Friendship, companionship and location add up to the ideal move for an active retiree

When retired H.M. Inspector of Fire and Emergency Services. Harold Porter OBE, QFSM, was sadly widowed, it was time to move from his rural Warwickshire bungalow, to be nearer to his only daughter, who lived in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. 

Mr. Porter also wanted to ensure he could be as active as he had always been and could still retain his independence, both being major considerations wherever he moved.  He said his daughter kindly invited him to move with her and his son in law, but his desire for independence prevailed, saying he wanted to live near his daughter, but not with his daughter.  “We spent nearly three weeks exploring the area searching for a new acceptable lifestyle, making a search of all retirement villages and developments. We had a list of criteria, including local shops, transport facilities, social life in the area, dining out venues and we scored each out of 10. Steepleton came well on top of the list and happened to be closest to my daughter as well, a major bonus.” 

On site, Harold was impressed with the facilities such as the gym, the spa, the lovely on-site restaurant called The Barn, the superb residents lounge with its library, honesty bar, television and a bridge table.  “I was initially worried about having too much time on my hands, but in fact, moving into Steepleton proved to be the exact opposite.”  As well as the excellent indoor facilities, Harold enjoys the garden areas around which Steepleton is built.  The landscaped areas give a delightful rural feel to the development, which Harold can also enjoy from his large full-length windows in his apartment. 

Harold bought ‘off-plan’ and was therefore able to have some control over how his apartment was finished, choosing a two bed two bathroom apartment on the ground floor. “My en-suite bedroom has a nice secluded feel about it at the end of a short passageway, I use the second bedroom as my study, which adequately takes my desk, book shelves along one wall, a second desk for typing and copying and even a table for model building.  

Harold is delighted with the high quality finish in his apartment, particularly the high quality polished doors, the underfloor heating controlled in each room, which means there are no radiators taking up valuable wall space.  

Harold has now been in his apartment for getting on for two years and is still delighted with his decision. He says the community he found both on site and in Tetbury proved to be most welcoming and friendly. There is so much to keep him busy!  All the apartments are connected to an internal telephone network so it is easy to call up a neighbour for a quick morning coffee or just friendly chat. 

Mr. Porter explains he didn’t think moving into a retirement apartment would be so satisfying and adds: “moving into Steepleton was the ideal move for me, on my own but still very active. It has been wonderful to find many new friends and a busy new life, particularly among my fellow residents. Tetbury as a town and Steepleton as a residence has come up to my expectations and moving here was certainly the right decision.” 

 PegasusLife's Steepleton development sits in the heart of Tetbury offering a stunning collection of one and two bedroom homes, owners lounge, landscaped gardens, Wellness Spa complete with hydrotherapy pool and outdoor swim pond and The Barn restaurant with private dining room. For more details about Steepleton or to book a tour please call our sales team on 01666 848228 or email [email protected]