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Casterbridge Court

32 London Rd, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1WY
0800 201 4811
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Over 75% sold

Thinking about downsizing? Our expert team can help make your move easier, from exploring your options to reducing moving costs. Plus, you'll receive a £500 soft-furnishings voucher* when you complete on a selected home.

*T&Cs apply
  • Available now

Over 60s retirement property for sale and rent in Dorchester, Dorset

Call 0800 201 4811 now or sign up for updates to find out more about these superb new retirement homes in Dorchester, Dorset.

At our Retirement Living development, Casterbridge Court, you can own your own apartment just minutes from this bustling market town centre. Having first been settled in prehistoric times, Dorchester has a fascinating history, with some of the country’s best preserved Roman ruins. 

Casterbridge Court consists of 44 apartments, with both one and two bedroom apartments available. Its beautiful design combines seamlessly with practicality to make your life easier, from ample storage to raised sockets and appliances. Some apartments have their own balconies where you can enjoy the peace and serenity of your own space. For socialising with your fellow homeowners, there is a cosy communal lounge as well as wonderfully landscaped gardens.

Easy independent living for the over 60s

All our retirement properties for sale and rent in Dorchester are cleverly designed with smart yet stylish features, like easy turn taps, to make life easier now and in the future. Low maintenance, warm and elegant, with the latest security and safety features built in, most of our homeowners enjoy cheaper bills too.

Many of these retirement apartments have either private patios or balconies. All offer access to attractive communal spaces including the beautiful lounge with Wi-Fi and a state-of-the-art audio and video system plus a gorgeous garden area with seating. You’re looked after by the friendly on-site manager and these shared spaces are filled with (entirely optional) events, parties and clubs. Parking is available and well-behaved pets are welcome too.

Key development information

Casterbridge Court

32 London Rd, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1WY View on map

Opening hours: Tuesday to Wednesday 10:30am–5pm, Friday 10:30am–5pm

0800 201 4811

Purchase

  • 1 bed from £199,000
  • 2 beds from £275,000

Rent

  • 1 bed from £2,060 pcm
  • 2 beds from £2,815 pcm

See all properties and prices

Our service charge explained

Development highlights

  • Benefit from a fixed service charge at Casterbridge Court
  • Located 0.7 miles from Dorchester town centre
  • Stylish lounge for drinks, chats or relaxing with friends
  • Guest suite for easy overnight stays
  • Guest suite for easy overnight stays
  • House Manager onsite during office hours
  • Modern, low-maintenance, energy-efficient homes
  • Tranquil gardens with relaxing patio area
  • Shops, cafes and local amenities just a stroll away

Key features Key features for Casterbridge Court retirement properties

  • House Manager
  • Communal lounge
  • Guest suite
  • Balconies
  • Lifts to all floors
  • Camera entry system
  • 24/7 call system
  • Intruder alarm
  • Mobility scooter room
  • Close to amenities
  • Pets allowed

Explore retirement properties at Casterbridge Court

Casterbridge Court interactive site plan

Interactive site plan
Read our reviews on Trustpilot

Useful documents

Request development brochure
McCarthy & Stone Brochure
Download McCarthy & Stone Brochure

These properties are available for sale and rent

We’ve flexible options to suit your lifestyles and financial circumstances. Your friendly Sales Consultant can help you choose the right one for you, so you can start planning life in your lovely new home.

The properties at this development are leasehold properties with a term of 999 years from and including 01/01/2021

You can buy properties on this development. If you’d like to own your retirement property, we can help make the move as stress-free as possible, including support with packing and removals. If you have a home to sell, we can even act as a cash buyer, so you’ll avoid chains and estate agent fees.

That depends on your individual circumstances, but in many cases, service charges are lower than like-for-like costs in a previous property. Our research shows you could save over £2,300 a year on household bills in a McCarthy & Stone retirement apartment when compared to a typical home*. Read about how we can save money on your cost of living.

Call 0800 201 4811 or contact us online to find out more about our service charges.

