89-year-old Norbert Reynolds has waited a long time to enjoy a life of leisure on the Cornish coast, and since finally getting the keys to his brand new apartment at Churchill’s Perran Lodge in Newquay, he feels that life couldn’t be better.
When Norbert and his wife Ruby spent their honeymoon in Newquay almost exactly 65 years ago, they fell in love with the area and have been back countless times since. More recently, looking to relocate from their native Blackpool to enjoy an active retirement by the sea, and attracted by the idea of low maintenance living in a Churchill apartment, they visited Churchill’s Cornish developments in both Truro and Penzance. “We liked them both,” explains Norbert. “But they weren’t Newquay! We were holding out as we knew we wanted to be here, so when we heard a new development was coming to Narrowcliff we couldn’t believe our luck.”
However unfortunately fate had other ideas and devastatingly for Norbert, Ruby sadly passed away before the construction of Perran Lodge had been completed. Norbert took some time to come to terms with this, and then bravely decided that the right thing to do would be to press on with the move and bring his memories of Ruby with him, as she had insisted he should do.
“I knew it was the right thing to do, and it’s what she wanted,” he explains.
Sandi and the Churchill team were all so helpful and supportive. Once I’d made the decision I just wanted to be here, so I never even viewed the apartment, I just looked at the plans and photos and said I wanted one on the top floor with a beautiful sea view from the balcony. Churchill’s Home Exchange service gave me a guaranteed cash buyer for my old place which helped everything go smoothly, so the whole process was done in a matter of weeks. I trusted the Churchill team completely and they did not disappoint – and when moving day finally arrived, wow!
As well as enjoying the sea views from his new apartment, Norbert loves hopping on the bus at the stop directly opposite Perran Lodge, and travelling all over Cornwall. “I may be the oldest Owner here, but I like to keep myself active,” he says. “I go to Truro quite often and visit Cheryl the Lodge Manager at Tregolls Lodge. It’s easy to get anywhere I want to on the bus, and I’ve enjoyed visiting Tintagel, Mousehole, Port Isaac and the other beautiful places Cornwall has to offer. Everyone is so friendly and even the bus driver is getting to know me quite well!”
For Norbert the beauty of life with Churchill is that he can be on his own, but not alone. “Moving here is the best thing I’ve ever done, it’s like living in a five star hotel. Sometimes I almost feel a tinge of guilt that I’m so happy. I’m out and about every day making friends and meeting new people, it’s been just what I needed and it all suits me down to the ground.”
About Perran Lodge
Perran Lodge comprises 48 one and two bedroom privately owned, self-contained apartments specially designed for the over 60s. Offering quality retirement accommodation and safe and independent living, the development is in a convenient location close to local shops and amenities.
The development enjoys spectacular views across The Barrowfields and further along the coast to Lusty Glaze. Many apartments feature private balconies to really take advantage of the enviable location. All properties have spacious rooms throughout and an ideal combination of design and functionality. 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.
With less to worry about, Owners at Perran Lodge have more time to do the things they enjoy, including taking advantage of the host of other benefits including having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite, enjoying a chat with neighbours, attending one of the many events in the Owners’ Lounge or enjoying a spot of pampering in the on-site Wellbeing Suite.
For more information about the apartments and lifestyle on offer at Perran Lodge, please call 0800 458 1856 or click here.