Bowes Lyon Place, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3DA

Beautifully appointed two-bedroom retirement apartment with full-width balcony - Bowes Lyon Court, Poundbury Set on the top floor of the impressive Bowes Lyon Court development in the heart of Poundbury, this beautifully presented apartment offers a wonderful combination of space, independence and reassurance - with a fantastic full-width private balcony that really sets it apart. The apartment feels light and airy throughout, with doors opening onto the balcony from the sitting room and both bedrooms, creating a genuine connection with the outside and giving you somewhere lovely to sit with a morning coffee or enjoy the evening sunshine. Inside the property A generous entrance hall gives a lovely sense of space as soon as you arrive, with excellent storage including a large boiler/store cupboard and a further hall cupboard. The living/dining room is a particularly comfortable size, with plenty of room for both seating and dining furniture. Natural light pours in through the glazed doors opening onto the balcony, while a further glazed door leads into the kitchen. The contemporary kitchen is thoughtfully fitted with soft cream cabinetry and wood-effect worktops, together with integrated Neff appliances including an oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. There are two proper double bedrooms, rather than a main bedroom and an occasional spare. The principal bedroom is particularly generous, with direct access onto the balcony and an excellent walk-in wardrobe fitted with shelving, drawers and hanging space. The second bedroom also has its own doors onto the balcony and offers real flexibility – perfect for visiting family and friends, hobbies or simply as an additional sitting room if two bedrooms aren't needed every day. The modern wet room has a walk-in shower, WC, vanity basin and heated towel rail, and there's also the added convenience of a separate cloakroom WC. Underfloor heating runs throughout the apartment and is included within the service charge. The balcony We think this deserves a section of its own. Running across the width of the apartment and accessible from the sitting room and both bedrooms, it gives the property an amount of private outside space that you simply don't find with every apartment. There's room to sit outside amongst pots and plants, and there's even an outside tap to make looking after them considerably easier. Life at Bowes Lyon Court Bowes Lyon Court has been designed to allow residents to retain their independence and their own home while having additional facilities, company and support available when wanted. Residents have access to an on-site restaurant, café lounge and orangery, residents' lounge, library, billiards room and function room, along with beautifully maintained communal gardens. There's a guest suite for visiting family and friends, lift access to all floors, mobility scooter storage and charging facilities, and underground parking is available by permit (currently approximately £250 per year). One hour of domestic cleaning each week is included, and an on-site estate manager, 24-hour team and emergency pull cords provide additional reassurance. The location And, of course, you're right in the heart of Poundbury. Queen Mother Square and its cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday amenities are close at hand, making this a particularly convenient location for someone who wants to remain independent without needing to drive everywhere. Dorchester town centre is also within easy reach, with its wider range of shops, leisure facilities and transport connections. Our view For us, there are two things that make this apartment particularly appealing: the space and that balcony. Two genuine double bedrooms give you room for family to stay, somewhere for hobbies or simply the luxury of having another room to use however you choose. And being on the top floor, with the balcony stretching across the apartment and doors opening onto it from three different rooms, gives the whole home a lovely light, open feel. Bowes Lyon Court offers an impressive level of facilities and support, but importantly, this still feels very much like your own home. You can close your front door and enjoy your own space when you want to, while having company, facilities and reassurance close by when you don't. With no forward chain, we think this is a really lovely option for someone looking to make life a little easier without giving up their independence. Key information No forward chain Council Tax Band: E Tenure: Leasehold Lease remaining: 116 years Ground rent: £510 per annum Service charge: £11,886 per annum Age restriction: Over 70s