Hello Autumn: a guide to embracing the season

As the days grow shorter and the sun hangs a little lower in the sky, a familiar feeling can start to creep in, that bittersweet sense of summer slipping away. But what if we didn't see the changing of the seasons as a loss? What if, instead, we learned to embrace the changes that autumn brings?

Autumn is more than just a transition between summer and winter. It's a sweet spot, offering the perfect blend of warmth and coolness. You can still enjoy the glorious sunshine but without the intense heat, making it ideal for everything from long walks in the park to cosy afternoons with a good book and a cup of tea. It's a time to savor simple pleasures and find comfort and connection before the busyness of the festive season arrives.

Explore below some tips to help you shift your perspective and truly embrace all the wonderful things this season has to offer.

Walk your way into Autumn

There's no better time to pull on your walking shoes than in autumn. The summer holiday crowds have dispersed, leaving trails and parks feeling peaceful and serene. The temperatures are just right - cool enough to make a brisk walk comfortable, but often still warm enough to enjoy a sunny day without a big coat. But the real showstopper is the scenery. The world transforms into a palette of golds, reds, and oranges as the leaves change, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. The mornings often bring a crisp, dewy freshness that invigorates the senses.

Our Pegasus Homes communities are perfectly placed to help you experience the joys of walking in the autumn months. Located in some of the most sought-after spots in England, our homes offer a gateway to an abundance of stunning walks, whether you prefer a tranquil countryside ramble or a vibrant city meander. Take a look at our Walking Month booklet to help you discover your next adventure this autumn.

For example, our Steepleton community is nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, an area renowned for its picturesque trails and rolling hills. Alternatively, our Bath Leat community is in a prime spot for a leisurely stroll along the River Avon, where you can watch the ducks glide across the water and admire the tree-lined paths adorned with a canopy of autumn leaves. 

A home refresh

As the days get shorter and the evenings draw in, our homes become our sanctuaries more than ever. There is nothing more comforting than wrapping yourself in a cosy blanket, sinking into a pile of soft cushions, and watching the world outside from the warmth of your living room. Decorating for autumn is all about creating that inviting, cocoon-like atmosphere.

A little home refresh can work wonders for your mood and is the perfect way to welcome the new season. Start by swapping out your light, summery furnishings for pieces in rich, earthy tones like burnt orange, deep burgundy, and a warm chocolatey brown. This simple change helps to bring the beautiful colors of the outdoors inside, creating a seamless connection to the outdoors.

The cottage at our Latheram House community (designed, styled and installed by DAPA Atelier) draws its inspiration from the local area, thoughtfully styled with comforting colours that reflect the natural landscape. This design approach creates a welcoming atmosphere that feels both authentic and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Don't forget the power of scent. Light candles or use diffusers in classic autumn fragrances - think warm pumpkin spice or woody sandalwood. These scents not only fill your home with a wonderful aroma but also instantly evoke the feeling of the season. Embrace the quiet nights by creating a space that feels warm, safe, and relaxing. 

Reconnect and Recharge

With the buzz of summer holidays behind us and the rush of the festive season yet to begin, autumn is the perfect time for connection. The pressure of making the most of every sunny day is gone, and people’s schedules often feel a little less frantic. This makes it ideal for casual, no-pressure get-togethers with friends, family, and neighbours.

Why not arrange a brisk dog walk or invite people over for a cosy dinner or afternoon tea? For residents in our Pegasus communities, the opportunities for connection are all around you. You can gather with neighbours for a chat over coffee in the communal lounges on a crisp morning, or even on a rainy afternoon, where you can work on a puzzle or enjoy a shared hobby. Many of our communities, like our West Byfleet community, also feature dedicated Hobby Rooms where you can try your hand at something new, like painting.

And if you have friends or family visiting for the weekend, many of our communities offer Guest Suites that take the hassle out of hosting. Our Belle Vue community, for instance, has a beautiful Guest Suite that's the perfect base for visitors before you head out to explore all the delights Hampstead has to offer. Autumn is all about cherishing those moments of connection.