A NEW sales and marketing suite was opened by a man who was born there 90 years ago.

The Richmond Wood Villages, Norton suite in The South Lodge was opened by John Poulter, who was born there in 1927 and continued to live there until he was 10.

On stepping back into what had been his home 79 years ago, Mr Poulter said: “It was a wonderful childhood, and I just loved the architectural beauty of the Lodge and the adjoining Golden Gates; I’d very happily live here again.

"Richmond Villages has done a great job in restoring the building, and I very much looking forward to the re-hanging of the historic gates once they have been refurbished.”

Philippa Fieldhouse, managing director of Richmond Villages, said: “I can’t think of a more fitting person to re-open The South Lodge than someone who has such a strong affinity to the building. It’s such a wonderful story, and we are so grateful to John for sharing his memories with us.”

Located in a hillside location overlooking the Avon valley and surrounded by mature woodland, the new retirement village will occupy the site of the former BBC training college.

Due to open in early 2019, it will comprise 61 one and two-bedroom village apartments , 46 village suites and a 60-bed care home.