*Typical net saving when running a McCarthy & Stone Retirement Living apartment when compared to the cost of running a typical home is £2,312 per year. Source: Internal research carried out by McCarthy & Stone, 2022. Based on information from Address Intelligence using a combination of census, EPC, and planning permission.

Usually people take between 12 to 16 weeks to complete the purchase of their new retirement home, but we will try to be as flexible as possible to suit your individual circumstances.

Once you’ve reserved your retirement property, it’s likely you’ll need to sell your current home. Part exchange means you'll have a cash buyer for your property, making the process quicker and easier.

Our Part Exchange offer includes:

  • Certainty: relax in the knowledge that you’ll move in on a set date and that the sale price is fixed.
  • Convenience: enjoy a stress-free way to sell your home without redecorating or having to prepare your home for viewings.
  • Access: to your sold property for up to two weeks after completion.
  • Financial benefits:  there is no need to pay for estate agent fees and we’ll provide up to £1,000 towards solicitor fees*.
  • A smooth move: our part exchange offer includes a free specialist removals service

Part Exchange in just 3 simple steps:

  1. Valuation:
    Three independent local estate agents and a surveyor will value your property.
  2. Offer:
    You’ll receive an offer from us based on these valuations. There’s no obligation to accept, and you may get a higher price on the open market. It’s up to you whether the benefits of part exchange outweigh this.
  3. Sold:
    Should you accept this offer, we’ll work with your legal representatives to finalise the contracts — and even contribute £1,000 towards your solicitor fees*.

*T&Cs apply. Read the full T&Cs.

You'll find the costs at our developments vary and this reflects the range of facilities and services on offer.

The Community Facilities Charge makes it easier for you to budget when choosing to make your move to a retirement development, as McCarthy & Stone take care of any large and unexpected building and maintenance costs.

The Community Facilities Charge accounts for any structural, mechanical or electrical replacements, windows, lifts or internal decoration when required.

In addition to a monthly service charge, on the sale of your property, you'll make a contribution to the development's Community Facilities Charge at 1.5% of the resale value per year of ownership, capped at 15%.

Our dedicated sales team can explain this to you in further detail before you reserve your apartment.

We have an expert resales team for people selling our retirement properties, with an extensive database of customers waiting to move in. This helps us to sell faster and at a better price than traditional estate agents, and the majority of our resale prices increase in net value. View resale retirement homes.

You can rent a retirement home on this development. Renting is an easy, flexible and quick way to enjoy life in a McCarthy & Stone community. Did you know? When you rent the Service Charge is paid by the property owner, not by the tenant.

Reservation deposit* £150.00

* This is a deposit payable to reserve a property. Once the tenancy has been agreed, your reservation deposit will be offset against the first month’s rent. Note this will be withheld if any relevant person (including any guarantor(s)) withdraw from the tenancy, fail a Right-to-Rent check, provide materially significant false or misleading information, or fail to sign their tenancy agreement (and/or Deed of Guarantee) within 15 calendar days (or other Deadline for Agreement as mutually agreed in writing).

An Assured Periodic Tenancy on a retirement rental gives you legal protection, meaning that if you abide by the conditions of your tenancy, you can live in the property for as long as you like. If you wish to move, you can serve two months at any time during your tenancy.

Contact us online or call 0800 201 4811 for more information about our retirement rentals.

If you’d like to move into a McCarthy & Stone retirement rental, we’ll ask you to complete a Rental Application Pack and an Income and Expenditure form. These give us the information we need to do standard background checks. You’ll be asked for proof of income, savings and/or pensions, along with copies of your last three months’ bank statements. You’ll also be asked to provide identification documents that comply with the latest Government Right to Rent regulations.

Contact us online or call 0800 201 4811 for more information about moving into our retirement rentals.

Yes. You pay a deposit to secure your rental retirement property which is offset against your first month’s rental payment. A Tenancy Deposit, equivalent to five weeks' rent, will need to be paid when your tenancy begins.

