Birchgrove, a leading provider of rented retirement homes in the UK, has fortified its London base with the purchase of its ninth property – Ayrton House in Mill Hill, North London. This 60-apartment community has been developed on the historic grounds of the National Institute for Medical Research.

This new acquisition will provide residents with self-contained one to three-bedroom apartments. Community facilities include a licensed bar, restaurant, club room, wellness suite, and beautifully landscaped gardens. A unique design element, Ayrton House showcases a green copper roof, a nod to the site’s previous iconic structure by Max Ayrton, the original architect of Wembley Stadium.

This acquisition, valued at £36 million, follows closely on the heels of Birchgrove’s 78-apartment project in Hampton Court. The company had also acquired a 50-apartment site in Chiswick in 2022. Ayrton House is set to open its doors in 2024, backed by a £10.2 million equity funding from Bridges Fund Management and a development initiative by Octopus Real Estate.

Two other Birchgrove communities have witnessed a spike in occupancy recently, with Queensgate Apartments in Sidcup and Woodbank Apartments in Woking registering 98% and 96% occupancy, respectively.

The company’s CEO, Honor Barratt, expressed pride in Birchgrove’s rapid expansion since its inception in 2017, and its commitment to providing flexible living options for those over 65. She hinted at even more ambitious expansion plans for London and the surrounding regions.

Commenting on the acquisition, Jack Copley from Knight Frank noted the unique opportunity this deal presented, emphasizing Birchgrove’s leading position in the UK’s senior rental market. He anticipates more seniors housing collaborations and deals in light of the evolving market dynamics.