JULY 2019
WINDSOR LIVING PREPARE FOR BBQ SEASON
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Living in our luxury contemporary apartments PAGE 2
Creative decorations for your home PAGE 4 Castles and museums in the UK PAGE 10
WINDSOR LIVING WITH PEACE OF MIND
EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to the July issue. The year is flying by quickly, with thoughts for many now turning to the annual summer holiday and relaxing weekends to be spent in the garden with your family, enjoying the sunshine!
INDEPENDENT LIVING WITH PEACE OF MIND A 15 min walk from Windsor town centre and amongst its residential community, Castle View is a new development by Castle Retirement Living, offering one, two and three bed apartments for the over 55s
at Castle View has been
In this issue we look at how to
thoughtfully arranged and
get your garden BBQ ready –
specified to provide a beautiful,
and give you some recipes to try
contemporary, convenient home for
out too when it is ready! But if travel and culture is top of your resolution list, then take
E
ach of the 64 apartments
DID YOU KNOW
those wishing to live independently.
n Castle View is located on
heating in kitchens and bathrooms
Gas fired central heating, underfloor
a peek at pages 10 and 11 at
Helston Lane, approximately a
and a generous number of power
our travel article on castles and
mile and a 15 min walk west of
points throughout. Invisible touches
museums – there’s plenty of
Windsor town centre.
of support such as carousel shelving
inspiration to get you planning!
n Windsor has excellent facilities ranging from the historic castle
in the kitchens, slightly higher toilets and movement sensitive lighting in the wardrobes and bathrooms, serve to
Also, inside this issue, we take a
area, extensive shops and
look at the luxury living on offer
restaurants, the Theatre Royal
at our Castle View Retirement
and a comprehensive leisure
Village including our amazing
The apartments are accompanied by
centre. Extensive transport
Sky Lounge! We also take a look
great community facilities to ensure
links provide easy access to
at our amazing show apartments
all residents have privacy when they
London by rail and coach, and
availalbe to view by appointment
wish, whilst also enjoying the benefits
quick access to the motorway
on pages 12-13.
of socialising with like-minded people.
network with the M4 less than two miles away.
Enjoy reading and we’ll see you next time. Linda McKeown
n Local buses provide easy
Residents will have the comfort of knowing that the fabric of the building and all the communal facilities will be
access to the centre of Windsor
maintained centrally to the highest
and to the surrounding area.
standards, allowing them to enjoy
Editor
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assist independent living intuitively.
WINDSOR LIVING WITH PEACE OF MIND
their life to the full.
Each of the 64 apartments at Castle View has been thoughtfully arranged and specified to provide a beautiful, contemporary, convenient home for those wishing to live independently
WE ORGANISE REGULAR EVENTS FOR PROSPECTIVE BUYERS OR YOU CAN MAKE A PRIVATE APPOINTMENT AT YOUR LEISURE
OUR APARTMENTS The 64 apartments are arranged on the ground, first, second and third floors, plus the rooftop. Each apartment is on a single level, have been designed to appeal to a range of residents, and include:
In addition, assisted living packages will also be available for those who need a little extra help in maintaining an independent lifestyle. There will be a range of services available including meals, housekeeping, laundry and
• 1 bedroom apartments: approximately 616 sq ft, including a living/dining area, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and balcony • 2 bedroom apartments:
domiciliary assistance. All will be
approximately 850 sq ft,
tailored to the needs of individuals,
including a living/ dining
ensuring that high-quality support
area, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2
is provided.
bathrooms and balcony
How did it all start?
