Set within the golden triangle of Surrey, the Audley Fairmile Retirement Village is a jewel in the crown of the charming village of Cobham. Named one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times, it’s located on the banks of the River Mole and credited with culture, a strong community, and a wealth of picturesque landscapes.
In its conception stage, the client’s vision was to create a retirement village that would not only reflect the Audley Villages brand but also pay homage to the exclusivity of the location where it is set. Due to open later in 2023, here’s a little snippet of what you can expect.
Nestled in a cocoon of leafy trees just outside the bustling centre of Cobham, the first impression is one to remember, and guests and residents alike will be greeted immediately by a stone facade with intricate stone latticework detailing and impressive pillars.
Comfort for the residents of every retirement village designed by Bernard Interiors is always front of mind. To create a welcoming, pleasant atmosphere, the team at Bernard Interiors layered a number of materials and textures throughout the interiors, resulting in a homely space with depth and warmth.
Additionally, a glazed lobby allows an abundance of natural light to shine through, with crittall screens used internally to allow light to pass through. These allow sight into every room and give a sense of openness to the village, encouraging warm feelings of belonging to a community.
Whilst designing the Entrance Hall, Bernard Interiors introduced a dividing wall in the main reception, to conceal the lift from sight upon entering. The team then partnered with Chesneys, a luxury fireplace supplier, to create a cosy focal point for the seating area where guests could wait for or spend time with their loved ones.
Audley Fairmile has a wide variety of amenities, including a spa, pool, and a la carte restaurant. It was also important to the team that the residents of this retirement village would be able to retreat into a well-stocked library to read, learn, or simply get lost in literature. To create this space, the team of experts from Bernard Interiors sourced custom artwork and worked in collaboration with a specialist joiner. This resulted in a series of bespoke shelving units on which a range of books could sit, ready to entice and entertain residents for years to come. To add to the atmosphere of the room, a fireplace was also included to encourage long evenings of warming up and winding down.
A carefully curated pallete of colours has been used throughout the project to reflect the Audley Villages brand and the surrounding area. While soft, neutral tones have been used for walls, curtains, and carpets, Bernard Interiors decided that pops of colour were simply essential for connecting this project with the local community and having synergy with the Audley Villages brand.
Cobham is also home to the Chelsea Football Club training ground, so ‘Chelsea blue’ features heavily throughout the interiors. Against a backdrop of creams and beiges, the blue provides splashes of vibrancy in the form of sleek velvet chairs. Other subtle nods to the special hue, such as on curtain trims, cushions, and artwork, can be spotted throughout the property, ensuring the theme is consistent yet tasteful.
Further research into Cobham village also pointed to Painshill Park, a haven of greenery that was created in the 18th century by Charles Hamilton. Hamilton’s vision was that the park would become a ‘living painting’, and still today, visitors are encouraged to walk the work of art that is the enchanting landscape garden.
To reference the magical living canvas, Bernard Interiors drew much of the colour inspiration from the gardens, lakes, and crystal grotto that can be found on the grounds of the park. Throughout the project, the theme of nature’s beauty shines through, thanks to bouquets, potted trees in the swimming pool sanctuary, and of course, the stunning wider landscape that provides joy no matter the season.
Bernard Interiors is eagerly awaiting the opening of Audley Fairmile later in 2023. Thanks to the team of experts and their knowledge of accessible design, it creates comfortable spaces with longevity, quality, and care always in mind.
