agreement which can be terminated at any time during your occupation, should you decide you no longer want or need the space.
Who owns the retirement village?
The Chocolate Quarter is owned by the St Monica Trust - an innovator and leader in retirement living since 1925.