A FORMER Bond girl and businesswoman is poised to conquer the retirement home market with spacious and flexible properties fit for 21st century pensioners.

Jennifer Shah, along with her husband and ex-newspaper magnate Eddy, has set out to build 30 retirement homes on land which was formerly part of the Wiltshire Golf and Country Club.

The new development marks the second phase of the couple’s construction scheme, which saw 44 tourist homes erected between 2006 and 2008.

Jennifer, who appeared in the 1967 spoof James Bond film Casinio Royale, chose to steer the project in a new direction and create The Wiltshire Leisure Village, a new brand of stylish and luxurious properties for pensioners, doing away with the outdated image of retirement homes as cramped, clinical and lacking in functionality.

“I don’t see why retirement should commit you to a small flat and loss of a full enjoyable modern lifestyle,” said the 72-year-old former model who co-owned Wiltshire Golf and Country Club near Royal Wootton Bassett until 2012.

“To early retirees, and those not ready to slow down, downsizing is not just a matter of size, but mostly of capital and releasing money for your old age.

“I have no intention of putting the brakes on, still want my independence and also have room for all my clutter, including my family and friends when they visit.

“I think what we’re doing is unique in this country, and is certainly the norm abroad. It’s time we accepted that retiring was only the first step of many along an independent and fulfilling road.

Space and functionality were especially key to Jennifer who is wheelchair-bound as a result of aggressive radiotherapy treatment.

“There is enough space for a passenger lift in the stairs. If people buy ahead, they can change the layout, maybe make the kitchen open plan or move interior walls. It’s very flexible.”

So far four retirement properties, aimed at pensioners aged 55 or above, have been built and sold as well as one model home.

The houses range in size from three to five bedrooms.

An open day will be held on tomorrow at The Village. For further information call Knight Frank on 01225 325999