Retirees in West Sussex are being attracted to the independent lifestyle on offer at Churchill Retirement Living’s Petlands Lodge in Haywards Heath, where a thriving community is starting to take shape.
Helping Owners to settle into their new apartments is Lodge Manager Vanessa Conroy, who is on-site five days a week and oversees the day-to-day running of the development.
Vanessa has spent a large portion of her life living in the Far and Middle East after relocating to Hong Kong in 1995, where she adopted her youngest daughter. She also spent time living in Korea and Abu Dhabi, and has explored many exotic lands, including Macau, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Australia whilst living so close by.
Vanessa’s life abroad has equipped her well with a friendly and outgoing approach that’s needed to manage a Churchill Retirement Living development. A highly organised individual, she prides herself on looking after all of the needs of the Lodge’s Owners.
After spending a further year in Doha in Qatar, Vanessa is now finally back in the UK for good. Being so well-travelled, she certainly has a few stories to tell the Owners. She said: “There’s a really nice community starting to take shape here at Petlands Lodge. I really like the Owners here and am thoroughly enjoying getting to know them all and hear their stories.”
Amongst the retirees who have decided to call Petlands Lodge home is 76-year old Penny Corp, who moved to the Lodge from her home in Cuckfield three miles away.
Penny said: “I lived nearby and had kept a close eye on the development being built. I live by myself and my home had become too big for me with a large garden and pond. It had become very expensive to keep on top of the maintenance so I knew that independent retirement living was the best choice for me. I was instantly impressed by the Lodge when I first visited. It’s beautifully decorated throughout and the team are brilliant, including Vanessa the Lodge Manager, who looks after the day-to-day running of the Lodge. I purchased a one-bedroom apartment at the Lodge and the sales team at the Lodge were excellent, and kept me constantly updated during the whole process.
“Since moving in, it has continued to exceed my expectations. There is a wonderful Guest Suite available at the Lodge so I can have family and friends to stay, which is handy as it saved me from needing a second bedroom in my apartment. I also love the social aspect of living here, the Owners’ Lounge is great for catching up with my neighbours and Vanessa often organises events in there for us to attend too. I can still enjoy my independence and come and go as I please as well. We are in a central location, and my dentist, doctors’ surgery and the train station are all within walking distance, which is extremely handy. It really is a lovely place to call home.”
Petlands Lodge comprises 43 one and two bedroom purpose-built apartments for over 60s located in the centre of the historic market town of Haywards Heath.
All of the apartments at Petlands Lodge have spacious rooms throughout and are 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 also benefit from illuminated light switches for added convenience. Owners 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 various historical attractions, gardens and places of interest, Haywards Heath is an ideal location to retire. The town has many unusual shops to explore, with the usual high street brands as well is independent boutiques. Beech Hurst Gardens are nearby, boasting a miniature railway, which is perfect for a visit with the grandchildren.
Clair Hall hosts comedy nights, cinema evenings and music events all year round, while the more active retiree may wish to visit the Dolphin Leisure Centre, offering swimming, short mat bowls and table tennis to name a few.
The town is also well served by public transport, with trains and buses catering for a variety of journeys, enabling you to travel when you wish. Ashdown Forest and the High Weald are nearby, and the neighbouring villages of Cuckfield, Lindfield, Staplefield and Slaugham are ideal if you enjoy a leisurely walk in the countryside.
For more information, visit the new show complex open daily from 10am to 5pm, call 01444 688 552.