Dame Mary Berry officially opens Audley Shiplake Meadows retirement village

Audley Shiplake Meadows, a new luxury retirement village near Henley-on-Thames, has been officially opened with a special ceremony led by Guest of Honour, Dame Mary Berry, on Wednesday 01 October.

The event welcomed current and prospective homeowners, members of the local community, and partners from Audley Villages. The day included a ceremonial ribbon cutting, a champagne reception, speeches from Dame Mary and Nick Sanderson, CEO of Audley Villages, guided tours of the new development, and a celebratory afternoon tea.

Audley Shiplake Meadows features 65 high-quality senior living properties, including apartments, duplex penthouses and cottages, all designed for people over 65. Each home includes a private outdoor space, such as a balcony, terrace, or garden, with the village surrounded by landscaped grounds, community allotments, and countryside views.

Careful attention was paid to the design, using traditional South Oxfordshire materials and architectural styles, while prioritising sustainability throughout.

Residents automatically become members of the Audley Club, which offers access to Tennyson’s lounge bar and bistro, a fitness suite, wellness services, and social spaces. For flexibility, prospective owners can ‘rent before they buy’ for up to 12 months, with up to three months’ rent refunded if they later purchase.

Speaking at the event, Dame Mary Berry said:

“It was such a joy to be part of Audley Shiplake Meadows’ official opening event. Having called this area home for the past seven years, I know the new homeowners will be very happy here.

“Whether they’re enjoying their beautiful new homes, tending to their allotments, taking a walk in the countryside, or visiting Henley-on-Thames, they’ll find so much to love.

“I can already see how Audley Shiplake Meadows will become a wonderful part of the local community, with its bar and bistro open for everyone to enjoy.”

Nick Sanderson, CEO of Audley Villages, added:

“It was a real pleasure to host the official opening with Dame Mary Berry, our owners, prospective buyers, and joint venture partners O’Shea and Galliard. Shiplake Meadows is a stunning village in a beautiful setting, and I’m looking forward to seeing the community grow as we welcome more people.”

Rory O’Connor, speaking on behalf of Galliard and O’Shea, said:

“We’re delighted to officially open Audley Shiplake Meadows with Audley Group. It’s a project we are proud to have delivered, combining exceptional homes and facilities with sustainability at its core. We look forward to welcoming more owners as the village grows.”

Audley Group, which operates 21 villages across the UK, continues to expand its portfolio through both its Audley Villages brand, aimed at the luxury market, and its Mayfield Villages brand. Its developments offer independent living, access to flexible care, and a wide range of amenities to support long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.