For people with a future, as well as a past

The Cocoon Club concept is an alternative and more exciting ‘Living Style’ for the over 50s. It is intended as a total contrast to the existing and widely publicised trend of constructing blocks of apartments usually situated on main thoroughfares but within a short distance of town centres. There is an obvious demand for such accommodation, but it tends to appeal to people in the older age groups of 65 plus.

The Cocoon Club contention is that there is a significant ‘Living Style’ market gap for the 50–65 age groups, who having brought up their family and now wish to enjoy their new found independence and move on with their lives. They have an organised pension plan and savings, but invariably their most valuable asset will be the house.

Evidence would point to people now adopting different attitudes towards the ‘Family Home’ from the previous generation, when a major objective was to ‘leave the family home to the kids’. This is likely to be a less common objective given changing financial circumstances and our expectations of living longer and healthier.

The 50s-65s have been looking for second houses particularly overseas, to provide not only a better climate but a touch of the exotic (we’re brave enough to go to….. even though we can’t speak the language……. know the customs or stop getting ripped off). It can bring a change of environment and its somewhere for the kids and grandchildren to spend their holidays.

However the financial downturn is having an impact on existing second home owners, with large numbers trying to sell. The current state of the market is also putting off potential new investors. Health issues abroad are also a consideration. Perhaps many 50-65 year olds could be tempted towards ‘Style Living’ within the UK, providing it includes accommodation that would suit a number of different requirements. A home that caters for diverse tastes, has room for hobbies and pastimes, meets any disability requirements and one that would be challenging but comfortable for the residents. The locations for such homes would be crucial to the success of the project as those likely to be interested would be the more ‘adventurous’ lower age end of the retirement spectrum.

Cocoon Club Development
A consortium of age-appropriate, like minded experts and interested parties has joined together to progress this ‘Style Living’ idea and a number of potential sites have been identified in the West Country area. These sites are invariably designated as ‘brown fiel’ sites but are worthy of development with eco-friendly, sustainable and energy efficient dwellings in mind. Some of these sites have potential for waterside living and recreational activities and would be developed to provide flexible accommodation including terraced, semi and detached housing almost certainly individually designed and constructed using a timber frame, some waterside or water surface units could also be made available.

Eco-friendly and sustainable living considerations would be to the forefront and as many communal main services as possible would be installed e.g. Geothermal Underground Heating system, wind power, central waste disposal and recycling and a number of other ideas currently being investigated.

Potential purchasers will be offered various housing options as well as a garden (depending on land option chosen). Allotments could be made available, stabling for horses, garages and even an orchard or small vineyard could be developed on a communal basis together with other recreational facilities.

Some central service areas would be designed into the project which could include possible home maintenance or car servicing for those householders carrying out ongoing DIY projects or wishing to pursue a hobby. As previously outlined, leisure facilities would be included within the development but these cannot be finalised until the exact location of the site is established.

The new group also envisages some third party development which could cover areas such as a ‘driving range’, ’small hotel’ or perhaps a garden centre with cafe facilities. The communal grounds of the development could be made the responsibility of the householders to supervise utilising the best eco, wild-life friendly and environmental practises.

The Consortium initially consists of a number of relevant experts and companies in the field of property development and planning, sustainable and eco-friendly living also retirement specialists in the field of finance, health and recreation. We envisage in the coming months involving a number of like minded people in the planning of these developments and registering the details of those interested in purchasing plots within them.

We imagine a number of major organisations and companies will be interested in the scheme, many of which can advise and supply up to date information about innovative and eco-friendly products, services and practices. However the most important object of the scheme is to involve the general public in discussion and planning the future of this specialised part of the property market.

Online forums, information packs and plans will be introduced over a period of time and in the first instance a sustainable living centre will be opened in Dorset so that interested parties can meet and view the latest products and developments available to the scheme. Potential members of the Cocoon Club concept will be able to discuss their own requirements for self build homes and timber frames with experts in the field of property development and finance.

We shall shortly be launching the ‘Cocoon Club’, a facility for those people who have an interest in eco living and wish to build their own living style over the coming years. The ‘Cocoon Club’ will keep members up to date with the latest developments in this field, recent articles, surveys and new products that will help members make informed choices when making their final decision about their ‘Living Style’ requirements. Basic membership of the Cocoon Club will be relatively inexpensive but prices will be based upon the level at which people want to be involved in future plans.

The Cocoon Club consortium has retained the services of an experienced journalist in this field to lobby and inform both government and national press to the need and value of the ‘Living Style’ concept. We will raise, debate and discuss the many questions that like minded people will need to consider when joining a project of this nature.

Location and Facilities
All areas of the country could facilitate a Cocoon Club project and we anticipate there will eventually be demand from all over Great Britain. Initially the focus will concentrate on areas in Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Cornwall and Mid Wales. Priority will be given to the quality and size of the site, its potential for development and its ability to accommodate the required properties and facilities that need to be included.

Consideration will be given to the numbers and types of properties that can be built on the site and the requirements of potential residents. As well as the aesthetics of the construction the vision will be focused around the DREAM of eco-friendly, sustainable living specifically designed for a group of like minded over 50’s. Everyone has different needs but the Cocoon Club is flexible enough to be able to meet those needs on both and individual and collective basis. We would like you to be involved the discussion and design of this ideal development concept, register now and give us your views.

If you would like to have an involvement in the Cocoon Club and its eco ideals please complete the registration form [CHANGE LINK] and we will send you information as the development of the concept moves forward and how you can become a permanent member of this new ‘Living Style’ programme.