Retire in style: France, Switzerland or Britain?

Whether it’s a cottage in the country, a super-modern apartment on the coast or a chic chateau in France, the Third Age offers you the chance to try something different. Embrace the opportunity to cut loose and rediscover yourself. Here are a selection of properties for sale (from £235,000 to £5.66m) for those who want to retire in style.

Prayssac Lot, France £455,000

Maybe you’re looking for a new adventure. Throwing off the ties of business, you are free to expand your horizons and take on a whole new project. This French country house offers you just that. Its mellow stone contains a modern, architect-designed home. It has six bedrooms, outbuildings and nearly 25 acres of land. You could offer B&B, transform the outbuildings into holiday accommodation or offer glamping in the woods. And then relax in the outdoor pool.

Call Winkworth’s international sales on 020 7870 7181 www.winkworth-international.com

Lot, France £625,000

This restored French chateau dates back to the 15th century. It would suit retirees in search of their perfect country retreat with four bedrooms, elaborate fireplaces, original pastel-blue shutters and exposed beams. There’s also a swimming pool and folly in the garden. Many of us have dreams of escaping the rat race to live in France, this property may be the answer.

Call Winkworth’s international sales on 020 7870 7181 www.winkworth-international.com

Bath, Somerset £300,000

This historic city has plenty to recommend it to retirees. It’s beautiful, for a start. And there’s a lively arts scene, boutiques, a café culture and peaceful parks. This one-bedroom apartment on the first floor of an elegant Georgian building is a short stroll from the action, or just a brief bus-ride away. Bath is a compact city with plenty of buzz to brighten up your twilight years.

Call Winkworth’s Bath office on 01225 829000 www.winkworth.co.uk/bath

Ferring, West Sussex, £425,000

Worthing has long been a retirement hot spot. Sea air and sunshine are two good reasons to choose the south coast. Ferring, just to the west of the town, is a village with Saxon origins. This single-storey barn conversion should appeal to retirees who want a quiet life within walking distance of the sea. There are shops, a pub and cafés nearby, plus a pretty Norman church.

Call Winkworth’s Worthing office on 01903 216219 www.winkworth.co.uk/worthing

Highbrook, Nr Ardingly, West Sussex £665,000

An escape to the country is on the cards for many people once they retire. Are you dreaming of a pretty cottage with lovely views in a beautiful area? Highbrook is a tiny, leafy hamlet with a church but, for more amenities, Ardingly is just over a mile away. There’s a Post Office and store there, as well as three pubs. This semi-detached cottage dates from the 15th century and is full of period features. It has a large farmhouse kitchen with dining area, a separate laundry room and a sunny terrace overlooking the half-acre garden and fields beyond.

Call Winkworth’s Forest Row office on 01342 822255 www.winkworth.co.uk/forest-row

Bournemouth, Hampshire £425,000

Looking for a low-maintenance apartment with a fantastic sea view? This recently built gated development is perfect for a coastal retirement. There’s a lift and a south-facing terrace in this two-bedroom flat. Best of all, there’s nothing you need to do to it. Just move in and relax. Southbourne is an attractive town with a busy High Street and award-winning beaches. Bournemouth is a few miles to the west.

Call Winkworth’s Southbourne office on 01202 434365 www.winkworth.co.uk/southbourne

Sloane Avenue, London SW3 £1.15m

Not everybody seeks the quiet life after retirement. Many people now are choosing the buzz of the city, where they can visit galleries and the theatre, shop, dine out and maybe learn new skills. Where better than central London? This Sloane Avenue ground floor flat has an open-plan living area and two double bedrooms. It’s in a smart mansion block with a grand communal entrance and 24-hour porter service. Easy to lock up and leave when you want to travel, but convenient when you are at home.

Call Winkworth’s Knightsbridge office on 020 7589 6616 www.winkworth.co.uk/knightsbridge-chelsea

Geneva, Switzerland £5.66m

Low taxes, beautiful scenery and excellent healthcare are just three reasons why you might want to retire to Switzerland. You’ll have to be financially self-sufficient and have a tie to the country, such as family, property or a business interest. This outstanding ground floor apartment in the Maison Royale has four bedrooms and a parking space you can rent. The building, with its ornate stonework, overlooks the harbour.

Call Winkworth’s international sales on 020 7870 7181 www.winkworth-international.com

Richmond, Surrey £599,950

If you prefer a London bolthole for your golden years, this first-floor apartment is located in an attractive Victorian building in Richmond. The property has one bedroom, plenty of storage space and lots of light. Outside there are landscaped gardens and the building is close to Richmond town centre and station.

Call Winkworth’s Richmond office on 020 8940 9986 www.winkworth.co.uk/richmond

Great Bedwyn, Marlborough, Wiltshire £235,000

This courtyard development of mews-style homes is exclusively for those over 55 years old. No 9 is a two-bedroom house with a sunny conservatory. The communal gardens are charming and there is on-site parking, a laundry room and a 24-hour alarm system. The village has a station with trains to Newbury, Reading, Hungerford and London Paddington. There’s also a pub, a shop and a GP surgery, as well as canalside walks along the Kennet and Avon.

Call Winkworth’s Marlborough office on 01672 552777 www.winkworth.co.uk/marlborough