Combatting Writer’s Block at Renaissance Marlborough

When Nancy-Lou Deane downsized from her home in Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire, where she had lived happily for over 20 years to Renaissance Marlborough, she did so to be closer to her daughter. However, the move had an unexpected consequence for author Nancy with the shift of her writing block.

Nancy moved to Renaissance Marlborough over a year ago and has not looked back since: “I was driving passed one day with my daughter and son-in-law and I finally caved in and said that I would go and have a look. As soon as I did, I fell in love with the place. I looked at five different apartments but chose mine as it has such fantastic views over the bowling green, playing fields and the woods beyond them. When the sun streams through my windows in the morning it really is delightful”.

The location of her new home was also key to her decision to move, Nancy added: “I wanted to be within walking distance of the town centre, I thought it was much better than being stuck out in the country. The location means that if I want to go and have a coffee with a friend or a look around the shops I can do.”

Since the covid-19 restrictions, Nancy hasn’t been able to go out and explore Marlborough, its coffee shops and independent stores as much as she would have liked.  However, instead the time has given Nancy the opportunity to concentrate on her passion for writing. Nancy explained:

“Twenty years ago, I sent my first book to a publisher and they sadly rejected it. Despite my husband encouraging me to persevere, I could not bring myself to rewrite it as I had absolutely poured my heart into it. It was during a dog walk across Dartmoor when it suddenly came to me that the book would work best as a story about three different women.

Being at Renaissance Marlborough over the past year and during lockdown has given me the headspace I need to rethink and rewrite the book. It is the first part in a saga of three books, the first starting in 1900 and finishing in the 1980s – I am finally now at the end of the first book. After much deliberation with family members and friends I have decided to call it The Hidden Stone. I’m on a final deadline for the end of July, with publication in November.”

For Nancy, it was more than the location that attracted her to Renaissance Marlborough, the high specification of the apartments and the finish were a key draw. Nancy commented: “For me it is the smaller things such as the carpets and the pieces of furniture selected in the corridors and communal lounge. It makes you feel you are walking into somewhere different, a real set above the rest.

We also have such a wonderful neighbourly feel here, and we are not restricted at all in what we do. If anything, it has the feel of an upmarket hotel – this truly is independent living.”

With the last few homes remaining at Renaissance Marlborough, to start the next chapter in a home with a fantastic community feel and uncover a passion, book a one-to-one viewing by calling 01672 340012 or emailing [email protected]. For more information visit: lifestory.group/renaissance/our-developments/marlborough-wiltshire/