Around a year ago, Dorothy made the move to Paddock Lodge, being the first to snap up a retirement apartment at the development, in a bid to downsize to a property that required less maintenance and upkeep.
Dorothy has led a busy and exciting life, taking her across the UK and even living overseas in Florida, USA for a period of time. Her life has been punctuated with connections to British royalty. Her involvement in creating the Duke of Edinburgh Award resulted in her being invited to have tea with the Queen, something she describes as a nerve-inducing experience but she was put at ease by the Queen’s hospitality.
Dorothy is also a published author, specialising in the true crime genre, and can often be seen around Paddock Wood giving talks on her work. The research for her book, The Book of Orpington, uncovered history about the Spencer family which resulted in Princess Diana herself requesting a copy from Dorothy to be sent to Buckingham Palace. Dorothy still has the letter from the Princess. She’s also written a book entitled Brotherly Love, which again recounts the Penge Murder Mystery of 1877.
Dorothy and her husband, spent their married life exploring and living all across the UK. In her career as a Litigation Clerk, Dorothy worked on Australian legal cases that required UK-based research, whilst her husband was a City Bank Manager. It was Dorothy’s husband’s work that meant the couple moved homes often, from Stratford Upon Avon, all the way to Florida whilst her partner set up a new bank branch.
Now Dorothy thrives at Paddock Lodge, remarking “everyone knows me in Paddock Wood”, really highlighting the sense of community created both in and around the development. Her apartment overlooks the high street, which is the perfect spot for some people watching and the low maintenance lifestyle frees up more time for Dorothy to pursue and enjoy her social interests.
Paddock Lodge comprises 33 one- and two-bedroom retirement apartments, in the heart of Paddock Wood. Located on the high street, the development is in walking distance of all local facilities Dorothy and other residents might need. Those as active as Dorothy, can enjoy the great outdoors and leafy winding lanes of Paddock Wood which is the ideal place to explore and venture to surrounding rural Kent villages.
Owners at Paddock Lodge have exclusive access to the elegant Owner’s Lounge, complete with coffee bar where views of the landscaped gardens can be enjoyed, perfectly suited to Dorothy’s sociable personality. Benefitting from 24-hour call centre support, free parking, energy efficient heating and a secure camera entry system, Owners like Dorothy can have peace of mind that they are living in a safe and secure environment.