The Perfect Start To Their New Lifestyle!

Brenda and Ken Cobden of Donnington in West Sussex had more than one reason to celebrate when they moved into their new apartment at St Richard’s Lodge, Churchill Retirement Living’s latest development in Chichester. Not only were they able to start enjoying a new lifestyle, but the couple also became the Company’s 1,000th Owners and are now looking forward to a luxury holiday from Bath Travel on the Orient Express and relaxing cruise in the Mediterranean.

Brenda and Ken, who had lived in their home for 54 years, took advantage of Churchill Retirement Living’s Home Exchange scheme when purchasing their 2-bedroom apartment at St Richard’s Lodge. It was the perfect solution for the couple who had tried to sell their house last year, but the sale fell through at the eleventh hour. Their son James, who works as an Estate Agent was particularly in favour of the scheme. He explains, "When Mum and Dad had their property on the market last year and the chain broke, it was a very stressful time for them. They saw the Home Exchange scheme advertised and that was what originally attracted them to the development. I was familiar with Home Exchange from my work and knew it meant they could move without having viewings and all the hassle associated with selling your property on the open market. The scheme enabled them to get the apartment they wanted and helped them to move quickly, and that’s what matters.” Ken agrees, ""It was no hassle, everything was done in 4-5 weeks from beginning to end.”

James adds, "Mum and Dad are very settled and happy in their new apartment. They don’t have the responsibility that comes with having a big house; their apartment is more compact, so there is less to do and so many of the chores are taken care of for them.”

Brenda and Ken are now settling into their new apartment and looking forward to their cruise in October. The couple are well travelled and spent 30 years caravanning as Ann used to be a Master Bowman and Sussex Champion in Archery and her husband a judge, and this enabled them to compete at International trials in the UK. Brenda explains, "We’ve had some very enjoyable and nice holidays and couldn’t believe we’d won. We’ve been on several trips to Italy to the lakes and Sorrento, but have never been to Venice, so we’re looking forward to it very much.”

Mr Cobden jokes, "The funny thing is I got rid of my evening dress suit when we moved as I’d only worn it once or twice and thought I wouldn’t be needing it again. I wish I’d hung on to it now!”

St Richard’s Lodge features a selection of one and two-bedroom self-contained retirement apartments, all of which benefit from a video-entry system, a 24-hour emergency telephone system, and a Lodge Manager. Communal facilities include an Owners’ Lounge and Guest Suite, and landscaped gardens. Conveniently placed for all of Chichester’s amenities, the development is on a level walk to the local shops and services.