Former boss of luxury spa to head up Newport’s newest retirement village

A hospitality professional with more than three decades of experience - including leading one of the UK’s top spas – has been appointed to head up Newport’s new retirement village.

General Manager Adrian Pickard has joined Sundew Court, a brand new later living development from Untold Living, the Integrated Retirement Communities (IRC) specialists.

Sixteen spacious bungalows and 61 apartments are currently being built by Telford construction company McPhillips, with the first residents due to be welcomed in October.

As well as the new homes, Sundew Court will include a restaurant, a bar, a 24/7/365 onsite care team, multifunction room and allotments.

Adrian brings with him a wealth of experience in high end hospitality, including roles as Managing Director of the luxury spa and hotel Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire, and General Manager of five star The Headland hotel in Cornwall.

He said: “I’m thrilled to have joined the Untold Living family at such an exciting time as they bring their first ever new build community to life.

“One of the things I’m most looking forward to is building long-term relationships with residents who will be part of our village community for years to come, rather than the short-term relationships I’ve enjoyed with hotel guests over the years.

“That and building a team who can help me deliver on our three key priorities of kindness, hospitality and security.”

He says the Untold philosophy combines hospitality and care with community-led operations to create a flagship for fully integrated retirement living in Shropshire.

Recruitment will begin next month for a registered manager and a facilities manager, while the rest of the positions will be advertised in August for a late September start.

As General Manager at Sundew Court, Adrian’s role will be hands on, with a focus on helping residents create a home. In his words, being everyone’s ‘new best friend’.

“Our residents are moving in for a new beginning and it’s my job to make sure they feel a valued part of our community.

“We’re expecting people choosing to be part of our community to lead active, independent lives – even though we offer care, this is not a care facility. What we can give residents is real security and peace of mind as well as friendship and new lease of life.

“But this is my new beginning as well. It was big step moving out of hospitality – although that’s the sort of business we’ve got here at Sundew Court and I’m really looking forward to it.”

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Editors notes

At Untold Living, we are focused on creating thoughtfully designed, affordable senior housing developments that foster a sense of security, connection, community and wellbeing.