Riverstone reinvents the wheel for retirement homes

Life doesn’t stop at 65, especially in Riverstone’s luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Looking towards the Baby Boomers for inspiration – who are ‘ripping up the retirement rulebook’ – the private complexes in Fulham and Kensington allow residents to maintain an active, independent lifestyle surrounded by luxury and contemporary comfort.  

Complete with an outdoor balcony or terrace, each abode comes in a natural palette that can be tailored by residents themselves, or interior design studio, Honky. Working with local furniture suppliers, from Andrew Martin to Robert Langford, Honky’s style in the showrooms encompasses bold heritage colours that lend sophistication and bespoke cabinetries in rippled textured wood with bronze mirrors and brass fittings.  

Veering away from the usual red pull cords, each ‘later living’ home has been fitted with technology to support retirees, from discreet emergency call systems with an electric wall-mounted panel in the hallways to customisable low-level brass buttons in the bathrooms. Compliant with Lifetime Home Standards, widened entranceways support residents who have mobility equipment, and in the bathrooms and kitchens slip-resistant tiling make the rooms safe and accessible. 

Bowler James Brindley (BJB) designed the public and amenity spaces; areas that exude health and wellbeing. Intended to be more like a luxury hotel, residents have access to an orangery, espresso bar, salon and golf simulator in Fulham, as well as a games room, cocktail lounge spa and Maria G’s brasserie – which is also available in Kensington.  

BJB looked towards Fulham’s ‘relaxed domesticity’ as well as its artistic heritage for design ideas. Its attractive period houses and village atmosphere influenced the style, as did the layout, design and approach of Knot Garden at Fulham Palace – with natural textures, antiques and artifacts resulting in rich interiors. Solid American walnut timber panelling features next to St Valentine Onyx and Ruschita Marble, while in the cinema crushed velvet takes centre stage. 

Riverstone Kensington is in proximity to Holland Park and Kensington high street while Fulham offers river views from the Thames Path on the north bank of the River Thames and direct access to walkways. Homes are available to rent or buy in both areas.