Retirement on the coast is a dream for many, but for Wendy and Peter and their much-loved black Labrador Frank, it’s a reality.

They purchased a Blue Cedar Home in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, 18 months ago and haven’t looked back since. After spending most of their working life in Epsom, Surrey, finding a spot to enjoy a peaceful retirement – somewhere where Peter, aged 65 could wind-down from a successful but highly stressful career in global computer sales – was always a priority for the couple.

But making a move to the country became even more important when eight years ago, they adopted rescue dog Frank, who’d had an unhappy start in life. The couple invested significant time and energy into rehabilitating Frank, and after a crash course of training and obedience, he quickly established himself as a key member of their family and – through his need for long daily walks – reinvigorated the couple’s love of the outdoor lifestyle.

After researching a number of age-exclusive developments, they settled on Blue Cedar Homes’ The Gardens in Budleigh Salterton, a nest of eight houses, set around private landscaped gardens and with a communal summerhouse. The couple were attracted not only by the stunning location of the development, which is just a short walk into the bustling sea- side village, and the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the South, but also by the fact that Blue Cedar Homes offer all the benefits of a retirement village, with none of the downsides.

Wendy, aged 65 explains: “The idea of living in an age-exclusive development appealed to us for many reasons, but we were put off some other similar schemes by the fact that even if you owned a house, the property was still leasehold, with restrictions placed on the sort of home improvements and decoration you can undertake.