About Us

Later life, lived brilliantly

Where you live sets the tone for how you live — the people you see, the places you enjoy, the community you feel part of. Our neighbourhoods are inspired by all of this, bringing together familiar surroundings with spaces designed for independence, connection, and the simple pleasures that make life feel good.
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Make yourself at home

Our ethos

At Birchgrove, we believe everyone deserves to feel at home — truly at home. A place where you can be yourself, live independently, and still feel part of something bigger. Our neighbourhoods are built on belonging and joy — where friendships form naturally, support is always close by, and every day offers a chance to live well and live freely.
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the birchgrove story

Our story

Birchgrove began with a simple belief: later living should feel easier, not smaller. Too many people were staying in homes that no longer worked for them, or facing retirement options that lacked warmth, choice, or a sense of place. So we set out to create something better. Somewhere you can live independently with support when you want it, in the communities you love to call home.

We’re a family-minded organisation at heart, shaped by kindness, good design, and a commitment to making everyday life feel comfortable and reassuring. Every neighbourhood has its own character, but the feeling is always the same: open, supportive, and easy to call home.
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Our values

Try to say yes
‍We believe life’s better when you can. Whether it’s a spontaneous request, a small favour, or a new idea, we do our best to say yes — because flexibility and kindness make all the difference.

‍Nice people to do business with
‍We treat everyone — neighbours, families, and partners — with warmth and respect. It’s not just about professionalism; it’s about genuine decency and the joy that comes from working with good people.

‍There’s no place like home
‍We think of home as more than walls and windows — it’s a feeling. Everything we design, every decision we make, is guided by that simple truth: if it wouldn’t feel right in our own home, it doesn’t belong in yours.
Caregiver smiling and serving food to elderly man seated at a dining table in a bright, decorated room.
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Modern dining area with mixed upholstered chairs in orange, blue, and patterned fabric around wooden tables, a kitchen counter with orange bar stools, and geometric curtains.

Redefining retirement living

Retirement living at Birchgrove is about more than beautiful homes — it’s about feeling supported, informed, and completely at ease. Learn how our approach to wellbeing, flexible renting, and thoughtfully designed apartments that help make life that a bit simpler.
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Wellbeing & support
Discover how our friendly team and trusted care partners help you stay independent and confident, with support that’s always there when you need it.
Learn more
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Your apartment
Step inside your new home — light, modern, and designed for living well. From thoughtful layouts to smart technology, every Birchgrove apartment is built around comfort and choice.
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Funding your move
Moving to Birchgrove is simpler than you might think. Explore how our all-inclusive rent, joining fee, and financial guidance can make your move straightforward and stress-free.
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Meet the people behind Birchgrove

Every Birchgrove neighbourhood begins with people and that includes the team behind the scenes. Our leadership group is hands-on and genuinely invested in creating places where later life feels lighter, easier, and more connected. They bring decades of experience, but more importantly, a shared belief in treating every neighbour with warmth, respect, and real care.
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Honor Barratt, Chief Executive Officer

Honor founded Birchgrove and has guided it from a simple hunch about what makes a place feel like home to the thriving communities it is today. With her own mother happily living in Birchgrove in Woking, she feels proud every day knowing it’s good enough for the person she loves most.
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Marcus Hodges, Chief Operating Officer

Marcus is driven by a real passion for creating an environment where our neighbours feel completely at home and part of the wider community. He’s committed to making Birchgrove not just a place to live, but somewhere that makes life feel better.
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Matt Steere, Data Director

Matt looks after everything to do with data, using it to spot the little insights that help our neighbours live longer, happier lives. He loves the energy and optimism in our neighbourhoods, where people often say they feel younger and more at home than they expected.

Recognised for innovation, design, and impact

Since our founding in 2019, Birchgrove has grown into one of the UK’s leading names in retirement living — with six open neighbourhoods and two more on the way by 2026. Our commitment to quality, creativity, and community has been recognised across the industry.

These achievements reflect our belief that retirement living should be forward-thinking, beautifully designed, and deeply human — places that make life brighter for everyone who calls Birchgrove home.
Three award logos for seniors housing and retirement living: HealthInvestor Seniors Housing Awards Winner 2021, HealthInvestor Seniors Housing Awards Winner 2022, and Retirement Living Awards Winner 2023.

Find the right place
to call home

At Birchgrove, we’re here to guide you through every step of the journey. Whether you’re ready to move in or simply learning about your options, our team is here to help you discover the community that feels right for you.
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Enquire now
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