Life, well lived
Feel connected to the McCarthy Stone retirement community through our inspirational homeowner stories. And get motivated with our unique recipes, health and wellbeing tips, hobby ideas and help with creative ways to stay in touch.
Elizabeth Place commemorative tree planting
Homeowners at Elizabeth Place Retirement Living Plus development in Market Harborough have come together to plant a number of trees to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
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Liesal from Cartwright Court, Malvern, sent us this lovely story and a recipe for a very special cake – by Royal Appointment.
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Our communities celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in style
We’re marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with tree planting, events, activities and, of course, plenty of Jubilee parties up and down the country
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Inspiring Interiors - Margaret Kingsley-Smith
Always looking to live life to the full, when Margaret Kingsley-Smith was offered the chance to put her own stamp on her apartment at McCarthy Stone’s Hewson Court in Hexham with the help of Emma Valerio, a Home Designer for John Lewis, she couldn’t wait to get started.
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Inspiring Interiors - John Pritchard
John Pritchard was determined to put his own stamp on his new apartment so when his family and friends walked through the door, they would immediately know it was his. “Every man needs a man cave!”
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Inspiring Interiors - The Harrisons
When John and Geraldine Harrison were offered the opportunity to make their McCarthy Stone apartment at Farnham House in Quorn as individual as they are, with the help of Emma Valerio, a Home Designer for John Lewis, they jumped at the chance.
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Top tips for moving house: stress-free tips from experts
From sorting out your gas, water, electricity, and council tax bills, to packing in advance, there’s always more you can do to be prepared to move.
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Inspiring Interiors - Gilly Tilden
“My style is an eclectic mix of traditional, antique and modern - like my fashion sense. I enjoy bright colours, the brighter the better, I say! And like my go–to jerseys and scarves, I love soft, velvety fabrics.”
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Inspiring Interiors - Ann Carroll
After living in Spain for 15 years, fun-loving Ann was keen to bring a little bit of the sunshine to her new home with her. The neutral colour scheme has been the perfect blank canvas for her love of bright shades and bold art.
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New Year Honour recipient is presented with his British Empire Medal
McCarthy Stone homeowner Peter Hosking, who celebrated his 90th Birthday in September, has been named in the New Year’s Honours List for his commitment to supporting people with Prostate cancer. Find out more about his story.
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Dedicated community philanthropist Peggy Reeveley enjoys new lease of life in Burton Joyce
Peggy Reeveley, 73, has a reputation which precedes her. With a heart of gold and a gift for kindness, she has spent over 25 years of her life supporting others in her community via her local church, in Carlton, Nottingham.
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The nation’s generations cost up their dream homes – but who has the most expensive taste?
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Birmingham retirees lead the way this Womens History Month
With a former Birmingham University Professor, star of stage and screen, former Olympian and gardening expert amongst its residents, the remarkable women of McCarthy Stone’s Ryland Place Retirement Living Plus development in Edgbaston certainly know a thing or two about living life to the full.
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We asked our homeowners to tell us some of their favourite memories of their mums for Mother's Day. Here's a selection of our favourites!
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Dermot and Sue join warm Twyford retirement community
When Twyford retirees, Dermot and Sue Bradley, made the decision to downsize from their five-bedroom house after 15 years, they found the comfort they were looking for at McCarthy Stone’s Twyford Retirement Living development, Loddon House.
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Blyton House Enjoys Mexican Fiesta
Residents at Blyton House in Bourne End blew the January blues away with a Mexican themed Fiesta, complete with Margaritas and a Pinata!
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The Shirley community centre awarded £500 grant
The McCarthy Stone Foundation has given The Shirley Community Centre a welcome boost with a £500 grant to support its vital work within the local community.
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Artist Graham on still painting portraits in his 90s
After one true love and a lifelong bro-mance, 91 year old artist Graham Adams shares his inspiring life story - and tips on how to charm the ladies.
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Top Cool-weather Getaways to Experience Before Summer
Looking for a cool-weather holiday? Discover 5 stunning locations to try this winter and spring
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Stay fit in retirement - aqua aerobics
Make a splash with your exercise regime and take to the wonderful world of weightlessness that awaits in the water.
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Our top 3 British coastal walks
It’s no secret that a trip to the coast does wonders for your mind, body, and soul. The bracing sea breeze, the enigmatic horizon that challenges you to decipher where sea meets sky, and the shoreline itself with its beguiling tempestuous nature – it can be stormy and wild one day and calm the next…
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Topsham local wins photography competition
Topsham local, Paula, is celebrating after being selected as the winner of our recent photography competition.
