Text size A A A print 28 February 2016 HOME WHY CHOOSE COGNATUM ABOUT US COGNATUM The English Courtyard Association The Beechcroft Trust PEOPLE NEWS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Estate Locations FINANCIAL STATEMENT PROPERTIES FOR SALE CONTACT US The English Courtyard Association The ECA pioneered upmarket, purpose-built retirement developments in the UK, changing public perception from one of institutionalized living to one offering independence, security and style. The concept of the Association, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, was based on the need for comfortable, spacious accommodation in a pleasant setting, near shops and other facilities; the need to take account of the problems of advancing age; and the need to protect fixed income and capital inflation Over thirty years from 1977, when Noel Shuttleworth and Christopher Thornhill founded the ECA, 37 award-winning developments were built in 21 counties, including one in the Channel Islands. The design and architecture of its buildings are traditional in style, surround a courtyard and echo the feel of an Oxford or Cambridge college and the garden of an English country house. The day-to-day management of the courtyard is the responsibility of a resident couple, the courtyard managers, who also look after the guest suite and laundry and are there to respond to any emergencies. Properties are sold on 150-year leases with no ground rents. In 2010 the English Courtyard Association joined up with The Beechcroft Trust to form Cognatum Estates. Quick links to retirement properties for sale: Luxury Retirement Houses in Surrey Retirement Homes for Sale in Berkshire Retirement Houses and Apartments in Wiltshire Retirement living in Gloucestershire Exclusive Retirement Properties in Oxfordshire Retirement Developments in Hampshire Retire and Downsize to Dorset More locations... More about Cognatum: Who are Cognatum? News The English Courtyard Association Employment opportunities The Beechcroft Trust Contact us What makes Cognatum developments special? Terms and Conditions Privacy Google+ Site Map