When Wendy moved to Eddington Lodge two years ago, it wasn't because she was ready to slow down. In fact, it was quite the opposite.
Having previously lived in a rural property, Wendy found herself thinking ahead after experiencing a couple of winters where she felt isolated and cut off from her local community. Familiar with retirement living through her property background, she visited Eddington Lodge during an Open Day, initially with no intention of moving.
"Like everybody else, I said I was just looking for the future, just window shopping," she laughs. "But then I started thinking that if you're going to do it, you need to do it sooner rather than later."
After deciding to put her home on the market, events moved quickly.
"I thought it would take ages to sell my house, but it sold within two weeks," says Wendy. "I was lucky with my apartment too as it's one of the best positions in the Lodge. Everything just seemed to fall into place."
Now settled into life at Eddington Lodge, Wendy describes the move as transformative.
"It's the best thing I've ever done," she says. "My lifestyle hasn't been limited at all. In fact, it's much more convenient than it was before."
An avid skier, walker and traveller, Wendy continues to embrace adventure. She skis three times a year, enjoys walking holidays and has even climbed an active volcano in the Aeolian Islands. Closer to home, she takes part in jazz and ballroom dancing and has recently discovered a passion for singing, joining both a local rock group and a choral choir.
"I'd danced all my life but I'd never sung before," she explains. "Now I'm in a choir, which I never, ever thought I was capable of."
The move to Eddington Lodge has also given Wendy the freedom to enjoy her busy social life without the worries that came with living alone in a rural location. Whether she's returning from an evening dance class or planning her next adventure, she knows she's coming home to a safe, secure and welcoming community. Her beloved whippet, Barney, has settled in just as well and is a firm favourite among fellow residents.
At 80 years old this year, Wendy believes staying active is key.
"You're only as old as you feel," she says. "I always say I'll stop skiing when I get scared, but I'm not scared yet."
Alongside her busy social calendar outside the Lodge, Wendy has become a familiar face within the Eddington Lodge community. Owners regularly come together for social events and Wendy helps organise a monthly Sunday roast where neighbours share cooking duties and enjoy spending time together.
"Everybody here is very, very friendly," she says. "We're all friends and it's great. The community is wonderful."
For Wendy, one of the biggest benefits of moving has been the freedom from maintaining a larger property, while still enjoying independence and peace of mind.
"When you think about all the costs and responsibilities of running a house, it really makes sense," she says. "You have the security and convenience and you can spend your time doing the things you enjoy."
Looking back, Wendy has one piece of advice for anyone considering retirement living.
"I keep telling people: don't wait until it's too late," she says. "Make the move while you can really enjoy it!"
