For many, moving house to somewhere new can be very daunting and unfamiliar, particularly when you’re in your 80s; but for Peter Fazakerley his move to Tregolls Lodge in Truro took him back down memory lane, to somewhere rather more familiar.
Peter has put his stamp on many areas of Cornwall, during his illustrious career as a quantity surveyor for Cornwall Council, but Tregolls Lodge on St Clement’s Hill has quite a connection.
Peter explains: “For many years I was the chief quality surveyor for Cornwall Council, and was involved in many special projects throughout the county. In fact, I was involved with the build of the original police station on St Clement’s Hill where Tregolls Lodge now stands. It seems like fate that has brought me here now.
I had retired in the early 1990’s, but came out of retirement as I was asked by the trustees to assist with finding the money to build and then oversee the building of the Hall for Cornwall Theatre. That project lasted seven years… so much for retirement!
Born in Scarborough, Peter lived in Leeds until 1974 when he moved to Penpol in Cornwall, living in a five-bedroom house set within half an acre of its own land.
Peter adds: “My home in Penpol was beautiful and had a humongous garden. I lived there for 40 years, and it’s where we raised our children. After the children grew up and moved out, and my wife died, the house just became too big and remote for me to manage by myself.”
After three years of living on his own, Peter decided it was time he found somewhere smaller and more manageable.
He explains: “Tregolls Lodge was the first retirement complex I viewed and I was really pleased with the facilities at the Lodge, and the lifestyle on offer. It’s so close to all the local amenities, and it’s easy for me to just walk to the shops – something I was never able to do before.
I’ve settled in here really well, and I feel like I’m part of the community which makes living here so enjoyable. The other Owners are all really friendly, and it’s nice that someone is always around, whether just passing in the corridor or having a good chat in the Owner’s Lounge.
“While I’ve been living at Tregolls Lodge I’ve really enjoyed the keep fit class which is held on a Wednesday morning. I had a stroke a few years ago, but the keep fit class is great for keeping up my strength, especially now everything is so local to me, and I don’t need to walk very far. I also really enjoyed my garden back at my home in Penpol, but with half an acre to contend with it took a lot of my time to keep it looking nice. The garden here is beautiful, and it’s great that I get to enjoy it without putting any of the hard work in!
“On reflection, I should’ve moved two years earlier, as I was finding the remoteness of my property too difficult and unmanageable. My decision to move to Tregolls Lodge was the best decision for me. I really can’t fault it, and the sales team were so helpful during the moving process, keeping it as stress-free as possible – it’s quite a challenge fitting a five-bedroom house into a one-bedroom apartment, but I did it!”
Tregolls Lodge comprises 59 one and two-bedroom privately owned retirement apartments and shared facilities, designed exclusively for the over 60’s. Offering quality retirement accommodation and safe and independent living, the development is in a convenient location close to local shops and amenities.
Apartments have spacious rooms throughout and an ideal combination of design and functionality. The fully fitted, stylish kitchens include a built in fridge and freezer, hob and an oven, which is located at an easy-reach height. 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.
With less to worry about, Owners have more time to do the things they enjoy, including taking advantage of the host of other benefits which are on offer including having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite, enjoying a chat with neighbours, or attending one of the many events, in the Owners’ Lounge.
The Tregolls Lodge Show Complex on St Clement’s Hill is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. For more information on Tregolls Lodge or Churchill Retirement Living, call 01872 464 298 or click here