“It’s like being on holiday all the time, I love it here” - how downsizing took the hassle out of everyday life for Anne

Lymington has always held a special place in Anne’s heart. As a young girl, she told her sister that one day she would live in Lymington, and she has now made that dream a reality. Alongside her husband, Anne moved to our Lymington Gate community a couple of years ago, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Having already downsized to a bungalow within the New Forest, after a few years,  the general upkeep and garden maintenance became too much of a hassle, and she knew they had to make a change. 

After viewing plenty of other properties and communities on the market, Anne came across Lymington Gate, and loved how modern and attractive the communal spaces were. They opted for a one bedroom apartment, which offers just the right amount of space but still with plenty of storage space, which was top of the list when searching for a new home. “I looked at other apartments that didn’t have any storage, and I’d ask: where do you put your vacuum cleaner?” Anne recalls. Fortunately, she didn’t need to worry about fitting everything into their new one-bedroom apartment. “It’s amazing the amount of storage we have here,  even in the one-beds!”

Room for loved ones

With storage ticked off, the next consideration was where guests would stay. While there is plenty of space for day-to-day living, Anne loves knowing that when her granddaughter visits from America, there is a comfortable, safe space for her just down the hall.

The guest suite is “marvellous” and makes visits completely stress-free. “She can have her meals with me and spend time in my apartment, but she still has a space of her own just down the hall,” Anne explains. “Everyone in the communal lounge made her feel so welcome, too.” (Note: Guest suites are available for visiting friends and family across most of our communities at an additional cost, subject to availability).

A built-in community on your doorstep

Although Anne and her husband moved into their new home together, his health deteriorated over time, and he has since moved into a local care home. This change naturally brought difficult emotions, but the close-knit network Anne has built at Lymington Gate has helped immensely. “I can offload to all the friends I’ve made here. We end up on the patio having a drink or in the lounge having a good laugh - and laughter means an awful lot to people”.

“I’m thankful we moved here, I would have felt very lonely and isolated in the bungalow by myself now”.

Staying effortlessly connected

Another key reason for moving was the excellent  public transport links at Lymington Gate.  At her previous bungalow, originally there was a good service that could take her and her husband where they needed to go, but the service reduced and Anne jokes that “by the time we left, there was only one bus a week!”

The couple wanted to be better connected without needing to rely on driving. The move to Lymington Gate delivered exactly that: “Here, we’ve got a fantastic bus route and local taxis right on the doorstep. It’s great.”

Taking the hassle out of everyday life

Every day can feel like a holiday, Anne tells us. In a one-bedroom apartment, upkeep is minimal. Many residents choose to bring in local cleaners or use external services for laundry and bedding, leaving maximum time to simply relax and enjoy life. 

A busy social life on your own terms

With her husband receiving care nearby, Anne keeps her calendar full of social activities. From meals out with neighbours to weekly quiz nights where the drinks flow, to joining the Nordic walking group in nearby Brockenhurst forest, moving to a Pegasus Homes community has paid dividends for her lifestyle.

And while the local area offers plenty to explore, Anne appreciates the ease of staying close to home: “If the weather is bad, you don't have to go out. You can enjoy an evening with friends right here in the communal lounge and just walk up to your apartment at the end of the night. 

“You don't have a lot to worry about or get stressed out”.

Embracing later living 

When asked what advice she would give to anyone considering a move to a Pegasus community, Anne smiles: “Don't be afraid of doing it. Just do it, get on with it, and don’t leave it too late like so many people do. Take a step forward, be positive, and know that you’re going to have wonderful company here whenever you want it.” 

Ready to enjoy a 'holiday' lifestyle for yourself?

Discover your new chapter at Lymington Gate. Contact our friendly sales team today to book a private viewing at a time that suits you. 

Email: [email protected] 

Telephone: 0159 0615 287