Sometimes the most life-changing decisions happen by accident, for many people in their 60s and beyond, those unexpected turns can open the door to a brand-new chapter, and for Hilary and Spencer Francis, that’s exactly how their journey to Churchill Living’s Thackeray Lodge began. Moving home wasn’t something they were considering, but a chance encounter with Lodge Manager Mandy, and a simple invitation for a cup of coffee, set in motion a chain of events that have led them to their dream apartment.
Thackeray Lodge sat on the pair’s usual walking route. Whilst passing one day they noticed the Lodge Manager, Mandy, tidying up the garden and struck up a conversation, “We had watched the Lodge being built from the word go. Every day we’d pass by, but we never imagined we’d end up living here. Mandy only invited us in for a coffee, but it turned out to be the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had.”
The warmth of the community instantly stood out. Mandy welcomed them into the Owners’ Lounge where several Owners were gathered, “We sat down, had a coffee, and people just started talking to us.” Says Mrs Francis, “Straight away, we felt included. We bonded with them instantly, some even had a Naval background like me, it was just such a lovely, welcoming atmosphere.”
A few days later the couple returned for another look, this time with their daughter. “Our daughter helped us find our Bungalow that we were living in at the time, but as soon as I walked into that apartment I thought… this is mine.”
“I fell in love with it instantly. We loved our bungalow, but I just knew in my heart that this was where we were meant to be.”
Within a week, the paperwork was signed, and the couple were set to be moving in, “Everything about the move felt so easy, and it all just seemed to fall into place. It was almost like it was just meant to be.” As they settled into their new home, they were able to enjoy everything the Lodge has to offer.
Today, the couple embrace everything from coffee mornings, afternoon teas and the ever-popular monthly fish and chip suppers.
They said, “This is exactly the kind of community we wanted. There’s never any pressure to join in, but we always want to. We’ve now got people to talk to, have a cup of tea with, and we’ve made friends who really make us feel part of something.”
For Hilary, her terrace has become a favourite spot, offering views across to the Spinnaker Tower and the Isle of Wight, “I sit out there all the time. Even on not-so-lovely days, I have my bit of fresh air. It’s honestly amazing. You can see everything that is going on!”
Central to their experience has also been the role of Lodge Manager Mandy, whose care and presence has been a constant reassurance for Mr and Mrs Francis. “As we’ve gotten to know Mandy, we have realised what a truly wonderful person she is. There is not a bad thing to say about her. She checks in, makes sure you’re alright, and that was a big part of the appeal for us. We would never have moved here if it wasn’t for her.” For the couple, that chance encounter in the garden has led to not only a new home, but a new way of life.
Reflecting on their journey, they are certain they made the right choice. “We’ll never move again, this is our forever home,” they agree. “Everything here has been so well thought out, even down to the taps and the shower height. It feels perfect. We would never have come here if it wasn’t for Mandy inviting us in that day. And to think, it all started with one cup of coffee.”