Retirement living with Girlings - what it has meant to us Retirement living with Girlings - what it has meant to us
03/11/2006
Our customers' testimonials …
Margaret Rose James
When Margaret Rose James (61) a Taunton based antiques dealer retired in 1991 she dreamed of downsizing and buying a small retirement property with her partner Mervyn in Portsmouth, near her elderly mother.
However, the cost of a new retirement home at the peak of the market and the expense of moving, made this option unfeasible and the couple were forced to consider alternative options. But the couple soon learnt about a more financially viable way of securing their dream - renting through Girlings Retirement Options Limited.
Luckily for Margaret and Mervyn, Girlings had availability in Portsmouth. They viewed a number of apartments in Charles Dickens Court, a period property located in the heart of a charming, historic Conservation area, and quickly decided it was the place for them.
Conveniently located within walking distance of the post office, supermarket and local amenities, the development offered secure, purpose-built accommodation for the independent and active over-55’s. It also had a communal lounge and garden, a laundry, a lift, a live-in house manager and a 24-hour Careline.
In April 1991, they moved in and five years later they married. The newlyweds lived very happily in their Girlings property for a further nine years, until Mervyn died last year.
Margaret has however, remained in the property, where she has many friends who have helped her through difficult times and she continues to lead an active social life. She is grateful both for the security of tenure renting with Girlings offers and for the wonderful group of people she has met.
Margaret said, “When Mervyn and I looked for our first home together, we wanted somewhere lovely to settle down. Charles Dickens Court met all our expectations. Everyone lives independently; however, we have a house manager on site that is always available to help if we need him.”
“Financially, I am also better off now as all my maintenance costs are covered in my rent and I have the security and peace of mind that I can stay here for life. Since moving here, I have been really active and I enjoy walks and browsing at antiques shows. I’m very happy here.”
Annette and Alan Paxton
When bowling fanatics Annette (59 years old) and Alan Paxton (77 years old) decided to sell their Park Home on Exmoor to downsize to smaller property, they
thought the only option available was to buy a purpose built retirement home.
They just didn’t realise they could rent their dream retirement home right in the middle of Exeter, Devon, enjoy greater financial security and have security of tenure for life.
The Paxtons initially looked to buy a new retirement property, but with the property market at its peak, the prices were too high. They then investigated shared ownership schemes but considered them too great a financial risk.
Whilst viewing properties at Homecourt House, a smart retirement development in the centre of Exeter, the House Manager mentioned another option – renting an apartment at Homecourt through Girlings Retirement.
The assured tenancy renting aspect was very attractive to the Paxtons as they could be certain they could remain in the same property for life if they chose to do so.
Alan said: “We weighed up all our different options and decided that renting
made the most sense financially. We were able to sell our Park Home and release our capital. By choosing to rent, it meant that we didn’t have to take on another mortgage at our stage in life. Renting is such a good option for us, as all our needs are managed.
"The property is in a secure development, it has every thing we need. We have a House Manager looking after the development and there is an alarm in each room should anything go wrong, and if any repairs are needed the costs are covered by Girlings. We have nothing to worry about. It's a completely stress free way of living."
However, not only are the Paxtons financially better off having sold their house and released capital; they are in a more convenient location in the heart of Exeter, which is ideal for transport, shops and leisure activities. And as regulars on the bowls circuit, this is proving hugely beneficial.
The Paxtons have also taken advantage of the fact that they can stay at Girlings’ properties throughout the UK. They travel extensively to watch their son Robert compete in national bowls tournaments located in different regions. The option to stay at other Girlings’ UK properties is proving highly cost effective and convenient. Alan and Annette have enjoyed the renting experience so much, and they have also convinced their good friends to rent a property in the same development.
"This," they say, "is the best property decision we have ever made."
Margaret Duncan
Margaret Duncan (76) originally from Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire was a dress-maker by profession before retiring in 1994. Margaret and her late husband had always planned to downsize from their three bedroom house and buy a smaller retirement property in Falkirk.
However, after her husband passed away, this option was no longer financially viable. But twelve years on, Margaret is living in Falkirk where she has found a more financially suitable living arrangement. She is renting a beautiful two bedroom apartment situated in the heart of Falkirk, through Girlings Retirement Options, safe in the knowledge that she has security of tenure for life.
Margaret first moved from her marital home in Cumbernauld in 1989 and rented an apartment independently on the top floor of a high rise apartment overlooking Callendar Park in Falkirk.
Shortly after moving in, she developed arthritis and because her flat was situated on the top floor of the development with inadequate lift facilities, it became difficult for her to climb the stairs. It was soon apparent that she needed to relocate to more suitable accommodation.
Margaret not only took the opportunity to find accommodation that was more suited to her needs, but also that offered greater financial security. Whilst investigating her options, she learnt about Girlings’ assured tenancy retirement properties situated in nearby Newcarron Court. Margaret was immediately attracted by the fact that renting on an assured tenancy meant that she would have a property for life if she chose.
Newcarron Court is a modern, purpose built development of 28 apartments conveniently located a few minutes drive from Falkirk town centre. The development offers secure purpose- built accommodation for the over 55s who are independent and agile. As well as communal living areas which include a lounge, gardens and laundry facilities, there is an on-site house manager who visits daily and looks after the site and the tenants. Maintenance costs, ground rent and electricity are included in the fixed monthly rental costs and there is 24 hour emergency Careline in every apartment.
Margaret said, “I loved the apartments at Newcarron Court immediately. My daughter had misgivings about me moving into what she thought was a home for the elderly, but this couldn’t be further from reality. The apartments are completely modern and everyone lives independently.
The fact that they are purpose-built with everything in reach, including plug sockets and light fittings is a huge benefit to me as an arthritis sufferer. There are also lifts to every floor, which has enabled me to move from my ground floor apartment to the top and I now enjoy wonderful views again.”
“I have no worries about my financial situation now as all my costs are covered in my rent and I have the certainty that I have tenancy for life. Since moving here, I have become more active - not less. Until my health problems increased I enjoyed a great social life within our Newcarron community, organising and participating in various events and although I can no longer arrange such demanding activities as charity walkathons, I do still go swimming every day. Our house manager Ian Smith is always around to check if I need anything. I am very happy here which is why I have stayed for eleven years!"
To find out more about Girlings Retirement Options Ltd, contact:
Girlings Retirement Options Ltd, Glanville House, Frobisher Way, Taunton TA2 6BB.
For rental enquiries call freephone: 0800 525 184
And for all other enquiries call: 01823 346800
Or visit the link below