Firhall Village, on the
outskirts of Nairn on the Moray Firth, is a new direction in modern country
living. Aimed primarily at those whose families have left home, who have retired
or are contemplating retirement and now wish a secure comfortable country lifestyle.
Interview of Alistair Kerr the Managing Director
Describe the persons
who live in this village Firhall ?
They are people over the
age of 45-50 who are still very active, but whose children have left home. In
reality most are in their mid 50’s to 60’s.
According to you,
what are they looking for in Firhall ?
Freedom to enjoy the remainder
of their lives.
Many go away for extended periods and while they are away they do not have to
worry about their house or the grass being cut as this is done for them. As
there are no garden boundaries all can enjoy voiews out over communal gardens.
In this country many people
find that as their children grow up and then go to University (most do now)
then they do not return to the same smaller town or village where their parents
live. Therefore the family support unit is no longer valid. How the village
works is that they are among groups of their peers who support each other –
they are not isolated but live in a community of similar age and interests.
There is also the fact
that because no children permenantly live on the site (many visit and stay for
holidays) then they are not disturbed by them. Unless you have had elderly parents
you will not realise older people love seeing young children, but many find
they prefer their company for short periods rather than as permanant neighbours.
As they decline in later
years this becomes more noticeable, but of course not all elederly are the same,
and it would be foolish to think they are. However this arrangement whereby
the children visit rather than live there seems to find approval with most people,
and of course for the children to visit their grandparents in a nice location
surrounded by beautiful beach areas, with lots of activities can be a welcome
holiday break to be looked forward to by all.
What kind of services
do you propose ?
We do not provide many
services as such other than the maintainance of common areas and the social
facilities we have provided. As the residents are mostly very able they organise
within our development art classes, keep fit, social events, trips to the theatre
and cinemas, shared shopping trips etc. Internal redecoration, hairdressing
or nursing care can all be organised in the event it is required.
The important thing in
many regards is the location of other facilities and in this case there are
2 nursing homes within walking distance should one partner require to go into
care – so they are always close, but also shops and other social amenities must
be readily accessible – the location as here should be quiet and secure but
close to lots of facilities and amenities.
We have concentrated very
much on ensuring quality in all aspects of the design, the housing, the landscaping
and all finishes and that is very important from a long term maintainance point
of view and perception of value and pride by the residents.
In France, this
kind of "village" may be refused by many Senior citizens who don’t
want to be with same age persons. Do you see this attitude in UK ?
Yes. And its normally by
people who have never been to our development. Many people have ‘political’
views which says this is bad, but society is changing and the structure of our
towns and cities is changing – people are now more mobile with over 5million
UK residents living in other countries – as retirement and employment opportunities
become more global then we will continue to see change in our social structure.
This is one solution to
a part of this problem, and i have been told by residents complaining to me
about something that ‘its just a small point, because we love living here’.
That to me says that it is a solution which works for many people. Given that
20% of our population will soon be over 60 years of age this small development
of ours is a drop in the ocean, if you understand the expression. There wil
be many old people who cannot live as these do but wish they could.
I think it is a better solution
than having the state send social workers around lonely old people struggling
on their own.
If so how do you
solve handle this ?
I tell them that it is
our solution – if they have a better one what is it ? We do not ask everyone
to come and live here, but only to do so if they think they will enjoy it.
And I have bought a flat
here myself so I have put my money where my mouth is.
It is worth pointing out
too, that while we call it a ‘village’ it is only 90 units and is next to a
town of about 7000 inhabitants so it is not a true village. I think this is
a good optimum size too, as it is possible to make these places too big and
spoil the very intimacy and club type feel we seek to foster. The residents
must feel both a sense of ownership and empowerment. Too big, and that will
be lost.
It is also worth pointing
out to that the creation of such a village in remote and sometimes slightly
economically depressed areas can give a good economic boost in such an area
and is an entirely compatible and sustainable type of development which brings
in people with spending power without burdening local services such as schools.
Also why should our old
people not be allowed to live in a nice environment and enjoy their latter years
– they have worked hard all their lives and deserve it.
Do you plan to build
other places like Firhall ?
Yes, if we get the chance
and the right sites come up. Location is all important in ensuring that the
‘village’ itself
is not isolated.
We’d love to do one in
France where we have a number of friends (who are French)
More information : http://www.caledonianretreats.co.uk/home.htm