Churchill Living has welcomed its first Owners to Astonia Lodge in Stevenage Old Town, where a thriving community is starting to take shape.
The age exclusive development on Pound Avenue has seen the first wave of Owners move into their brand new one and two bedroom apartments, including 69-year old Shirley Robinson who moved from her home in Borehamwood.
Shirley had lived in her home for 40 years when she decided to move to Stevenage to be closer to her family. She said: “I had been thinking of downsizing for a while. When my husband became ill we knew that our three-bedroom home had become too big for us to look after and that it would be better to move closer to our children who live in the area. When my husband passed away, I knew that a retirement development that offered an independent lifestyle but still with the assistance of a Lodge Manager was the perfect option for me.
“I bought a one-bedroom apartment after noticing the apartments when I was out for a drive one day. I have settled in wonderfully and everyone at the Lodge has been very friendly. I have made some lovely new friends and enjoy going for lunches with them or attending the weekly coffee mornings in the Owners’ Lounge.”
New Owner Doreen Smith moved into her new apartment eight weeks ago. She comments: “I just happened to spot an advert for the Lodge when I was on the bus one day and realised my husband and son used to enjoy playing snooker in the building that was previously on the site - I thought that was a lovely connection. I hadn’t really considered moving until then. I had lived in my home in Stevenage for almost 53 years, my daughter was even born there so my children were shocked when I told them that I was moving.
“I decided that downsizing was the right thing to do as I didn’t want the responsibility of looking after a big house on my own anymore. I’ve made a lot of friends here who are in a similar situation to me and have lost their husbands. We have a lovely community growing and I’m very happy here.”
Astonia Lodge is a collection of 38 purpose-built, privately-owned, retirement apartments for the over 60s. Each of the apartments have spacious rooms throughout and are an ideal combination of design and functionality. 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 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, a 24 hour emergency call system and a Lodge Manager.
Communal facilities include an Owners’ Lounge with a coffee bar, which Owners use for socialising and events, communal landscaped gardens, Guest Suite and Wellbeing Suite, providing hairdressing, beauty and treatment facilities within the Lodge.
Stevenage has a thriving and well-maintained town centre, with various amenities nearby including shops, restaurants, supermarket, doctor’s surgery, dentist and post office.
The show complex at Astonia Lodge is open daily, where 50% of the apartments have already been sold. To arrange a viewing or for further information, please call 01438 518 487.