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Retirement Living Hampton Place Herald
Homeowner Arthur brings McCarthy Stone community in Southampton together
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Over the past year, the McCarthy Stone Foundation has made great strides in helping to make a lasting difference in the communities we live and love.
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From Oscar Wilde’s claim that “a well-tied tie is the first serious step in life” to Tom Ford’s declaration that “dressing well is a form of good manners,” there’s no denying that the way we present ourselves to the world has more meaning than the bare materials of our clothing.
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“I was born and bred in a mining village, following in the steps of several generations of miners in my family,” says Tom Robson, a retired mining engineer who now rents an apartment at the newly built Herriot Gardens, Sunderland.
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Five tips for finding your perfect retirement property
Moving home is a huge step – and if you’re looking for a retirement property, you need to be sure it’s the right one for you, now and in the future. Here’s five things to consider before making your move.
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Cosy reading season starts now, with a blizzard of books to delve into – some newly-released, some highly anticipated.
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Unsure whether renting in retirement is for you? Use our ‘renting in retirement ultimate checklist’ to help you decide.
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Retirement living story - Dot Connolley
Read the story of Dot, a former TV script supervisor who lives at Riverwood, a McCarthy Stone Retirement Living development near Glasgow
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Our autumn reading list 2021 celebrates authors who have broken through against the odds and made wonderful contributions to the literary world with amazing debut novels.
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Apple and Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Use up the gorgeous glut of autumn apples with this delicious traditional teatime treat - it can also be made to be gluten and dairy free.
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We love well-behaved pets at McCarthy Stone. See photos from homeowners and employees of their amazing animal friends.
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Buy or rent - an expert interview
McCarthy Stone offers a number of flexible rental and purchase options. Our expert explains.
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Enjoy the health benefits of homemade sauerkraut with Dr. Caroline Gilmartin’s simple how to guide.
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Derina from Caen Stone Court retirement development, Arundel, West Sussex, gave us this wonderful simple summer scone recipe.
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Top 10 Best British Towns to Enjoy the Expat Life without Leaving the UK
If you want to get a taste of the expat life without leaving the UK, you could take a trip to the places around our country which offer a similar lifestyle and setting to popular global expat destinations.
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Summer holiday activities guide
Looking for things to do in the summer school holidays? We've got the best advice from grandparents in our developments.
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Top 10 summer cocktails to make at home
From easy summer champagne cocktails to tropical rum punch these simple and delicious summer cocktail recipes from McCarthy Stone will go down a treat.
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British expats returning to the UK advice and tips
If you’re a retired expat returning to the UK, we’ve put this useful advice hub together to help make the process as simple and as stress-free as possible.
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This perfect summer pudding is jam-packed with beautiful seasonal produce. Make our easy summer pudding in just four steps
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This is our pick of the best picnic recipes from our chef’s and homeowners. Just add sunshine, friends/family and a beauty spot.
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If you’ve questions about what to do in a garden in June and how to maintain your garden in summer, we’ve got the answers.
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Gluten free blueberry loaf recipe
Almost a health food, this blueberry loaf cake recipe from McCarthy Stone is gluten free, dairy free and low in sugar.
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Roast tomatoes with anchovy and basil recipe
A brilliant fresh tomato recipe to use up a glut of tomatoes.
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Publishing her first novel in her 70s
Retirement stories: publishing your first fiction novel as a 72 year-old grandmother of three is quite a coup
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We’re asking the photographers among our homeowners and teams to send us their unusual angles for our summer competition.
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Wondering what to do in your garden in May? Read up on the top May garden tasks from McCarthy Stone and your garden will soon be blooming lovely.
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Has the pandemic made Brits’ relationships with their neighbours stronger?
In such a turbulent period of history, small sparks of hope, optimism and faith in the human race have begun to shine through
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How to become a good neighbour
Read our ‘how to be a good neighbour guide’ and turn your neighbours into good friends.
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The McCarthy Stone Spring Poetry Book
Spring themed poems from our wonderful homeowners and teams.
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Lemon and thyme pear tart with apricot glaze recipe
Delicate, fragrant, flavourful and very pretty to look at, this pear tart recipe is perfect for parties and picnics.
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Swimming in wild waters has seen a surge in popularity in a year when many of us have reconnected with nature.
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From sorting out your gas, water, electricity, and council tax bills, to packing in advance, there’s always more you can do to be prepared to move.
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Chipotle chicken grilled cheese sandwich recipe
Gooey, tangy, spicy and tongue-tinglingly delicious this decadent chicken and cheese toastie is just the ticket for an indulgent lunch for two.
