Moving house in your retirement years can be incredibly stressful, but having a team of experts on hand to help with the selling process can really take the worry out of downsizing.
For George and Ena Menarry it was the sales executives at Churchill Living’s Avonbank Lodge who showed them the help Churchill could offer to make their move from their two-bedroom bungalow in Tadley near Basingstoke as stress-free as possible.
Originally from the Liverpool docks area, George and Ena lived for a year in Widnes, before relocating to Tadley, where George worked for the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, and Ena was a nurse at Basingstoke Hospital.
George said: “In 1970 we joined a self-build group and built our own home in Basingstoke, where we lived until 1983. After our sons moved out of our home in Basingstoke, both to join the Armed Forces, we downsized to a two-bedroom bungalow. It was way out in the countryside, which was lovely at the time, but as we got older the remoteness and having to drive everywhere became a concern for us and we wanted to be closer to important amenities.
We liked Newbury and all it has to offer, so we centred our search round that area. When we saw the Churchill apartments we knew that was the best decision for us. The location is perfect; everything is so close by and it was such a big help having the team at Churchill on hand to help us with our move, that just topped it all off.
“They were able to recommend a reliable estate agent and solicitors, which took a lot of the stress and worry out of our move. Even more incredible was that our property sold on the first viewing, which made our move to Avonbank Lodge very quick and easy.”
Ena comments: “As soon as we walked in to Avonbank Lodge, I completely fell in love with it. George took a bit more time to get used to the idea of an apartment, but we both know now it was the right thing to do, and we did it at the right time for us. I’m still very involved with my groups back in Tadley - I’m an Elder at our church and I also help to run a mother and toddler group – so I keep busy during the week. Since we moved here, George has begun volunteering on the canal boats and locks- something that he really loves – and has also joined the Bowls Club at Victoria Park.”
George and Ena moved into the one-bedroom show apartment at Avonbank Lodge, meaning their new home came fully-furnished with flooring, curtains and light fittings.
Ena said: “I feel like I’m on holiday every day here. All of the events that go on in the Lodge are great. We enjoy organising the quizzes where we can take our own drinks and nibbles and every Tuesday we have a group meal in the Owners’ Lounge. We also love walking to the local canal to feed the ducks.
All in all, moving to Avonbank Lodge was the best thing we could’ve done. The advice Churchill gave us to help our move made the whole experience so easy and enjoyable, and we can now live without the worry of maintaining our home and garden.
Avonbank Lodge is located in the heart of Newbury town centre and comprises 59 private, self-contained apartments which boast spacious rooms throughout and have been considerately designed with the over 60s in mind.
The fully fitted, stylish kitchens include a built in fridge and freezer, hob and an oven, which is located at an easy-reach height. All of the properties benefit from easy-turn lever taps in both the kitchen and bathroom and illuminated light switches for added convenience. Owners also enjoy ultimate peace of mind from a fitted camera entry system for the highest level of security and a 24 hour emergency call system. The Lodge Manager will oversee the day-to-day running of the development.
With less to worry about, Owners will have more time to do the things they enjoy, including taking advantage of the host of other benefits which will be on offer including having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite, enjoying a chat with neighbours, or attending one of the many events, which will take place in the Owners’ Lounge.
For more information on Avonbank Lodge please call 01635 592 601 or click here.