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Winters spent in sunny Spain, caravanning and road trips along the coast …retirement living for Jean Ellis and Peter Wilgeroth is one long holiday thanks to McCarthy & Stone
Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show that, far from preparing to take life more slowly, people turning 70 are embarking on a golden decade. The study of over 340,000 people has found that we actually feel at our happiest and most content in our 70s and 80s.
Retirees Jean Ellis and Peter Wilgeroth, both in their 80s, and homeowners at McCarthy & Stone’s Retirement Living development, North Bay Court in Scarborough, are certainly testament to these findings.
Since deciding to move two years ago, the couple are enjoying a whole new active social life, spending more time travelling, and enjoying more holidays than ever before.[pullquote1 quotes=”true” align=”right” variation=”copper”]Our social life has completely transformed since we moved in[/pullquote1]
The couple, who first met at Scarborough’s Alzheimer’s Society after losing their respective partners, have taken the move to Retirement Living well within their stride, vowing to live a full and active life together and do all the things they’d always dreamed of.
Enthused Jean: “It’s just wonderful here and our social life has completely transformed since we moved in — there are so many activities, events and social get-togethers that we’re genuinely sad if we can’t join in. Peter even ran into an old golf buddy who also lives at North Bay Court which was a lovely coincidence.
“We were attracted to the development because of its stunning sea views and the peace of mind of being able to leave the apartment for holidays without having to worry about security. Our House Manager Brian is just lovely too and he’s helped make this one of our best decisions ever – always going out of his way to help us all.”
Talking about their packed social calendar, Peter explained: “We spend three months of the year in Benidorm to escape the British winter and this year we extended it to four! We danced, did some gymnastics, played golf and walked every day – we’re young at heart and there’s nothing better than a relaxing holiday in the Spanish sunshine.”
The couple’s family has been very supportive of their move to North Bay Court too. Between them Jean and Peter they have one son, two daughters, three granddaughters, three grandsons and eight great grandchildren.
“It’s such a big decision to move, but our family were very much in favour of it,” Jean added.
“They liked the fact that we would have our own privacy when we wanted it, and also a communal lounge to socialise with friends whenever it suited. Plus, having access to the guest suite is lovely, as it means that when family come to visit they can stay here with us — so they get to enjoy the Scarborough seaside too — something our grandchildren are especially fond of.”
Life at North Bay Court for Jean and Peter is very busy and flies by in a blur of coffee mornings, leisurely lunches and golf trips. The couple, who are great fundraisers for the Alzheimer’s Society, also love to cruise the British coast in their Lexus convertible.
And when they can, they also enjoy escaping to their static caravan with a small garden at Jamies Cragg Holiday Park near Castle Howard in North Yorkshire.
Both Jean and Peter use new technology to stay in touch with members of their respective families.
“Having grandchildren most definitely keeps us young, and they’re always keeping us up-to-date with the latest trends and technology,” said Peter. “We regularly text family and friends or email them on our iPads to keep in touch. It’s great that even if we can’t see them all the time, we can catch-up in some form or another virtually every week.”
Whilst the couple live together at North Bay Court, Peter has kept his previous apartment, so their decision to move was less about downsizing, but more for security and peace of mind — knowing that if they wished to go away on holiday everything would be taken care of. “McCarthy & Stone has made the whole journey easy and stress-free”, Jean said.
[pullquote1 quotes=”true” align=”left” variation=”copper”]McCarthy & Stone has made the whole journey easy and stress-free[/pullquote1]
McCarthy & Stone Retirement Living developments offers one-and-two-bedroom apartments exclusively for the over 60s.
The properties are designed to offer homeowners the very best in independent living within a safe and secure environment, as well as the opportunity to benefit from companionship when you want it and privacy and assistance when you need it.
Retirement Living developments have an on-site House Manager, who will ensure the smooth running of the development, a secure entrance system, plus 24-hour emergency call points.
Karen Harrowell, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy & Stone Northern, said: “It’s an incredibly rewarding part of our job when we hear how happy our homeowners are.
“Retirement Living is the perfect solution for people like Jean and Peter. It offers those aged over 60 the independence of home ownership combined with the peace of mind of additional security and low maintenance, meaning they can spend more time with their family and friends.”
Peter and Jean feature in the McCarthy & Stone Colour Report, an insight into what retirement really looks like in the 21st century.
As the country’s leading retirement house builder McCarthy & Stone is challenging misconceptions about what retirement really means today. Click the image below to access a copy of this fascinating report.
For more information about McCarthy & Stone retirement properties please visit website.