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Five top gardening jobs for April
April is a busy month for gardeners with ideal conditions for planting flower and vegetable seeds.
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Our top five UK National Parks
We explore some of our favourite national parks. Perfect for picnics, long rambles and wildlife spotting.
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Download these free bread recipes made with love by our McCarthy Stone homeowners and teams
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Expat experience: a place in the sun and back again
We spoke to Lesley Jones, who with her husband Paul, moved into a McCarthy Stone retirement apartment after 18 years as expats in Cyprus.
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Lancaster Estates Manager Pulls Retirement Community Together
Estate Manager, Andrea, shares experience of lockdown in her development.
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The Close Welcomes its First Homeowners
Retirees in Nuneaton are celebrating six months in their new homes at The Close.
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Celebrating International Women's Day
We mark International Women’s Day with five remarkable women
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Soft, sweet and simple to make this recipe for delicate honey shortbread biscuits is perfect for spring.
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Homeowner enters short story competition for World Book Day and captures the humorous side of her time as a young chambermaid in the early 1960s.
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Here’s a round-up of some of our remarkable homeowners who have enjoyed extraordinary careers.
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Spring is in the air! And this recipe for zesty Herby Spring Chicken Pie is perfect right now. Quick, easy, light and delicious
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We've put together a few of our wonderful development managers who have carried out an act of kindness.
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Sharing The Untold Story Of Her Husband’s War
A Retired Lady From South Shields Shares The Untold Story Of Her Husband’s War
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Homeowner Evelyn Currie from Cartwright Court, Malvern shared this melt-in-the-mouth recipe for traditional shortbread, made with plenty of butter.
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Valentine special: David and Ellen met and fell in love at their McCarthy Stone development.
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Valentine special. This couple found true love in later life after meeting at McCarthy Stone
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Valentine's Day Red Velvet Cupcakes
Give in to temptation with this decadent recipe for Valentine’s Day Red Velvet cupcakes.
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House manager keeps retirees safe and happy through challenging times
What has life been like for a House Manager of a retirement community for the over-60s during a global pandemic?
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Pulling the community together in tough times
A day in the life of an Estate Manager during the tough times of a global pandemic
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Life changed for us all in March, and for homeowners at Hillier Court in Romsey it was no different.
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Gransnet sent our Senior Divisional Sales Marketing Director their top questions, take a look here.
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Thinking about getting a dog in retirement?
Our handy guide will help you consider the pros and cons of dog ownership and picks out some of the best breeds for retirement living.
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How to attract birds to your garden
Read our tips on feeding garden birds and helping them to thrive.
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We are delighted to announce we have received the Housebuilder Special Recognition Award!
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Retirement living story: Homeowner Wyllie Longmore travelled 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to pursue his dream acting career.
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Introducing the new McCarthy Stone Foundation!
The Foundation aims to increase the wellbeing of older people while bridging the gap between generations.
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Winter Roots Casserole with Cheddar & Thyme Dumplings recipe
This deliciously warming winter stew recipe is packed with healthy vegetables and topped with indulgent cheesy dumplings,
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Dr and Mrs Learner did not expect to be thrown into the middle of a global pandemic 24 hours before their moving-in date.
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Living Life To The Full During Lockdown
Homeowners of McCarthy Stone’s Clarendon House found new ways to continue to live life to the full
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This vegan curry dish of aromatically spiced chickpeas is super tasty and packed with essential nutrients
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Helping others, helps ourselves
Being a Buddy brought unexpectedly heartwarming benefits to our volunteers
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There was cause for celebration last week as Mr Marcus Jones, MP for Nuneaton, paid a visit to officially open The Close
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Appeal Launched By Poundbury Retirees To Complete Their Community
Residents at Bowes Lyon Court are looking for the missing piece of their puzzle to join their community.
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Volunteer Buddy Meets Self-Isolators in Ilkley for the First Time
Aleks discovered a new-found purpose in supporting the residents and staff at Priestley Court
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What did a day in the life of a House Manager of a retirement community of over-60s look like, and how are things now?
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A Day in the Life of an Estate Manager
What did a day in the life of an Estate Manager for a community of over-60s look like in lockdown — and how are things now?
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Why Retire to a Bungalow House
A bungalow house could be a great choice as a retirement accommodation option, find out more about the benefits here.
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5 Great British Towns to Retire to
The UK has some of the best places to retire to, here’s our selection of five towns around the country you might want to consider.
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Rent for Retirement The Future is Flexible
If you’re looking to maintain flexibility throughout your retirement years, then renting is the perfect solution.
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