Contact us online or call 0800 201 4811 for more information about deposits.

All payments for our retirement rentals are due on the 1st of each month and must be paid by direct debit.

Contact us online or call 0800 201 4811 for more information about our retirement rentals.

How much is the service charge?

Buying?

Standard service charge model*

Pay a regular weekly cost and a 1% contingency fee when you sell your property.

  • £59.00 1 bedroom apartment
  • £88.51 2 bedroom apartment

Read more about service charge options or call us on 0800 201 4811

Renting with McCarthy & Stone?

Renting? Service Charge paid by the property owner, not by the tenant.

* Service charge cost per week, reviewed annually. Examples show prices available at this development.

Your service charge covers the services and amenities you enjoy at this development for a safe, comfortable, sociable and happy retirement. It includes things like wages for your on-site team, security systems and keeping communal spaces and gardens spick and span—and it’s all provided at cost price.

augustus house retirement properties for sale rent

What is included in the service charge

  • Electricity, heating and lighting (communal areas)
  • Water and sewage (communal areas and apartments)
  • Maintenance of building and gardens
  • Building insurance
  • Development staff
  • Future maintenance fund
  • Professional fees
  • Emergency call system
  • Income from Guest Suite and sundry income
a living room with a couch and a table

You could save thousands of pounds with a move to McCarthy & Stone

From savings on household bills, to avoiding the cost of home adaptions and renovations, with care on hand so you live independently for longer.

Find out more

We're here to help every step of the way

Support and advice icon
Support and advice

Including help claiming money you didn't know you were entitled to.
Try before you buy icon
Try before you buy

Want to be 110% sure? Ask us about a complimentary stay.
Smooth move icon
A smooth move

Help with decluttering, packing, moving and the finances too.
Part exchange icon
Part exchange

The choice of a guaranteed sale and faster, easier move.
Low maintenance
Services covered

Did you know we don't make a penny from the monthly service charge?
Pets welcome icon
Pets are welcome

Pet friendly retirement homes - that's true for our rentals too.

Key features of our retirement properties

a bed with a basket of food

Contemporary spaces

With stylish fitted kitchens, bright spacious living rooms and attractive modern bathrooms.

a bathroom with a standup shower

Ergonomic design

Our properties are packed with clever, and subtle, design features to make life easier as we age. 

a living room with a couch and a table

Safety and security

Including 24-hour emergency call out, fire detection, intruder alerts and door camera entry.

a couch with a colorful pillow

Energy efficient

Well-insulated and warm so you can stay cosy whatever the weather and save on bills too. 

Frequently asked questions

Find out more with our FAQs. Still got a question? Call our friendly team on 0800 201 4811 or get in touch online.

Our Retirement Living properties are contemporary, cost-efficient and energy efficient private retirement apartments in sought-after locations. Exclusive to over 60s, you’ll benefit from a friendly on-site manager and access to communal areas like beautifully maintained gardens and sociable lounges with free wi-fi. You’ll find a community of neighbours on your doorstep and, with a calendar full of regular clubs, events and parties on offer, you’ve plenty of opportunities to make new friends.

From virtual tours to welcoming events and open days, the chance to talk to homeowners, personalised visits – or even overnight stays, our friendly sales team will walk you through all the viewing options available. Simply call us today on 0800 201 4811 to get started or alternatively book a visit or event online through your chosen retirement housing development page.

Service charges cover the day-to-day costs of management and maintenance within our retirement developments, such as the heating and cleaning of communal areas, buildings insurance and redecoration. They are tightly regulated by national legislation and must relate to the management services provided within the development, not to construction or repair costs. Our service charges are ‘pass through’ costs which we do not mark up in any way. They are the costs of running your development.

Our service charge varies from development to development reflecting their different sizes and facilities, but they are calculated in the same way across the country.

Costs in Retirement Living PLUS developments are higher than in Retirement Living developments to reflect the increased staffing costs, the provision of care and lifestyle support packages, and the table-service restaurants/bistros provided on-site.