• 2 bedroom plus apartments: approximately 1,115 sq ft,
The project for Castle View evolved
including a living/dining area,
from the very latest thinking from
kitchen, 2 bedrooms, additional
the UK and overseas senior living
bedroom/study, 2 bathrooms
designs, with one, two and three bed
and balcony
apartments being of a high-quality
• Rooftop apartments:
specification.
approximately 1000 sq ft 2
“Our apartments are proving
bedroom and 700 sq ft 1
to be very popular, with regular
bedroom with living/dining area,
observations of ‘They are very
kitchen and large balconies.
spacious’ or ‘Can I move in right
Each apartment has a private
now?’,” explains Castle View’s Sales
entrance and all floors are
Manager. “But what really makes
accessible by lift from the
Castle View special is its tremendous
basement car park.
communal facilities.
CASTLEVIEWWINDSOR.CO.UK
3
Get back to basics
and be
creative Don’t want to spend much on buying new things for your home? Here are some creative ideas on how to make beautiful and individual decorations for your home. The kids can get involved too! Pottery painting Whatever the weather, children can enjoy pottery painting – and it can be fun for adults too. There is a great range of different styles and techniques you can learn, and you can make these personal and unique to you – or make them as a gift. Pottery painting cafes are very popular for creating your own masterpiece and meeting new people, so keep an eye out for what’s going on in the community.
Make your own photo frames Photo frames are a great addition to any room, and displaying photos is great to personalise your home and remind you of the special moments in your life. However, they can be expensive, so why not make your own! To make a picture frame you’ll need to assemble a cardboard mat, four wood and metal sides creating the outline of your frame, and the glass or plexiglass front used to protect the picture. You can also personalise the frame with decorative elements.
If you think that making your own from scratch is too fiddly, then you could buy a plain photo frame and personalise it how you’d like. Stickon tape is a cheap and quick way to add a personal touch to the frame, and kids would enjoy repainting frames or sticking crafts on such as shells, flowers, sequins or buttons.
A day at the beach is fun for all the family, and doing crafts with shells you collected can extend the experience
Paint plant pots This is something which will be great for summer days in the garden. Turn plain plant pots into a piece of art with the help of the kids. Whether you choose a solid colour or a pattern, repainted plant pots will help add a touch of personalisation to your garden. For the best results ensure pots are well brushed down of any dirt or dust so you have a nice smooth surface for painting on.
Fake Flowers Spruce up your home by creating your own flower arrangement from artificial flowers to give your home a spring-feel all year round. Why not buy a plain vase and decorate it with lights, paint or a ribbon too? As well as being low maintenance, arranging artificial flowers and decorating the vase can provide hours of entertainment for kids.
Shells from the beach
Sewing - blankets, throws, cushions, bunting Sewing is a great hobby to get involved with, and there are a range of sewing kits for all skill levels. Whether you sew by hand or with a machine, cushion covers are relatively easy to make. All you need to do is cut and measure the fabric to fit the size of the cushion and sew the sides of the fabric together inside out. The easiest technique to use is the envelope back cover where one side of the fabric overlaps, which creates a flap where you can insert the cushion, with no fastening required. You could even sew blankets and throws in a similar style to the cushions so everything on your sofa or bed match perfectly! Children will enjoy choosing their own fabrics, whether its their favourite colour, a superhero or one covered in animals. There’s so much you can do with these, including folding and sewing the fabric into triangles to create bunting to go in their bedroom or playroom.
A day at the beach is fun for all the family, and doing crafts with shells you collected can extend the experience. If you have collected your own shells, here are some fun and creative crafts to make with them! Putting them in a pretty jar is probably the easiest thing you could do, but it can have a big impact and make a nice ornament in the home.
Candles The sight, sound and smell of a candle can lift any room, and making your own candles is a lot easier than you may think! The beauty of making your own candles is that you choose your own smells and decorate it how you’d like. You can buy simple candle making kits and fragrance oils which will spread a lovely aroma. Setting your candles in Mason jars, or something similar which can withstand the heat, will make your homemade candles look even more decorative.
Glue seashells to a mirror or photo frame to add some beachy personality to a room. You could even paint the shells before fixing them to a photo frame with a nice family photo for keepsake. If your kids want to go back to school and show their friends what they did in their summer holidays, you can turn the shells into jewellery, or a keyring for them to attach to their school bag. A big shell could even be used as a candle holder or a soap dish!
