Kay Ward moved from Southampton to Esprit in Poole with her cat, Bailey, after purchasing a one-bedroom apartment through the Platinum Skies shared ownership scheme. Esprit is based in the centre of Poole just a two-minute walk to the shops and cafes in the Dolphin Shopping Centre, a four-minute walk to the Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, and a seven-minute walk to Poole Park. 

Homeowners at Esprit benefit from communal facilities including a bistro and a homeowner’s lounge, which both play host to a range of events including afternoon tea, coffee mornings, quizzes, and act as a meeting point for communal coach trips. 

Kay said: “At the time I didn’t think that I could afford a place like this but just out of curiosity I came here to have a look and that was it. It was love at first sight because of the big windows, and the kitchen and all the equipment in it.

‘It was a lot easier to move than I thought. I was married for 57 years and this is the first time I’ve had to do something on my own. They offer the security of not having to do everything yourself as it is all arranged for you. I know it’s a bit late in life at 78, but I just felt that I wanted to get out to see and do things. When I saw this place, that was it.’ 

Kay said that she enjoys her own independence within her apartment safe in the knowledge that there is an on-site Community Manager who is available to contact if she needs them.

Kay went on to say: “When you get to a certain age, people think that you’re incapable and you get classed like ‘Ooh, she’s an old age pensioner. She’s got no mind of her own. She can’t make up her mind.’ But you can at Esprit. I can’t express it enough how much I like it here.”

Prices for a Platinum Skies home start from £105,000 with the Platinum Skies flexible shared ownership option. All Platinum Skies homes have a dedicated onsite Community Manager who help to organise fun activities such as wine tasting workshops, cheese and wine evenings, yoga, quizzes, and crafts, as well as providing practical and emotional support. 

To book an appointment to view an apartment in Esprit, go to Platinumskies.co.uk or call the Platinum Skies team on 01202 040996.