Churchill Retirement Living has welcomed its first Owners at Hudson Lodge in Cheam, where a thriving community is starting to take shape.
The age exclusive development on Cheam Road has seen the first wave of Owners move into their brand new one and two bedroom apartments.
Among them is Mary Clements, who wanted to be close to transport links to maintain her independence. “I don’t drive anymore,” she explains. “I was in a bungalow not too far away, but it wasn’t on a bus route, so without the car it was getting difficult for me to get out and about. Now I’m here it’s very central, with an easy walk to both Cheam and Sutton high streets and a bus route right outside our door.
She adds: “I miss my old garden sometimes, but it was costing me a fortune to maintain. Now whenever I go on holiday I don’t need to worry about security or things going wrong – it’s great! My apartment felt like living in a hotel to start with, everything was so nice and brand new. We have a good crowd of people here and we all get on very well. I’ve enjoyed the various social events like fish and chip lunch, coffee mornings and film afternoons. We go on days out together, visit the coast and watch shows at the theatre, there’s always something going on.”
Diana Plant is another who enjoys the social life at the Lodge. “For the first few weeks living here felt like a holiday, and I’m not sure that feeling has entirely worn off yet,” she says. “I’d spent 46 years at my old house in Balham and I thought I’d miss it, but I honestly don’t miss it a bit – I love it here!
“We have regular coffee mornings and get together for things like fish and chip lunches which all the Owners have enjoyed. It adds to my busy social life, as I’m out and about most days seeing friends and enjoying what the area has to offer. I’m also a member of the Lady Taverners, doing all sorts of activities to raise money for charity and have a bit of fun along the way. Now I don’t have a big house to worry about I can spend more time doing the things I enjoy!”
Margaret Clemens agrees: “I think moving here is the best thing I ever did,” she says. “I loved my old house but I was getting fed up with the big garden and all the decorating and maintenance jobs that needed doing. When I heard about Hudson Lodge I put my name down nice and early for an apartment and now I’m in, I love it here.
“I love cruising, in fact I’ve got a trip to the Mediterranean booked for this autumn. With my Churchill apartment I know I can lock up and go away without any worries about safety and security, or having to wonder what I’ll be coming back to. I enjoy the social side of living here and I like to keep myself fit and active. I’m a member of the local Folk Dance Club and I do keep fit classes twice a week, I’ve even persuaded my new neighbour Diana to join me.”
Kerris Edwards is yet to actually move into Hudson Lodge, but he has reserved his apartment and is looking forward to making it his own as soon as the sale of his old house goes through. “I’m very impressed with the facilities at Hudson Lodge, and the location is perfect,” he says. I’m looking forward to moving in and making a fresh start. My old four bedroom house has been my family home since childhood and of course it holds a lot of memories, but it’s far too big for me to live in on my own now that my parents are gone. It’s time for me to leave it behind so a new family can move in and enjoy it, and I’m looking forward to a more sociable lifestyle here at Hudson Lodge, with less maintenance to worry about!”
Hudson Lodge is located near the heart of Cheam, close to the shops, restaurants, and other leisure activities on offer in the town centre, and perfectly located for local transport links. The Lodge comprises 30 private, self-contained apartments with spacious rooms throughout, considerately designed with the over 60s in mind, and a warm, comfortable Owners’ Lounge
For more information on Hudson Lodge, call 0208 023 5604 or visit www.churchillretirement.co.uk.