Spruce up your home by creating your own flower arrangement from artificial flowers to give your home a spring-feel all year round
Paintings This might take some time and practice depending on how experienced or confident you are with a paint brush! Whether you want to paint a canvas or frame a painting on card, creating your own piece of art and displaying this on your wall is a cheap but effective way to add some character to a room – and can be a good conversation starter too!
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COLIN BAR MANAGER
Offering spectacular panoramic views‌ the roof top lounge with bar and garden is available to all residents
H
ere at Castle View we are keen to ensure that all residents feel like they belong and can fully
enjoy the facilities that are on offer. And we’re extremely proud of our glass panelled Sky Lounge & Bar. Offering spectacular panoramic views over Windsor Castle, The Great Park and St. Leonards Hill, the roof top lounge with bar and garden is available to all residents and can also be used to hold events or private functions. The sunsets are simply breath-taking; what could be better than relaxing with a glass of champagne on the terrace, taking in the beautiful scenery?
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WINDSOR LIVING WITH PEACE OF MIND
REACH NEW HEIGHTS AT CASTLE VIEW Located on the fourth floor of Castle View is the residents’ Sky Lounge, bar and garden, offering breath-taking views
“Our Sky Lounge with its glass walls
“The Sky Lounge has great benefits
hold in the Sky Lounge & Bar: “The
provide truly spectacular views of
of the views of Windsor,” explains
atmosphere in the Sky Lounge is so
Windsor and its castle,” says Ruth
Colin. “It’s ideal for relaxing or meeting
lovely because of the view and it is
Wilson, Castle View’s Sales Manager.
friends.
fantastic for parties.
“The bar is the hub of the whole
“It’s lovely to relax in for a quiet coffee
complex. It’s where people get
or to join the throng of a party and we
together and I love seeing people
can cater for buffets or hot food up
happy. We can provide teas, coffees,
there.”
“Whilst sipping a cool drink on the roof terrace, with a sunset as your backdrop, feels similar to having your own rather exclusive private club!” With all our outdoor furniture and umbrellas soon arriving, it really is like being on holiday on the roof terrace! Colin, our Bar Manager, is a familiar face and he enjoys selecting and pouring
soft drinks as well as alcohol.
In addition to our Sky Lounge & Bar,
“It’s like having a normal community
Castle View also features a warm and
village pub – and our bar is used in the
welcoming 24-hour reception, where
same way.”
you will find our restaurant, café and
you your wine or your favourite tipple.
Our Catering Manager, Caz Hughes,
Our Happy Hours are regularly well
is also able to meet your needs when
attended too!
it comes to organising catering for
bar. There is outside seating for warm days.
any special events you would like to
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GET YOUR
GARDEN
READY FOR
Nothing says summer quite like the sight and smell of a sweet, smoky barbecue sizzling in your garden. Now is a great time for a big clean of your grill and to get your garden ready for BBQ parties in the sun!
BBQ SEASON
Give your BBQ a good clean
Clean up dedicated BBQ area
Whether you’re cooking on gas or charcoal, it’s important that your grill is clean and wiped down before you start cooking. Take off the grates and scrub them down; there are plenty of products on the market specially made for BBQ grates. If you have a charcoal BBQ which has been stored inside the garage or shed over the winter, wipe down the inside to get rid of any dust or insects. Also wipe the exterior of the BBQ and your tools. When you’ve finished cleaning your BBQ, rub your tools and the grates in olive oil to help prevent rusting.
If you have spare space in your garden, or would like to cook away from guests, try building a dedicated BBQ area! Whether it is raised decking, a small area of paving or some decorative gravel, you can find the perfect spot even in the smallest of gardens.
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Pick somewhere which enjoys a little shade and provides easy access for transporting food. You can install your brick BBQ or even build your own outdoor kitchen, equipped with a grill, sink and that all important drinks fridge! If your garden has a great view, whether it’s countryside, a local landmark or the seaside, raise the BBQ area so the cook gets the best seat in the house.
