20th December 2019
When retirees, Mr and Mrs McFarlane, made the decision to downsize to McCarthy Stone’s Langton House Retirement Living development in Warlingham, they found the ease, comfort and community spirit they were looking for – as well as being closer to their family.
Like many retirees, Mr McFarlane (83) and Mrs McFarlane (82), were looking to downsize to be closer to their two children and two grandchildren, when the upkeep of their four-bedroom bungalow in Cheshire become too much. The couple’s daughter, who lives in Sanderstead, researched and visited many retirement developments around Surrey, but fell in love with Langton House because of its location, the facilities available for the homeowners, and its excellent sense of community.
Mr McFarlane, who enjoyed a successful career as a business manager for a subsidiary of ICI, said the development made a fantastic first impression on his daughter, his wife and himself. He said: “Once my daughter made the initial enquiry, a representative from McCarthy Stone came to visit us in Cheshire to tell us more about Langton House and what life would be like at the development. We made a reservation almost immediately.
“We initially chose a top floor apartment, but when we visited Langton House, we found the spacious ground floor apartment was much more suited to our needs and it meant that we could access the gardens much more easily.”
Langton House comprises a selection of privately-owned two-bedroom Retirement Living apartments, exclusively designed for people aged 60 and over. The development provides everything people in Warlingham could want for an enjoyable and independent retirement.
Mr McFarlane praises all those who have helped the couple to enjoy all that life has to offer at Langton House. “We are thrilled with our decision to downsize to Warlingham. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, they have made us feel right at home, we really do feel like part of a community.”
The McFarlane’s believe the House Manager, Gill Shread is a huge bonus at Langton House, helping new homeowners to settle in. Mr McFarlane continues: “The House Manager here has been fantastic. She has helped us with a number of things since we moved in and is always very friendly and approachable. She has also played a huge part in organising activities for all of the homeowners at the development to enjoy.”
Over the last 12 months, 33,500 social events were held across McCarthy Stone’s managed properties, ranging from coffee mornings and regular activities for homeowners, to bigger events involving the local community. The couple regularly get involved with social activities at Langton House, including the weekly film nights, keep fit classes, ‘knit and natter’ groups and monthly pub lunches.
Since retiring, Mr McFarlane has more leisure time and on the advice of a friend, he took the opportunity to join a local bowls club when he made the move to Warlingham. He is now a keen member of Old Coulston Bowls Club, where he attends practice twice a week and occasionally takes part in competitions.
When asked about the highlights he has experienced since moving to Langton House, Mr McFarlane said: “Becoming friends with the other homeowners and the hassle-free living has enabled us to enjoy our retirement years in a way that we hadn’t been able to before. Before downsizing, there was always the worry about the cost and maintenance of the bungalow. Now we have less to worry about as the maintenance in our apartment, the communal areas and gardens are all taken care of, as well as the high level of security throughout the building, which provides additional comfort.”
Mr McFarlane’s advice to anyone considering whether to downsize to a McCarthy Stone development would be, “Do it, we wish we had done it years ago!”
Located in the quiet village of Warlingham, homeowners benefit from being close to areas of natural woodland, charming walks and nature parks, with easy access to Warlingham Village and London.
Julie Ward, National Sales Director at McCarthy Stone, said: “It's an incredibly rewarding part of our job when we hear how happy our homeowners are, so it's great to hear that the McFarlane’s are enjoying the safe and supportive retirement community we have built at Langton House
“McCarthy Stone aims to help retirees stay independent for longer and make the most of their retirement, which the couple certainly demonstrate. For many homeowners – and their families – Retirement Living is the perfect solution, as it offers the independence of home ownership combined with the opportunity to be part of a thriving active community.”
For more information about Retirement Living in Warlingham, please call 0800 201 4811 or visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk
