Many people approaching mid-life are now choosing to continue to live independently, but within a ready-made community with access to activities and experiences as well as care if required.

Mill View near Cambridge offers that balance - lifestyle freedom to enjoy retirement exactly as you choose - with communal facilities available, along with support services should you ever need them and 24-hour emergency response.

People are being encouraged to think about a move before they really need to by bpha, which is holding a viewing day at the end of July for visitors to see how special the development is.

The open event will take place on Saturday July 30 from 10am to 4pm and follows previous successful viewing days.

Opening in 2019, the modern complex offers the perfect place to downsize with shared ownership and rental options available on the range of one and two-bedroom apartments.

Residents can enjoy privacy and space, but Mill View also makes it easy to socialise and make friends, in a relaxed, friendly community environment.

Every apartment has its own balcony or terrace and is set within a quiet location with beautifully maintained communal gardens to spend time in.

The apartments themselves are thoughtfully designed, with open plan light and airy lounge and living space - high specification kitchens feature integrated appliances, bathrooms have walk-in wet rooms with thermostatic showers to make life as easy and comfortable as possible.

Mill View itself is on the banks of the River Cam in the stunning rural village of Hauxton and surrounded by open countryside meaning residents can enjoy peace and tranquillity but still be within easy reach of Cambridge city centre.

The city offers options for walking and cycling if you like to stay active, along with an array of historical monuments, houses and museums almost on the doorstep.

Shopping options are great, with shops and amenities in Great Shelford three miles away and Cambridge itself offering a host of entertainment, leisure and shopping options.

The train station is less than three miles away with direct trains to London if you feel like going further afield. Mill View is located adjacent to Cambridge Road with easy access to the M11 Motorway.

If you prefer to stay close to home there is plenty to do at Mill View including dining at the roof garden restaurant. It has a stunning terrace offering views across the countryside, offering a great place to meet other residents and spend time relaxing.

They even have two new chefs on board, one who previously worked for Jamie Oliver and one who trained at Trinity College Cambridge.

A three-course meal at lunchtime is included in the service charge provided, alternately you can have sandwiches provided to eat in the evening in your own apartment.

Also on site is a hair salon, a regular visiting nail technician and the village shop for residents and the wider area has opened on the site - after an absence of a dedicated shop in the village for many years.

Along with that, there are residents’ lounges, a guest room if you want to welcome visitors to stay, and a scooter room.

Even though you can do washing in your own apartment, there is also a laundry room with washing machine, tumble drier and ironing board.

There is a vibrant social life on offer with a varied activity programme.

Run by the residents, activities include anything from games of Scrabble to wine and cheese evenings and even trips out.

There are options for 50 per cent or 75 per cent shares available on apartments for sale and there are also apartments available for rent.

To find out more about the independent living development and the open event at Mill View visit the website.