WINDSOR LIVING WITH PEACE OF MIND
And if your BBQ area has been deserted during the winter, pick out any weeds and wash down the decking or patio with a jet washer to bring it back to life.
Clean down/buy new patio furniture Once you’ve cleaned down your patio or laid some new decking, now is the time to kit it out with some furniture! There are tons of different styles and designs for garden furniture, all suitable for a range of budgets and garden types. Rattan and weaved furniture are a popular choice, as are wooden tables. There are even dining sets with a fire pit built into the middle; perfect for keeping warm and toasting marshmallows.
Now is a great time for a big clean… to get your garden ready for BBQ parties in the sun!
Sticky Chicken Wings Succulent meat with sticky glaze, these messy wings are perfect finger food for a warm summer’s day, or can be cooked indoors if the weather isn’t on your side. Serve with creamy blue cheese ‘slaw made from mayonnaise and gorgonzola cheese. Ingredients: 8 large chicken wings 2 tbsp honey 3 tbsp dark brown sugar 3 tbsp tomato ketchup 4 tbsp soy sauce 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1-2 tsp sundried tomato paste Pinch of dried chilli flakes
SIZZLING BBQ RECIPES! If your garden furniture has been sat on the patio or stored inside since last summer, give it a wash down. If you have wooden furniture, use ‘wood cleaner’, then finish off with wood sealer to preserve its colour. For weaved or iron furniture, you can use warm water and soap to wash it down, followed by a rinse with the hose.
Add lighting Now that you’ve got your garden all set up, add lighting so you can entertain guests after the sun goes down. Solar lights are environmentally friendly and cheap to run. Lighting up a fire pit or a chiminea will keep your guests warm whilst you sit back, relax and drink into the early hours.
1. M ix the marinade ingredients into a bowl and toss in the chicken wings, making sure they are all generously coated. Cover and chill for an hour, or overnight if you have time. 2. T o make the blue cheese slaw, mix together creme fraiche, gorgonzola cheese, juice of a lemon and mix in some shredded vegetables. Season to taste and leave to chill for up to five hours. 3. I f cooking the wings on a charcoal bbq, once the coal is white hot, cook the wings over direct heat for around 6-8 minutes on each side, then give them around 1 minute of indirect heat, turning them and brushing with the marinade to give them a sticky outside.
Make the most of your summer with our BBQ recipe ideas, including tender sticky chicken wings and grilled halloumi burgers – served with some great sides. Ideal for entertaining meat lovers and vegetarians!
Halloumi Burgers Slices of grilled, charred halloumi in a sweet brioche, served with your choice of salad. Perfect for both veggies and the whole family.
1. W hen the charcoal has stopped flaming and is glowing white hot, brush the halloumi slices with olive oil on both sides and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden. 2. S plit open the buns and slightly toast on the grill (without burning them!) and spread the hummus on the bottom halves. Add some tomato then the halloumi, then finish with the lettuce and the salsa with the top half of the bun.
Ingredients: 250g block of Halloumi, cut into 8 thick slices 1 tbsp olive oil 4 brioche buns 4 tbsp hummus 3. Serve with skewered barbecued 1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced veg, rice, potato salad or barbecued 4 Butterhead lettuce leaves 9 CASTLEVIEWWINDSOR.CO.UK corn on the cob with butter. 4 tbsp tomato salsa * Images for illustrative purposes only
CASTLES & MUSEUMS IN THE UK England and Wales are both famous for their castles and, wherever you are in the country, there is a beautiful castle or fascinating museum not far around the corner Castles and museums make for interesting and historical days out, and are a great, interactive way to get children to learn about history. After all, which child wouldn’t like running up a castle and pretend to be a king or a princess for the day! Many castles up and down the UK host themed-events with entertainment, live-displays and theatres to keep everyone of all ages entertained. For a fun day out with the family, check out our list of some of the UK’s top museums and castles.
