New Neighbours strike up New Friendships at Grange Court

DOWNSIZERS looking to enjoy an easier life will be in good company at Grange Court in Solihull.

Home owners at the Aspen Retirement Living development are free from the worry and expense of maintaining their home, enabling them to make the most of their retirement.

They’re able to spend their time getting to know new neighbours and to enjoy holidays, safe in the knowledge that their home is secure. Sometimes they can even combine the two!

Buying a brand new home at Grange Court quickly led to a firm friendship for Marjory Murch and Edith Harwood, who recently travelled to Italy together on holiday.

Edith commented: “We were the very first people to move in and hadn’t met before, but soon got to know one another. We get on very well together and so when Marjory suggested we go on holiday together I jumped at the chance. The holiday went really well and we’re such good friends that we even shared a hotel room. The only problem was it was a bit too hot.”

Now they’re back at Grange Court the holiday companions are sharing their travel tales with their fellow home owners and are already looking forward to their next trip.

At a time when research for the Campaign to End Loneliness says that 17% of older people are in contact with family, friends and neighbours less than once a week, new friendships like those forged by Marjory and Edith are even more valuable.

Liz Herring, sales and marketing manager for Aspen Retirement Living, says: “The research suggests that lack of contact with family and friends can have an impact on older people’s health and wellbeing. The great news about Grange Court is that there’s a real sense of community about the place. There are regular social activities for those who want to join in and our home owners can forge friendships with like-minded people in similar circumstances.”

Potential purchasers can get to know their future neighbours by joining them at the weekly coffee morning.

Or those who want more time to ensure it’s where they want to live can ‘try before they buy’, as Aspen has kitted out an apartment where people can stay for up to a week to enjoy a taste of life at Grange Court. They will be able to get to know those already living at the development and take part in social activities including keep fit sessions and games nights.

Aside from organised social activities, home owners also have the opportunity to spend time together in the communal lounge or landscaped gardens and when they want some peace and quiet or privacy they can close the door to their apartment.

It’s not all about new friendships though; old friendships and family ties can also be maintained. There’s even a hotel standard guest suite for when friends and family come to stay.

Grange Court features a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments available to buy, with prices from £179,950 to £324,950, making it the ideal home for those who want to downsize without compromise.

For more information, contact Glenys Bastin, tel: 0121 708 0586, or email: glenysb@aspenretirement.co.uk.