Flete House South Devon
Some commonly asked questions:
Q. Who will be managing Flete House?
Flete House is owned by The Audley Group and is managed by Audley Flete Ltd. The team at Audley Court has over 20 years experience in managing and owning schemes similar to Flete House. For more information on the Group please see our website www.audleylife.co.uk
On a day-to-day basis, Flete House will continue to be managed by General Manager and supported by senior management of Audley who will visit Flete House on a regular basis.
Q. What is included in my monthly management charge?
As a Resident you will pay a monthly management charge. There are 30 apartments here at Flete: 23 in the Main House and 7 in the Stable Courtyard. The Management Charge is per apartment not per person and equates to each apartment paying a 30th of the running costs of Flete House and its gardens. Your charge will cover all costs pertaining to staff and their training and recruitment and access to the emergency call system. Maintenance of the grounds, regular external window cleaning and a social diary is also included. However please do feel free to discuss any queries that you may have.
Q. What about my utility bill? Due to the highly sensitive nature of oil, gas and electricity the utility charges are shown as a separate surcharge. This will be charged along with your monthly management fee at a rate of 1/30th of the invoices as they are received.
Q. What bills are not included within my Management Charge? Each apartment is Council Tax banded. All apartments are charged differently as the charge is calculated on the size of the apartment. As a guide our apartments fall between Band C to Band F or G for the very largest apartment. In monetary terms this is approximately £1,100 to £1,700 per annum. Your telephone bill is individual to each apartment. Before moving in you would need to contact British Telecom to arrange connection. Utility bills as mentioned above.
Q. To whom do I pay my management charge?
Your management charge will be paid to the management company at the end of each month. Direct debit can be arranged. Approximately ten working days before the last working day of the month, we will present all Residents with an invoice. We have found that this usually provides ample time for Residents to check their invoice and raise any queries or concerns with the management team.
Q. Are there any additional services that I can purchase? Residents will be able to purchase all meals from our Restaurant, for example; Breakfast, Lunch and Supper. Sandwiches could also be provided, perhaps a packed lunch if you are wishing to go out for the day. For the Restaurant services we ask for as much notice you can give us but at least 24hrs minimum. House keeping services and or a laundry service for bed linen and towels etc will also be made available to all Residents. A price list detailing all services can be obtained from The General Manager. We are of course open to any new ideas and welcome suggestions from Residents.
Q. Am I bound to buy in any additional services?
There is no obligation to purchase any additional services. If you wish to, then you will be informed in advance of any supplementary charges by either a letter or printed price list. The cost of any extra services will then be added to your monthly invoice.
Q. I believe that the service charge is reviewed annually. How and when will I be informed about any increases? The management charge cannot be guaranteed to remain the same from year to year as some costs are not within the company’s control. However, we will do our utmost to limit any increases. At the end of each year the accounts of the management company will be independently audited and accounts distributed to all Residents. Residents will then be invited to meet with us to discuss the management policy for the forthcoming year.
Q. What happens if major repairs are required in the future?
When ownership of a property is transferred, a sum of money linked to the number of years that you have lived in the property will be retained. This will then provide a fund to pay for any repairs that are necessary to both the common areas, the outside of your own property and the grounds. The charge will be equal to 1% of the sale value of your property plus 0.5% for each year of your occupation up to a maximum of 5%.
Q. If I am retired, will I be able to live at Flete House as long as I choose?
If a Residents health should deteriorate they are at liberty to arrange help from either Social Services or an independent regulated care provider. If the need should arise our staff can provide guidance and support. As we all grow older, there are occasions when our independence diminishes and permanent care becomes a necessity. In these situations the Resident or their relative generally recognises that alternative living arrangements need to be identified. There is normally no need for alternative arrangements to be made when a couple are occupying a property and one of the parties becomes unable to care for themselves as long as the other party is able to manage with the assistance of external agencies. Unfortunately there are occasions when a Resident is unable to recognise that their general well-being and or independence results in them being unable to manage in own their home. In these rare situations, and considering the best interests of all the other Residents, the Resident themselves and the staff, alternative arrangements have to be made.
