While Christmas is said to be a time for connecting with loved ones, for many it can mean loneliness– particularly for those later in life.

With 330,000 older people in the UK expected to spend Christmas Day alone, McCarthy Stone is decking its halls in preparation for a joy-filled celebration that captures the spirit of Christmas. Taking place on Friday 8th December between 2pm and 4pm, local retirees are invited to join homeowners at McCarthy Stone’s Stowe Place on Rotten Row, where the bubbles will be flowing and a splash of yuletide cheer will all be part of the fabulously festive Christmas Celebration.

Surrounded by like-minded people, guests can enjoy festive tipples and nibbles, with mince pies and mulled wine aplenty, accompanied by a series of smooth swing classics performed live by Sammy Dean for a taste of the unique community atmosphere on offer. A tour of the superb communal facilities and elegant, high-spec apartments will also allow attendees to discover exactly why Stowe Place is such a special place to live.

Laura Pittaway, Divisional Marketing Manager at McCarthy Stone, said: “For some, Christmas can be a difficult time to navigate, which is why we at McCarthy Stone are especially keen to bring the wider community closer together and spread the festive cheer.

“We’re looking forward to opening our doors at Stowe Place, where retirees from Lichfield are invited to enjoy fizz, food, friendship, and live entertainment to help them get into the Christmas spirit. The event is also the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the thriving lifestyle that sits at the heart of every McCarthy Stone development.”

Stowe Place is a collection of 65 one and two-bedroom low-maintenance apartments aimed at those aged 70 and over who want to continue living independently, with the option of additional support through tailored care packages should they need it. There is also a range of communal facilities on-site, including attractive landscaped gardens, a spacious communal lounge and roof terrace for socialising, a chef-run bistro serving freshly prepared seasonal dishes, and a guest suite where family and friends can stay overnight.

A 24-hour emergency call system and door video entry ensure peace of mind, while an experienced Estate Management team is on-site around the clock to provide personal care to suit individual needs. A range of purchasing options are available at Stowe Place to make retiring in style more accessible, such as the Shared Ownership scheme in partnership with Homes England, which allows retirees to enjoy the benefits of Retirement Living Plus without committing to the full purchase price.

More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, meaning it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation. McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this rating every year it has taken part in the survey.