A Truro retirement development is proving a popular destination for a number of international retirees since its opening last summer.
Churchill Retirement Living’s Tregolls Lodge is the housebuilder’s first development in Cornwall and has seen a number of residents from around the globe choosing to spend their retirement years in the thriving new community.
Lora Turner, originally from Switzerland, moved to the UK at the age of 19 and is among the Lodge’s many international owners who have chosen to call the UK home over the years. She said:
I dreamt of moving to this country from a very young age. I loved all the classic novels which first inspired my love of England. When I moved here, I worked as an au pair for some time and then as a nanny in a hotel where I also ended up working in the tea room and the bar. Hard work but perfect for practising my English! I then went onto work as an orderly in Epsom Hospital which I loved. One of my patients there was a young man who was always making me laugh and we got on extremely well with one another. We kept in touch for many years and remained very good friends. Little did I know then I was to become his wife!
57 years on and Lora and Terry are enjoying their retirement at Tregolls Lodge, having moved from Bodmin earlier this year. “We moved here from our three bedroom bungalow,” Lora explains. “Our pride and joy was our garden but in recent years both this and the house were becoming too much to maintain so we visited Tregolls Lodge last September to take a look around. Soon after we put our house on the market and ended up buying a one bedroom apartment here.”
The couple lead an active life and are enjoying life at their new home. “Terry was a scout master and an active member of a local rambling group for many years. We’re the sort of couple who like to keep ourselves busy so this is perfect for us as there’s always something to do here. Our lodge manager, Cheryl, is wonderful and works so hard on everyone’s behalf – she never seems to stop! Moving here was a huge step for us but we’re very happy that we did so.”
Lora is not the only resident to originally hail from overseas. Vivienne Adams moved from Uruguay at the age of 25 and was the Lodge’s second resident when she purchased her apartment last June. “I moved to the Lodge from Lands’ End following the death of my husband,” Vivienne said. “My two daughters are close by and, as well as this, I wanted to be nearer to the centre of things. The location is lovely, perfect for travelling about on bus or train and there are also some wonderful walks nearby. Everyone’s extremely friendly here, it really is a lovely place to live.”
Els Gavin moved from Holland 17 years ago to be near her children, who had emigrated to Cornwall. She moved to Tregolls Lodge in January and, like her friends, has not looked back since. She said: “I like to have company and wanted to move to a retirement community where I could be around other people. I’ve settled in very well since moving.” Els echoes Vivienne’s views on the welcoming community at Tregolls Lodge, adding: “The atmosphere here is extremely friendly and I’m enjoying life here. There’s plenty to do and I’m very pleased I moved.”
Tregolls Lodge comprises 59 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, an oven, which is located at an easy-reach height, and a washing machine. 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 which will be 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 Clements Hill is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. For more information on Tregolls Lodge or Churchill Retirement Living, call 01872 464 081.