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Highclere Castle, Hampshire Anybody who has watched Downton Abbey would instantly recognise this Victorian castle, set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland. Highclere is not far from London, just to the south of Oxford and north of Winchester. Visitors can experience the splendid rooms all decorated in Victorian Deco, the kitchens and the wonderful grounds surrounding the castle. There are also special guided tours and events available throughout the year. www.highclerecastle.co.uk
Windsor Castle The setting for last year’s Royal Wedding, Windsor castle overlooks the landscape of the picturesque town of Windsor. It is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is open to visitors all year round. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th
WINDSOR LIVING WITH PEACE OF MIND
Century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs. Today the queen spends most of her private weekends at the castle. The castle hosts private and public events throughout the year, ranging from interactive afternoons and classes on history. www.rct.uk/visit/windsorcastle
Leeds Castle, Kent Billed as one of the loveliest castles in the world, families can discover 900 years of history at Leeds Castle and explore the maze and grotto and even go punting on the lake. There are also adventure playgrounds, over 500 acres of beautiful gardens and a falconry centre, running daily free-flying demonstrations. This year, Leeds Castle celebrates its 900-year anniversary with special events and a brand new playground opening in April! www.leeds-castle.com
Warwick Castle
hungerford-castle
Originally built by William the Conqueror, and now owned by entertainment group Merlin, Warwick Castle offers a day of fun with daily shows and battle re-enactments. With magnificent attractions such as the Horrible Histories maze, the Castle Dungeon and the Princess Tower, there is something for small and big kids of all ages. Brand new for 2019, there is The Falconer’s Quest – the UK’s ultimate Bird of Prey Show. There are also 64 acres of rolling landscaped gardens and an island with a secret past.
Wales
If you fancy staying the night, there is medieval-themed accommodation fit for royalty. www.warwick-castle.com
Farleigh Hungerford Castle The city of Bath and its surrounding areas enjoy an array of museums, castles and the Roman Baths. Placed in the beautiful valley of the river Frome, only nine miles from Bath, stands the remains of Farleigh Hungerford Castle. Started in the 14th Century and occupied for 30 years, it still has much for visitors to enjoy and provides a great day out for families with children, couples and even walkers enjoying the beautiful surrounding countryside. www.english-heritage.org. uk/visit/places/farleigh-
This is a little-known fact; Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe! Wales’ history has left a landscape scattered with Roman ruins from Medieval Welsh Princes and English Kings. With 600 castles in Wales, wherever you go on holiday, you won’t be far from a historic castle. Here are just a few of some of the country’s many castles.
Conwy Castle (North Wales) is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. Built for Edward I, by Master James of St George, the castle boasts eight massive towers and a great bow-shaped hall, all sitting within its distinctive elongated shape. www.cadw.gov.wales/daysout/ conwycastle
see the rings of stone and water defences that made Caerphilly so strong. Don’t forget to look out for the south-east tower, which out leans Pisa’s famous tower! www.cadw.gov.wales/daysout/ caerphilly-castle
Caerphilly Castle is the biggest castle in Wales and is surrounded by a series of moats and watery islands. Climb to the rooftop of the massive east gatehouse, and from here you can
Many castles up and down the UK host themed-events with entertainment, live-displays and theatres to keep everyone of all ages entertained
