Across two beautiful autumnal days with blue skies and sunshine, Audley Ellerslie hosted two special events on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th October to celebrate its official opening. Audley property owners and members of the local community, were welcomed to a VIP reception.
Located in Malvern, against a backdrop of the Worcestershire countryside with stunning views stretching 40 miles, guests were given the opportunity to have a tour of Audley Ellerslie. The village comprises of three grand Victorian mansions, including a Grade II listed building which forms the centrepiece of the village, and 101 apartments and cottages. Central to the village is the Audley Club, offering luxury facilities including a swimming pool, spa, library, and the Aldwyn’s restaurant & bar, all accessible to both owners and the neighbouring communities.
The three Ellerslie mansions were built in 1855 and were once home to a water cure establishment of Doctor Edward and Walter Johnson and visited by key figures such as Charles Darwin and Florence Nightingale. These splendid buildings later became a preparatory school for girls in the 1920s before becoming part of the prestigious Malvern College. Audley purchased the site in 2012 and the first owners moved into the village in 2017 upon the completion of phase one of the build.
As guests mingled out on the terrace with glasses of champagne and canapes consisting of confit pork belly, maple roasted parsnip, and hand dived scallop and lime tartare cones to name just a few, a delicious buffet lunch was served specially prepared by one of the Audley chefs. Guests were treated to a wonderful spread including a charcuterie board; peppered beef fillet carpaccio, artichoke and goats cheese bon bon; wild mushroom and truffle quiches. This was followed by an array of desserts, including chocolate, caramel and peanut cones; a selection of tartlets; and passionfruit posset and coconut straws.
Before cutting the ribbon to mark the official opening, Nick Sanderson, CEO Audley Group applauded the work and effort by everyone involved in the construction and preparation of Audley Ellerslie. “We are thrilled to be celebrating the opening of Audley Ellerslie to our new owners and the surrounding community. The beautiful setting couldn’t be more idyllic, and it is a proud moment for us.”
Cassian Roberts, High Sheriff of Worcestershire followed commenting, “It’s fantastic to see the community coming together – especially in such a gorgeous setting. The facilities are of the highest quality, and so is the care. I truly believe this is the future of retirement and it’s easy to see the appeal in downsizing when the offering is so strong.”
Reflecting after the event, Simon Williams, General Manager of Audley Ellerslie commented, “What an amazing couple of days. Opening this village has without a doubt been the highlight of my career to-date, I am so excited for things to come.” Audley Ellerslie is the 12th village in the Audley portfolio to be opened, with many others still in development, supporting the growing demand for high quality, innovative living options for the over 60s.
