Hawthorns is a group of luxury, all-inclusive retirement communities located across the United Kingdom. Designed for independent retirees aged 70 and over, Hawthorns provides a unique blend of high-quality accommodation, tailored hospitality, and enriching lifestyle experiences in a safe, secure, and vibrant environment.
Hawthorns is not a care home in the traditional sense. It caters to independent individuals seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle that includes dining, cleaning, activities, and support — all under one monthly fee. The communities are located in elegant settings with on-site staff and healthcare support, enabling residents to enjoy their retirement years in comfort and dignity.
With four locations in Braintree, Eastbourne, Clevedon, and Northampton, Hawthorns offers retirees a choice of beautiful settings and flexible accommodation options, tailored to fit different preferences and lifestyles.
Features
All-Inclusive Living: One monthly fee covers rent, utilities, meals, housekeeping, and activities.
Luxury Apartments: Private, self-contained apartments furnished and maintained to high standards.
Restaurant-Style Dining: Daily fresh meals prepared by professional chefs, served in communal dining spaces.
On-Site Support Team: Available 24/7 to assist with residents’ needs and provide peace of mind.
Engaging Activities Programme: A full calendar of social, wellness, and recreational activities.
Housekeeping and Maintenance: Weekly housekeeping and prompt maintenance service included.
Flexible Tenure: Rental model allows residents to move in without long-term commitments or ownership complications.
Beautiful Grounds and Gardens: Landscaped outdoor spaces to relax, walk, or socialize.
How It Works
Hawthorns provides a simple, stress-free alternative to traditional retirement housing:
Prospective residents or families can book a private tour at any of the four locations.
After choosing a residence, new residents can move in with minimal paperwork under a monthly rental model.
Residents enjoy a private apartment, while everything else — from meals to housekeeping and entertainment — is managed by the Hawthorns team.
The monthly rental covers all living costs, allowing for predictable budgeting and no surprise fees.
Unlike care homes that typically charge based on care needs, Hawthorns provides services at one fixed monthly rate, with optional additional support if needed.
Use Cases
Hawthorns is suitable for a wide range of older adults who want to live independently with the benefits of community and support:
Active Retirees: Individuals aged 70+ who wish to downsize, simplify, and enjoy an active social lifestyle.
Couples Seeking Community: Partners who want to live together in a supportive and enriching environment.
Solo Retirees: Seniors living alone who are seeking companionship, safety, and structured daily routines.
Families Looking for Solutions: Families seeking a trusted, all-inclusive retirement option for their aging parents without the need for traditional residential care.
Transitional Living: An interim option for seniors who may eventually need more hands-on care but wish to retain independence for as long as possible.
Pricing
Hawthorns offers a straightforward, all-inclusive monthly rental model. Pricing varies slightly depending on the location and size of the apartment chosen.
Monthly Fee Includes:
Private, fully serviced apartment
All meals and snacks
Housekeeping and linen service
Utilities (heating, electricity, water, council tax)
24/7 staffing and emergency response
Full activities and wellness programme
Maintenance of apartments and communal areas
Exact pricing is available by contacting each individual residence. However, the model eliminates the need for upfront property purchases, deposits, or lengthy contracts. This flexible rental approach makes it easier for residents to make changes or transitions if their circumstances change.
Prospective residents can book trial stays or short-term tenancies to experience Hawthorns before committing to longer-term residency.
Strengths
Truly All-Inclusive: No hidden costs — everything from meals to taxes and housekeeping is covered.
Independent Yet Supported: Allows residents to live freely while enjoying discreet support and community.
Flexible Living Model: The rental system offers flexibility with no long-term property commitment.
Vibrant Community Life: Built-in opportunities for social engagement and wellness activities.
Safe and Secure: On-site staff 24/7 and secure access provide peace of mind for residents and families.
Beautiful Locations: Situated in desirable, peaceful areas with landscaped gardens and access to nature.
Drawbacks
Not a Full Care Facility: Hawthorns does not offer high-dependency nursing care or specialist dementia support. It is best suited for individuals who are mostly independent.
Premium Pricing: The luxury and all-inclusive nature may place it out of budget for some retirees.
Limited Locations: Currently only available in four UK locations, which may not be convenient for all families.
No Property Ownership Option: For those who prefer investing in retirement property, the rental-only model may not align with their goals.
Comparison with Other Tools
Hawthorns stands apart from traditional retirement homes and assisted living facilities due to its unique offering:
Compared to Care Homes: Unlike care homes that charge based on medical needs and are often clinical in setup, Hawthorns offers independent living in a social, hotel-style environment with optional support.
Compared to Retirement Apartments: Unlike buy-to-let retirement apartments, Hawthorns removes ownership obligations and provides ongoing hospitality and support services.
Compared to Home Care Services: While aging at home can offer familiarity, it often requires managing multiple service providers and lacks the built-in community and safety net that Hawthorns provides.
Hawthorns offers a hospitality-first approach to retirement living — a lifestyle model rather than a care model.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Residents and families have expressed high satisfaction with Hawthorns’ environment, staff, and lifestyle benefits:
“It’s like living in a five-star hotel where everyone knows your name. I’ve made friends, and I never feel alone.”
“We moved Mum in after she lost Dad, and it was the best decision we ever made. She’s social again and thriving.”
“The staff are amazing, and the food is top quality. It doesn’t feel like a care facility — it feels like home.”
The positive testimonials highlight the blend of freedom, dignity, and community that defines the Hawthorns experience.
You can explore more testimonials and video tours on the official website hawthorns.uk.com.
Conclusion
Hawthorns offers a fresh and elegant take on retirement living in the UK. With its all-inclusive model, luxury facilities, and supportive yet independent atmosphere, it provides a dignified solution for retirees seeking more than just a place to live.
Ideal for those who want security, companionship, and premium hospitality, Hawthorns redefines what retirement can look like. While it is not suited for those needing full-time nursing care, it is a perfect solution for independent seniors who want to enjoy their golden years to the fullest — without the burdens of home maintenance or isolation.
