Original Athol House resident Jean Scott is one of the first residents to move into the newly redeveloped scheme in Ponteland, beginning her second chapter living in the sheltered scheme for over 55s.
The former Athol House, where Jean had lived for 15 years, consisted of a number of small, bedsit-style flats, which did not meet modern standards or residents’ aspirations.
This, paired with ongoing flooding issues due to its location on the flood plain of the River Pont, saw the scheme earmarked for redevelopment.
Now, in its place stands a modern, energy efficiency scheme with 34 apartments. A mix of one and two-bed homes available for affordable rent and shared ownership.
And since moving in at the end of 2025, returning resident Jean is loving her new apartment and is really glad to be ‘back home’.
“When we were first told about Karbon’s decision to demolish Athol House and rebuild something more modern in its place, I was worried. I’d fallen in love with Ponteland and didn’t want to leave. It’s such a lovely place to live and facilities wise, there’s everything I need all within walking distance.
“So, when they assured us that we’d get priority if we wanted to move back when the redevelopment was complete, I was really pleased.”
Jean moved to another Karbon Homes sheltered scheme in Dinnington, a five-mile drive from Ponteland.
“There was the option to hang on for one of the bungalows on the far side of Ponteland to become available, but I wanted to be in a sheltered scheme where there’s always someone around if there’s an emergency.
“Schemes like this are reassuring when you’re on your own. You’re covered, you’re safe and that feels comforting for me. Without it, I worry my independence would start to slip.”
The redeveloped Athol House, designed by JDDK Architects and built by Equans, occupies a similar footprint to the former scheme, but elevated above the current ground floor level to ensure flood safety.
Street view of the redeveloped Athol House
It’s also moved slightly further from neighbouring properties to ensure no loss of privacy.
The scheme has been designed to encourage social interaction between the residents, with large internal and external communal spaces. It’s look and feel remains in keeping with that of the wider village and has helped improve the general street scene on Callerton Lane.
Jean added: “I remember driving past the site with my daughter this time last year to see the building start to take shape, and I couldn’t get my head around the change. It’s completely transformed the area and the building looks gorgeous.
“I’ve got a lovely corner plot on the ground floor and because the building is raised up, I have a lovely balcony which will be amazing in the summer.
“I can look out the window at the beautiful landscaping and watch the world go by. I love it and I’m so glad to be back home.”
Original Athol House resident Jean Scott is one of the first residents to move into the newly redeveloped scheme in Ponteland, beginning her second chapter living in the sheltered scheme for over 55s.
The former Athol House, where Jean had lived for 15 years, consisted of a number of small, bedsit-style flats, which did not meet modern standards or residents’ aspirations.
This, paired with ongoing flooding issues due to its location on the flood plain of the River Pont, saw the scheme earmarked for redevelopment.
Now, in its place stands a modern, energy efficiency scheme with 34 apartments. A mix of one and two-bed homes available for affordable rent and shared ownership.
And since moving in at the end of 2025, returning resident Jean is loving her new apartment and is really glad to be ‘back home’.
“When we were first told about Karbon’s decision to demolish Athol House and rebuild something more modern in its place, I was worried. I’d fallen in love with Ponteland and didn’t want to leave. It’s such a lovely place to live and facilities wise, there’s everything I need all within walking distance.
“So, when they assured us that we’d get priority if we wanted to move back when the redevelopment was complete, I was really pleased.”
Jean moved to another Karbon Homes sheltered scheme in Dinnington, a five-mile drive from Ponteland.
“There was the option to hang on for one of the bungalows on the far side of Ponteland to become available, but I wanted to be in a sheltered scheme where there’s always someone around if there’s an emergency.
“Schemes like this are reassuring when you’re on your own. You’re covered, you’re safe and that feels comforting for me. Without it, I worry my independence would start to slip.”
The redeveloped Athol House, designed by JDDK Architects and built by Equans, occupies a similar footprint to the former scheme, but elevated above the current ground floor level to ensure flood safety.
Street view of the redeveloped Athol House
It’s also moved slightly further from neighbouring properties to ensure no loss of privacy.
The scheme has been designed to encourage social interaction between the residents, with large internal and external communal spaces. It’s look and feel remains in keeping with that of the wider village and has helped improve the general street scene on Callerton Lane.
Jean added: “I remember driving past the site with my daughter this time last year to see the building start to take shape, and I couldn’t get my head around the change. It’s completely transformed the area and the building looks gorgeous.
“I’ve got a lovely corner plot on the ground floor and because the building is raised up, I have a lovely balcony which will be amazing in the summer.
“I can look out the window at the beautiful landscaping and watch the world go by. I love it and I’m so glad to be back home.”
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