Call 0800 201 4811 or contact us online to find out more about our service charges.

The majority of McCarthy & Stone retirement properties increase in value when resold. The resales team has a unique understanding of retirement living, enabling us to communicate all the benefits clearly, and a waiting list of customers for some retirement developments.

We’re continuing to improve our retirement housing to ensure properties retain their value.

This includes:

  • Expanding upon and improving internal space with things like ensuites, walk-in wardrobes, level-access showers, ergonomic design, hidden care, walk out balconies and more.
  • Setting up in-house management services teams dedicated to high standards for customers.
  • Removing exit fees* and introducing 999-year leases.

Much more than a financial investment

It’s also important to remember that our retirement homes are not simply a financial investment, they are an investment in the quality of life for our customers and their families. Our customers are buying into a lifestyle based around security, comfort, friendship, ease of maintenance, support on hand, community, safety and well-being.

To learn more about our resales service, speak to a member of our resales team on 0345 556 4104 or email [email protected].

*A 1% contribution of the resale price still applies upon resale. This goes into the sinking fund (the contingency fund) for each development, which covers maintenance. There is also a small admin fee to cover the costs of checking that the incoming occupier meets the terms of the deed of conditions. Please contact our Property Transfer team on 01202 508299 for more details.

Yes. Most of our retirement developments are more than happy for you to move in with a well-behaved pet – most of our retirement rentals are pet friendly too. Call 0800 201 4811 for details, contact us online or read more about our pet-friendly policy.
View all our FAQs

Meet the team at Casterbridge Court

a person in a pink shirt

Kate

From our first point of contact, whether its a call or an appointment - I will be there to answer your questions and provide you with clear, precise, information in order for you make informed decisions. I will listen to you, and hear what's important to you- helping you find your perfect property. I will be with you along this journey, to make it as smooth and as stress free as possible. My favourite and most rewarding part of my job is Welcoming new homeowners and seeing them benefit from the lifestyle and community we have to offer.

icon

Julie

Manager

Our managers are on-site during office hours to ensure communal areas and gardens are well maintained, services are delivered, and for your peace of mind.

0800 201 4811
casterbridge court retirement properties for sale rent

Casterbridge Court

32 London Rd, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1WY

Your local amenities at Casterbridge Court

Getting to Location

If you are using a Sat Nav system you may need the full address of this development. The postcode may be newly created by Royal Mail and may not be accurate for some months.

The Keep Military Museum on Bridport Road in Dorchester

Retirement living in Dorchester

Dorchester is a delightful historic market town in Dorset built on the banks of the River Frome. It’s most famous for being Thomas Hardy’s hometown and its proximity to glorious countryside and dramatic coastline. 

Local retirees enjoy:

  • A coastal retirement: the stunning Jurassic Coast is only nine miles away, but also a close proximity to glorious green open spaces like the Dorset Downs and South Dorset Ridgeway. 
  • A huge choice of community events, like Dorchester Roman Festival, Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair and Dorchester Literary Festival as well as book clubs, art groups and gardening societies. 
  • Large supermarkets, a good mix of shops, plus lots of restaurants, traditional pubs and tea rooms as well as post offices, museums and a lovely library.
More information about Dorchester

Community news

From homeowner stories to events and fundraising, read the latest news from in and around Casterbridge Court.

a group of people posing for a photo
  • News & community

Grand Opening of Haydn Place Celebrated by Southend-on-Sea Mayor and Mayoress

Southend-on-Sea has officially welcomed Haydn Place, a new community-focused residential development, with an opening event attended by the Mayor, Councillor Nigel Folkard, and the Mayoress, Marion Folkard
a group of men wearing safety vests and reflectors
  • News & community

Construction Underway for New Retirement Community in Westgate-on-Sea

A ceremonial brick-laying event took place last week to mark the start of construction at McCarthy & Stone’s Retirement Living development, Juliette House in Westgate-on-Sea.

