Churchill Retirement Living has welcomed its first Owners at Beatrice Lodge in Sittingbourne, where a thriving community is starting to take shape.
The age exclusive development on Canterbury Road, just a short walk from Sittingbourne town centre, has seen the first wave of Owners move into their brand new one and two bedroom apartments.
Among them was Sheila Laming, who moved into Beatrice Lodge from a house just around the corner on Gaze Hill. She says:
My husband and I moved to our house on Gaze Hill as newlyweds 65 years ago. I never dreamt I’d come here, but my two sons made the decision for me, they decided Mum needed some company! Now I’m here it turns out they were right, I’m really enjoying my new lifestyle and have re-connected with some people I hadn’t seen for years. One of my new neighbours is a local lad who I hadn’t seen since he was a teenager!
That local lad is John Cooper, and he and his wife Carol have also enjoyed getting to know their new neighbours. “Everyone here is very friendly and we all get on well,” says Carol. “There’s lots going on in the Owners’ Lounge during the week, and we can all join in doing what we like, when we like. We’re also very lucky to have Abigail our Lodge Manager to look after everything for us.”
Former Sittingbourne FC midfielder Keith Gifford agrees:
The best thing here is the companionship, and the fact you can come down to the Owners’ Lounge most days and join in with things, or just sit at the Coffee Bar having a chat and a cuppa. I no longer have the hassle of looking after my old three bedroom house and garden, so there’s more time to do the things I enjoy, although I’m usually watching sport rather than playing it these days!
Margaret Evenden moved to Beatrice Lodge with family in mind. She says: “I’ve been in my new apartment for just over a week now, and I’m very happy with it. It’s not half as much work as my old bungalow, and the best thing is I’m right on the doorstep of my son and daughter, who both live nearby in Sittingbourne.”
Betarice Lodge is located right near the town centre, a few minutes’ walk to the east of the main High Street and its variety of shops, restaurants, and other leisure activities. The Lodge comprises 45 private, self-contained apartments which boast spacious rooms throughout and have been considerately designed with the over 60s in mind.
The fully fitted, stylish kitchens include a built in fridge and freezer, hob and an oven, which is located at an easy-reach height. All of the properties benefit from subtle touches like easy-turn lever taps in both the kitchen and bathroom and illuminated light switches for added convenience. Owners also enjoy ultimate peace of mind from a fitted camera entry system for the highest level of security and a 24 hour emergency call system. A dedicated Lodge Manager oversees the day-to-day running of the development.
With less to worry about, Owners will have more time to do the things they enjoy, like having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite, enjoying a chat with neighbours, or attending one of the regular social events which take place in the Owners’ Lounge.
For more information on Beatrice Lodge, call 0800 458 1856 or click here