Is this the best way to live in retirement if you're on your own?

Yes, or the WI with no control-knob (or rather etc..)

Ana I totally agree! It would be Gransnet with knobs on ( or rather, not a knob in sight! )

Charleygirl one lady had a dog in those flats so maybe there is an agreement about pets. An interesting idea about the flats, a lot of work and thought has gone into it.

I love the idea of it, a friend tried to do it 30 years ago but it was hard to find anywhere suitable. The only thing, if you buy into it, is that it may be harder to sell for you if you change your mind, or for your inheritors if you pass away there.
Or I would happily go into a sheltered housing apartment if I could have a bit of garden, and as long as the walls were not so thin that you could hear other people's conversations and three tv's going all day (which is the case with someone I know), and as long as the service charge was affordable. I do worry that I will have a stroke or heart attack and be found dead only when the smell alerts a passer by!

Was this complex for lesbians or anyone on their own? The harmony won't last - it never does. Also, I like a few men, if only to boss about.

I'm on my own but the thought of living in an all-women complex like that fills me with horror!

I also saw it and I will definitely keep it in mind but my problem is my cat- I doubt if these places will take animals on board. I wonder what the service charge is- I never heard that mentioned.

I saw it on the news this morning too, it does look interesting and I like the idea that those who can afford it can buy and others can rent.. I'd certainly be interested if I were on my own and it was local to where I am now.