Testimonials

From The Country To The City For Chester Retiree

According to a survey* of 14,000 people over the age of 55, access to the countryside is the deciding factor when it comes to moving home. But for retiree Iona Parry the opposite is true - her dream home is a McCarthy & Stone apartment in the heart of Chester.

Iona, 69, moved from Tattenhall to McCarthy & Stone’s Forest Court development on Union Street and said: “Usually people want to escape the city for a new life in the countryside when they retire, but I love being in the heart of things! I really enjoy being a part of the community and living in such a central location enables me to do the things I enjoy easily. I go to church meetings regularly and go out for lunches with the ladies group.  I am a member of the WRVS, which is a voluntary organisation concerned with helping people in need. We have regular meetings, quizzes, play bingo and go on outings. I love keeping busy.”

When Iona, whose daughter lives in Nottingham and son in Boston, USA, decided to downsize she looked at several options in various locations. The grandmother of five said: “I loved Forest Court because of the convenience. As my children live away they have peace of mind knowing everything I need is on my doorstep. Living in a city means that if I need to stop driving I won’t lose my independence. The bus service is excellent and I am surrounded by amenities. It really is in an ideal location and to me makes perfect sense.”

Iona’s former home, a four bedroom detached property, had become too large for her to manage on her own but she was reluctant to move as it had so many happy memories for her and her family. She said: “I was eventually persuaded to move by a lovely couple with three children who knocked on my door saying they wanted to buy my house, if I ever considered moving. They offered me the price I wanted and so, after considering my options, I decided it was the right time to start a new life at Forest Court. I phoned Brenda, the sales consultant, who was very efficient and helpful and I’m really glad I took the plunge. I’m also pleased that my home will continue to be enjoyed by children.”

The grandmother of five used McCarthy & Stone’s Move for Free incentive, which meant she could leave the packing and unpacking of her belongings to the retirement specialist’s experts. She said: “I am so impressed with the service I received. Everything was carefully packed up for me and then transferred to my new apartment. I felt sorry for the removals service lads as they had to carry everything up four floors for me! However, I am so glad they did it or else I would still be moving in!”  

For further information about Forest Court please click here.

*Saga survey, May 2009. More than 80% of those polled put the countryside ahead of social life, access to healthcare, house prices, friendly neighbourhoods and good shops.