Downsizing in style: The best penthouse in The Pantiles
Recent reports* have revealed that over three million older people want to downsize but have shelved their plans due to a lack of choice over suitable accommodation. One couple that did not have this issue are Richard (74) and Caroline Burrell (73) who downsized to their dream home. They bought one of the best positioned, three-bedroom penthouses at the highly sought-after 1887 The Pantiles Dandara development in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Richard, a retired Jeweller whose family has run Burrells Jewellers for almost 60 years, comments: “After having lived in some of the best addresses in Tunbridge Wells for over 25 years including: Calverley Park, Hungershall Park and most recently Nevill Park, we knew as soon as we saw the Dandara development that it would be perfect for our next move. We hadn’t seen any other development like it before.”
Richard adds: “We wanted to downsize but only for something that would provide us with a high-quality build. The penthouse we chose at 1887 The Pantiles gave us exactly that. We loved that it also had outdoor space, we chose one with a huge terrace and the best view in the development overlooking The Pantiles.”
Situated in the heart of Tunbridge Wells’ beloved Georgian Colonnade, 1887 The Pantiles compliments its historic and pedestrianised setting with elegant architecture. Built on the site of the notorious ‘The Pump Room’, a 19th century live music hall and jazz club, which was once the centre of the spa town’s cultural scene, the development now offers an exclusive collection of 127 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom mews homes and eight show-stopping penthouses.
When completed this winter, residents will benefit from a purpose-designed outdoor cultural space, where they can come together to enjoy live performances and events. The development aims to honour and celebrate the cultural impact of its namesake, restoring the local passion for music, art, and fashionable entertainment. Residents will also be able to enjoy a range of top-class facilities including a stylish resident’s reception, 24/7 concierge service, landscaped courtyard gardens, underground parking, sizeable balconies or terraces and separate indoor community space that can be used to host parties.
The properties at 1887 The Pantiles have high quality interiors such as fully fitted German kitchens with stone worktops and Amtico Spacia vinyl flooring. Each home is highly insulated, with quality double glazing installed, and the latest energy efficient central heating and hot water systems.
Richard continues: “We always knew we wanted to stay in Tunbridge Wells and The Pantiles is such a beautiful and special place to live in the heart of the town. It has a huge array of thriving eateries and an eclectic range of chic and independent shops. I have been in the jewellery industry for almost 60 years and had my shop Burrells in Tunbridge Wells for 25 years. Although my daughter has now taken over the ownership, it is still nice to be in the area where we have the shop.”
Richard adds: “The location of the penthouse is perfect for what we want and need now, and we see ourselves living here hassle free for a long time. It is ideal for us not having to drive as all the amenities are on our doorstep. If we do need to travel further afield, a five-minute walk takes you to Tunbridge Wells station.”
The Pantiles is host to Jazz on the Pantiles, Dinner & Jazz and other social events throughout the year. This year, due to Covid restrictions in place, Dinner and Jazz runs through to October with a new socially distanced layout in the participating restaurants including: The Tunbridge Wells Hotel, The Kirthon Indian and La Casa Vecchia. The Pantiles Food and Craft Market is also very popular as it revives the tradition of an open-air market staged at the venue several centuries ago. It is held on the first and third full weekends of the month between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Additionally, Christmas markets take place on The Pantiles every year.
The rail station in Tunbridge Wells provides access to towns across Kent and Sussex, or to the coast and beyond. Journeys towards London are fast and frequent taking just 55 minutes to London Charing Cross and 44 minutes to London Bridge. Ashford International (Eurostar) is also less than an hour away with the Channel Tunnel and ferry services via Dover, less than 90 minutes. Scenic walks can be taken from the town itself into the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Louise Norman, Associate Sales & Marketing Director at Dandara South East, comments: “Once the epicentre of fashion, the site for our 1887 The Pantiles development is set for a revival, and will serve the community as a home, cultural centre, and meeting place. It is no wonder that it attracts local downsizers like Richard and Caroline, looking to be a part of this fashionable buzzing new community. Whilst this landmark development has been inspired by the past, it is designed for the future.”
There is just one penthouse remaining at £1,060,000 but prices range for other properties at the development from £299,950 for a one-bedroom apartment to £535,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.
*https://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/property/25-of-over-65s-put-off-from-downsizing.html
1887 The Pantiles
A unique landmark development of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom luxury apartments and 2 bed mews homes on the edge of the vibrant and iconic Pantiles.
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