Q. If in the future I should wish to sell my property, what is the procedure?
The management company will provide you with a valuation of your property though you are entitled to obtain your own independent valuation. Once a sales figure is agreed, the management company will actively market your property and will handle the sale on your behalf. A Sales and Administration Fee of 5% will be charged for the properties within the house and a 3% admin fee will be charged for the properties within The Stables.
Q. Can I make any improvements or changes to my property once I have bought it? As you will appreciate Flete House is a Grade I Listed building. Therefore there are restrictions on improvements and or changes. We ask that before any works are considered you consult the management company in writing.
Q. Will my property be looked after if I am temporarily away from home? All properties are fitted with a smoke alarm that is linked to the central system which is monitored 24 hours a day. These security and safety features should enable you to leave your home with peace of mind.
Q. Will there be a member of staff on duty at night?
There will be a Duty Manager, who will be on duty throughout the night in case of emergencies. They will undertake patrols and will also collect your refuse first thing in the morning.
Q. Is there a transport service available to Residents? We operate in conjunction with a local taxi company. We currently have two trips per week, one to Tesco at Lee Mill and one to Modbury. However, the taxi company do go further afield and a full pricelist of their services is available. Similarly if there is a trip that a number of residents wish to take this to can be arranged. Whilst the twice weekly trips are included in your management fee, any bespoke trips will carry a very moderate charge.
Q. Can I have a pet?
This is very much on an individual basis and we ask that you consult us prior to any decisions.
Q. Am I free to use Flete House for my own purposes? We are all proud of what we are creating and want the communal rooms and grounds to be used as often as possible for your own and your fellow Residents’ enjoyment.
Q. Will there be a Residents Association? We actively encourage the involvement of all Residents in the management of Flete House and senior management of Audley will consult with Residents on a regular basis. There are very regular ‘open meetings’ with the senior management of Audley, and we do also have a Residents Forum with three current members. We meet four times a year and it is an opportunity for residents through their forum members to bring forward ideas and suggestions. We also hope that volunteers will come forward to form a social committee to help organise social activities and events.
Q. Am I still responsible for my own contents insurance? Residents remain responsible for their own contents insurance.
Q. Will there be a Guest Suite? A guest suite is available for bookings with charges added to your monthly invoice.
Q. Will there be a regular programme of activities and do I have to participate?
We are planning to introduce a diary of regular social actives. It is entirely up to each Resident if they wish to attend these events.
Q. What are the plans for the future of the gardens and grounds? We have now refurbished the Italianate Garden and the Listed Russell Page Water Garden and more seating has been introduced around the grounds and paths. Recently we have created further seating area and landscaping outside the Drawing Room. The Tennis Courts were completed in September 2005.
Q. Can my visitors and guests use the Restaurant and will there be a charge for meals? Visitors are most welcome though there will be a charge for visitor’s meals.
Q. Are all utilities included in the management charge? All utilities are included in the management charge except the cost of your telephone.
Q. Will we be able to access the communal laundry? Washing machines for Residents personal use will be made available and the cost is included in your management charge. As an extra we can also arrange for a service wash or pressing facilities.
Q. Will there be access to other areas of the Flete Estate? The terms of the lease with the Flete Estate will allow Residents to use the lower road to Mothecombe. In addition please speak with the General Manager regarding certain fishing rights. and other forms of access. The Apartments In all, 30 self contained and individual apartments are located through the main house, Mildmay Wing and in the more recent conversion of the Stables Courtyard. Apartments may become available at any time, for various reasons. The Agent holds a list of those currently on the market, with a more detailed specification and photographs of each home available upon request. Viewing Arrangements If you wish to visit the apartments at Flete House it is advisable to book well in advance to ensure we can allocate you plenty of time for a full guided tour of this beautiful country home. If the Agent is unavailable, the House Manager and team are very willing to offer up their time. T: 01752 830549
Contact us
Call Luscombe Maye's Yealmpton office on 01752 880044 for further details.