Museums There are a great range of museums in the UK, offering a great day out for all the family. Yorkshire features the immersive, free-toenter National Railway Museum, as well as the great Yorkshire Museum. www.yorkshiremuseum. org.uk If you’re looking for museums a bit further south, then look no further than the capital! London is the hub of museums including the Natural History Museum, V&A, art galleries and the London Transport Museum, to name a few. Find out more by visiting www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/sightseeing/londonattraction/museum/free-museums-in-london Hampshire is home to Beaulieu which features the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Gardens, and the World of Top Gear, offering one of the best days out in the heart of the New Forest. Beaulieu hosts special events throughout the year, and 2019 sees a celebration of 50 years of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. www.beaulieu.co.uk
CASTLE VIEW, HELSTON LANE, WINDSOR Castle View is a new development by Castle Retirement Living in the heart of Windsor’s residential community. The 64 apartments for sale are contemporarily designed for people over 55 years old who wish to live independently. They are accompanied by great community facilities to ensure residents can have privacy when they wish, but can also enjoy the benefits of socialising with like minded people. The project has evolved from the very best thinking from the UK and overseas senior living designs. The 1, 2 and 2 Bedroom Plus apartments are of a high quality specification, most with balconies or outdoor space, and each is designed on a single level. Residents can enjoy a lounge and a café in which coffee, tea and meals are served, and events run periodically. This area, and the adjacent 24/7 reception, run by our in-house team who will ensure that all services
E
and facilities are operated to a high
very apartment at Castle View
standard. On the fourth floor is the
has been thoughtfully planned
residents’ sky lounge, bar and garden
and specified to provide a
with spectacular views over Windsor
beautiful, contemporary, convenient
Castle and St. Leonards Hill. The roof
home Gas fired central heating, a
top lounge is available to all residents
generous number of power points
and can be used to hold events or
and a mechanical ventilation system
private functions.
are provided throughout. High
A secure underground car park, with
quality fixtures and fittings have been selected and include:
lifts to each floor, will ensure easy access to all the apartments and facilities.
TURN THE PAGE TO VIEW THE FLOORPLAN...
KITCHENS • Ergonomically designed kitchens • High-quality fitted units • Composite stone work surfaces • Stainless steel wall mounted Neff oven and microwave • Integrated Dishwasher
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WINDSOR LIVING WITH PEACE OF MIND
APARTMENT 19 TWO BEDROOM PLUS
• Integrated fridge and freezer
• All one bed apartments have a bath
INTERNAL FINISH
• Electric hob
with a shower head or a full height
• Smooth, white ceilings throughout
• Extractor hood
walk in non slip shower
• Rooms painted to a high standard
• 11/2 bowl unit with mixer tap.
• Mirror fronted bespoke vanity unit
• Integrated waste bins
• Shaver points
• LED strip lighting under wall units
• Heated towel rail
SECURITY
• Under floor heating
• Under floor heating
• Video Entry System
• Adjustable spotlighting
• Adjustable spotlighting
• Outside lights in all communal areas
UTILITY CUPBOARD
LIVING AREA
• Washing Machine
• Telephone and Sky TV sockets
• Tumble Dryer
• Recessed lighting
• Oak veneer interior doors
• 24-hour emergency call system to on-site team FIRE SECURITY • Heat sensors in each apartment
• Storage BEDROOMS
• Smoke detector in each apartment
BATHROOMS
• Built in wardrobes
• Heat and smoke detector linked to
• All two bed apartments have an en
• Sky socket
suite walk in non slip shower and a bath in the separate bathroom
• Pendant lighting
24/7 site presence • Sprinklers in all corridors and common areas
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APARTMENT 19 TWO BEDROOM PLUS
BALCONY
KITCHEN DINING SITTING/DINING
W STORE HALL BED 2
BATH
BED 1
ENSUITE UTILITY
RESERVATIONS Apartments can be reserved on payment of a £2,500 deposit. The apartments are ready for occupancy.
FURTHER INFORMATION For any reservation enquiries please contact our village advisor Ruth Wilson on 01753 378 127
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WINDSOR LIVING WITH PEACE OF MIND
MAXIMISING YOUR SPACE WITH DESIGN
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Independent living with peace of mind To make an appointment, receive a brochure or for more information, please contact our Sales Manager - Ruth Wilson on 01753 378127 or email info@castleviewwindsor.co.uk
CASTLE VIEW RETIREMENT VILLAGE, HELSTON LANE, WINDSOR, SL4 5GG
www.castleviewwindsor.co.uk