Our Hall of Fame series reconnects with past WhatHouse? winners to revisit the moment that put them in the spotlight.
We ask them to reflect on what winning meant at the time, how it shaped their business, their plans for 2026 entries, and what advice they have for those hoping to follow in their footsteps…
Meet Nick Sanderson, Founder of Audley Group, which operates Mayfield Villages, who won Bronze for Best Retirement Home Developer in 2025 for their development in Watford.
On the day, how did it feel to win?
We at Audley – and owners in the village – were very excited by the award and pleased. They can’t believe anything could have beaten them!
6 months on, what is the lasting impact of winning?
Accreditation approval by our peers in the sector was probably more important than it might have been at some time in the past. I remember our first village in Tunbridge Wells when it won the Gold in 2001, it was the first acknowledgement that there was this whole new category emerging and that was really, really important. And Watford actually is the next iteration because it’s the same model but in a much more affordable space – so it’s very important for us and the sector.
How did you make the most of your win commercially?
Often the people most pleased with the award – as you’d expect – are the people who live in the villages. Sometimes making a major change in retirement is a big, big decision, so it offers that endorsement of their decision and they’re always great ones for celebrating. And I know our general managers, when they return to the village clutching an award, are always very well received.
We use them on our website, social media and advertising to give confidence to people within the industry who deserve the recognition.
For housebuilders sitting on the fence about entering, what’s your advice? And what do you think makes a winning entry?
I think the judges generally see through the glossy brochure. I think people feel now that you have to put this full-blown, expensive submission in. Well, actually, I’m not sure you do. So if you’ve got a good scheme out there and you believe in it, and think it’s worthy of consideration, don’t be frightened that you have to go to great expense to do it. Just see what happens. Let them come and visit. The judge’s visit is the most important thing.
Who would you like to see host the WhatHouse? Awards 2026?
The housing industry is often viewed unfairly, when actually it’s meeting a really important public need. So always get a politician if you can, because they might actually go away realising that this is important and they need to do something about it to help. I think we found that when we had William Hague for a couple of years. He knew the right people to talk to and they would listen to him and respect what he said. Some of his jokes were okay as well!
