A Day at Riverstone: Redefining Later Living with Insight, Interaction and Inspiration

When people begin thinking about retirement living, a few common concerns often surface. They’re often shaped by questions about independence, lifestyle, support, and what day-to-day life would feel like. That’s why we created Life at Riverstone—a dedicated open day designed to answer those very questions and debunk some common myths about later living offering a first-hand look at life at Riverstone.

Paul Vesty, one of the original founders of Riverstone, opened the event by sharing the ethos behind Riverstone — with a fresh take on retirement living for over 65s.  It’s about an environment where an enriching and independent lifestyle and world-class amenities can be enjoyed in the heart of London, while knowing that your cultural calendar is taken care of—along with support and care should you need it. So, you can continue to live independently in your exceptional apartment but never on your own. Paul spoke to the benefits of this model through observations gathered from his professional journey throughout the years and personal insight.

Real Conversations, Real Insights

Throughout the event, guests had the opportunity to interact with Riverstone’s executive team, residence General Managers, and members of the Wellbeing team and Operations team, to get a holistic understanding of what life at Riverstone is really like—and to meet the people behind the scenes who shape that daily lifestyle.

Some questions that reflect what so many people consider when exploring retirement living in London included:

• What kind of community will I be part of?
• Can I personalise the apartment to suit my lifestyle?
• Is there support if I need it later?
• What’s the average age of residents—and is it a mix?

Our take on community is simple: We want people to feel free and be part of a thriving community. Offering residents to take part in various events—whether it’s an art class or garden club—but it’s always about choice; as community creates itself naturally, by like-minded people.

These conversations led to rich discussions about the wide variety of apartment sizes and layouts, the emphasis on safety and security, and hassle-free living, and how customisation options—from layout to interiors—enable every residence to reflect individual taste. The team also explained how services such as a 24/7 concierge, tailored wellbeing support, and a rich calendar of cultural events through our exclusive partnerships are designed to support both active lifestyles and peace of mind.

There is great attention to detail in designing each part of the residence and the apartments. When considering downsizing, for instance, requires careful planning, and at Riverstone, we are here to help. We partner with experts in downsizing, such as The Senior Move Partnership, who assist in everything from selling your current home to helping downsize a lifetime’s worth of treasured possessions. The team can help with all aspects of moving, offering resources and support to make the process seamless. From financial advice to moving assistance, we cover all aspects of the transition.

Seeing is Believing

Following the group discussion, guests joined guided tours of the residence and show apartments. Whether it was the tranquil gardens, curated art displays, or access-controlled entry systems, every detail—right from the gym to the spa, and from the library to the private cinema—is designed to support how you want to live, not just where.

Perhaps most valuable, though, were the spontaneous chats with current residents. Their stories offered a glimpse into day-to-day life at Riverstone—from the social buzz of regular cultural events to slow mornings spent on private terraces.

A Taste of the Riverstone Lifestyle

The day rounded off with a delightful lunch at Maria G’s, our brasserie-style restaurant. Life at Riverstone gave a full picture of what later living can truly be, reshaping assumptions most people have about retirement living, downsizing and Riverstone as such. If you’re considering a move or simply exploring what’s next, a visit to Riverstone might just reshape the way you see retirement living.