a group of people standing outside a building
  • News & community

Lord Mayor of Exeter Visits Orchid Place for Show Suite Launch

The Lord Mayor visited Orchid Place, Exeter last week for an exclusive first look at its newly unveiled one- and two-bedroom show suites.
a living room with a couch and a coffee table
  • Property advice

How the Renters’ Rights Act affects renting a retirement property – and what to check before you move

The Renters’ Rights Act gives tenants greater certainty and control, making renting simpler. Find answers to common questions for current and prospective residents.
a group of people wearing hardhats and reflectors
  • News & community

Mayor Attends Bricklaying Ceremony for New Retirement Community in Warsash

Mayor of Fareham Louise Clubley attended a ceremonial brick-laying at McCarthy & Stone’s new retirement community Merchant Place in Warsash, Southampton.
McCarthy & Stone residents at wine tasting event
  • News & community

Dorset wine tasting

Retirees sample local wine from an award-winning Dorset vineyard.

What's on at Casterbridge Court

a building with windows and a sign on the front

Museum

In local community

There’s a museum/place of historic interest local to this development.

a stuffed animal on a table

Leisure Centre

In local community

You’ll find a leisure centre with fitness classes, a gym and swimming pool close by.

a bookshelf full of books

Library

In local community

We’re close to a library offering community facilities and clubs/events.

a group of women sitting at a table with wine glasses

Local Restaurants

In local community

You’ll find a range of eating places to suit all tastes close to this development.

Meet our happy homeowners

casterbridge court retirement properties for sale rent
Moving into our new home has changed our lives completely for the better. We can go out into Dorchester to do more things and it's more secure than the bungalow we were living in before, which was quite isolated. It's great to have people around.

Brian and Lynne, homeowners at Casterbridge Court

Join us for our upcoming events

Fizz Friday Event

Whilst you’re here, you may wish to take a tour of our stunning show properties and discover the McCarthy & Stone lifestyle for yourself.

Chat with our welcoming homeowners, explore our beautifully designed properties, and see for yourself why so many say, “I only wish I’d moved sooner.”

To book your place call 0800 201 4811

Fizz Friday Event

Holly Place Open Day
, to
32 London Rd, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1WY

Join us for a relaxed Fizz Friday with nibbles and discover our apartments at Casterbridge Court.

Whilst you’re here, you may wish to take a tour of our stunning show properties and discover the McCarthy & Stone lifestyle for yourself.

Chat with our welcoming homeowners, explore our beautifully designed properties, and see for yourself why so many say, “I only wish I’d moved sooner.”

To book your place call 0800 201 4811

Special offers

Find the latest promotions and seasonal special offers here

a couch with a lamp on it

Summer Moving Offer: Free downsizing consultation and £500 voucher

Thinking about downsizing? Our expert team can help make your move easier, from exploring your options to reducing moving costs. Plus, you'll receive a £500 soft-furnishings voucher* when you complete on a selected home.

*T&Cs apply View details
a couple of women eating at a table

Part Exchange for a fast and hassle-free sale

With Part Exchange, you'll have a cash buyer for your home. There’s no estate agent fees and no chains. Just a guaranteed sale at a great price - so you could be enjoying the McCarthy & Stone lifestyle sooner.

To find out more please call 0800 201 4811.

*T&Cs apply View details
Smooth Move

Smooth Move

Nobody expects moving home to be easy, but we’re here to help you every step of the way; from the moment you make a reservation, through to the day you move in. Our Smooth Move service ensures everything goes like clockwork, which includes helping with the cost*.

To find our more please call 0800 201 4811.

*T&Cs apply View details

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a kitchen with white cabinets

Looking for pre-loved?

Browse our range of beautiful pre-owned retirement properties in Dorchester

Resales near Dorchester

Please note that images are for illustrative purposes only. Images may include upgrades and optional extras which may be available for you to purchase at an additional cost. Please click here for further explanations. Floor plans and pricing are accurate at time of publication. Floor plans are for guidance purposes only and are subject to change. Prices may fluctuate depending on market conditions and availability.