“Everyday is like a holiday”
According to the Office for National Statistics, Devon is one of the most popular places to retire to in the UK, with more than a quarter (27%) of its population aged 65 and over. It’s no surprise given the magnificent landscapes, rugged coastline, and quaint market towns. Erika and Steven, who moved nearly 200 miles from Staffordshire to their Retirement Living development for the over 60s, Foxglove Place in Cullompton, would wholeheartedly agree.
“Every day is like a holiday,” says Stephen. “There’s so much to see and do. Erika and I are always out and about, exploring different towns and villages. Plus, with Cullompton perfectly positioned within half an hour of both the North and South Devon Coast, we often spend our days walking along the beach. Erika especially enjoys collecting sea glass when we visit.”
Both Erika, 67, and Stephen, 70, were born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent, where they lived in a three-bedroom semi-detached house.
Erika comments: “I’ve always been a keen gardener and our house had a big garden. However, we both found it getting more difficult to manage the garden and using the stairs, so we decided we would downsize to a one-storey bungalow.
“We started looking at bungalows in Stoke-on-Trent, but after careful consideration, we decided that if we were going to move, then why not move to a different location entirely?”
Stephen continues: “We broadened our search and started looking at park homes and retirement communities. Eventually, we landed on the McCarthy Stone website and we were really impressed by what they offer.
Retiring to Devon was a dream option
“Devon’s always had a special place in our heart having holidayed there and fallen in love with the coastline and countryside, so we decided to focus our search there.”
“We’d been to look at a couple of retirement communities in Devon, including Foxglove Place,” tells Stephen. “When we first visited the development, they were still putting the finishing touches to it, so there were no homeowners there. We were given a tour of the show suites and we instantly fell in love. The location and apartment were perfect, and we especially liked that it was a new build.”
Since moving to Foxglove Place, Erika and Stephen said they’ve discovered a new lease of life.
“We’d lived in Stoke-on-Trent all our lives” explains Erika, a former pottery flower maker and care worker. “Because of that, we struggled to find a new place to visit. I guess you could say we were stuck in a rut.”
Stephen, a former management accountant and IT assistant, adds: “Our lives are completely different now. We’re far more active than we used to be, as we rarely use the car. Foxglove Place is in a really handy location, with everything we need on our doorstep. For example, we’ve got a supermarket at either end of Cullompton, meaning we can easily pop out and fetch any essentials.
The couple love their community in Cullompton
“Living at the development has also given us great peace of mind. Not only is it more secure, but we no longer need to worry about regular property upkeep, such as house repairs or gardening.”
The strong community spirit at Foxglove Place has also made a world of difference.
“I’ve made lots of lovely new friends since moving to the development,” says Erika. “I really appreciate being able to walk out of my apartment to the communal lounge and there always being a friendly face to talk to. There’s a big group of us who often sit in the lounge and natter over a coffee, it’s so wonderful, I love it. Plus, if we haven’t seen one of our neighbours for a few days, we always make the effort to go and check on them.”
Stephen continues: “Once a week, we stroll down to the local pub with one of the couples that we’ve made friends with for a drink and a chat. It’s nice to mingle with the other homeowners and get out together.
Erika adds, “I’ve always loved crafting. I make custom cards and have started doing other craft bits and pieces in the communal lounge. Some of the other homeowners have even begun joining in too. Once we get more organised, it’d be great to start a club, but for now it’s nice that people can just join in as and when they want.”
“Equally, you needn’t worry about privacy. Once you close the door to your apartment, it’s like you’re in your own little world. The great thing about independent living is the balance it offers – the social aspect is there if you want it, but you can also enjoy your own space.”
Older Persons Shared Ownership made it possible
“We purchased our retirement apartment through OPSO for the maximum share of 75% to allow us to release some equity,” explains Stephen.
Older Persons Shared Ownership (OPSO) reduces the upfront cost of a new retirement property, through providing a choice of home ownerships up to 75%. For example, retirees can pay just 50% of the property value of an apartment at the development with a monthly rent on the remaining 50%. With 75% ownership there is no rent to pay.
Find the ideal retirement community location for you
Whether you choose a city, coastal or rural retirement our retirement properties are found in fantastic locations across the UK, close to shops, pubs, restaurants and amenities.
Learn more about our retirement homes near you, call our friendly team on 0800 201 4811 or contact us online for more information.
