Sheila Gunn and her husband, Brian, thought they had done the sensible thing to prepare for later life by selling their bungalow with a large garden and purchasing an easily-maintained, brand new two bedroom apartment in Warlingham.
However, sadly, Mr Gunn passed away two years ago and Mrs Gunn found herself alone in a new development.
She said: “We had it all planned and we’d made a sensible move as far as I was concerned, but when Brian died I realised the whole apartment block was full of business people who went out to work. I was too far away from Warlingham Green where all the shops are and although I saw my son and daughter and grandchildren regularly, generally, for most of the day I didn’t see a soul and I was very, very lonely.”
Mrs Gunn, who turns 80 this year, saw the signs for Churchill Retirement Living’s Greenacres Lodge in Warlingham and knew it would be the answer to her problems.
She said: “When I came and saw what the development could offer me I reserved straight away. I loved it. I knew I would be happy here and I am. I was one of the first to move in and there are six of us here now and we all get on so well. It’s like having a second family.
"We have a lot of fun together at coffee mornings and afternoon tea. We have regular movie afternoons and fish and chip suppers too. Our Lodge Manager, Carol, is absolutely wonderful and is starting to build us a library of books and CDs. And soon more Owners will start to move in and build up the community.”
As well as the company, Mrs Gunn is enjoying a number of other added benefits to living at the Lodge.
She said: “We’re so close to Warlingham Green and all the shops and it’s an easy walk so I go out regularly. Because I’m walking more my health is improving. Another benefit is it’s absolutely secure here – I have no worries about leaving it and I feel very safe. It’s also a great thing to be able to have my grandchildren to stay in the Guest Suite. They think it’s brilliant!”
Mrs Gunn, is enjoying her new life and is looking forward to the future.
“I feel so much happier since I’ve moved in at Greenacres Lodge and there is so much to look forward to – I can’t wait to enjoy the lovely garden in the summer. My family has seen a difference in me and agree I’ve definitely done the right thing.”
Greenacres Lodge is a collection of 36, one and two bedroom privately owned retirement apartments and shared facilities, designed exclusively for the over 60s. 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. All of the properties benefit from 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.
With less to worry about, Owners have more time to do the things they enjoy, including taking advantage of the host of other benefits 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.
For more information about the apartments and lifestyle on offer at Greenacres Lodge, please call 01883 787 215 or click here.