Enjoying The Stability And Social Aspect Of Age-Exclusive Living

Avril, 75, and Barry Druce, 70, moved to an apartment at the Platinum Skies Sherborne community off Horsecastles Lane after Avril suffered a stroke.

Circumstances led them to downsize from their house and move to a home where they don’t need to use stairs. They had previously lived in France for 20 years but returned to Dorset to be closer to their family, and looked for a place that would give them the opportunity to make friends, which they have found with Platinum Skies.

Avril said: “In our last house we began to think ‘Hang on. Maybe this isn’t our forever home.’ We saw that Sherborne offered independent-living and when we arrived, the building caught my eye as I love architecture. We also liked the concept of community living because we knew that there would always be people around if you want to find company or you can leave it if you want to be alone.

“We have made some lovely friends already since we moved in and it’s nice because people do help each other. After living in France for 20 years, we’ve been back in the UK for nearly six years, but we never felt settled in our last home. Since moving to Sherborne, that unsettled feeling has gone. It’s amazing here and we are both extremely happy.”

The Sherborne community is supported by the dedicated onsite community managers who help to organise and facilitate a host of activities including live music events, crafts, coffee mornings, talks, quizzes, and Pilates.

Avril added: “Our generation lived through the 50s, 60s and 70s, and we don’t want to be sat in a chair at the edge of a room in an old folks’ home. We still want to live life and have a laugh and a joke, so independent living works brilliantly for us.”

The Platinum Skies Sherborne independent-living village features one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in Mulberry House, and neighbouring two- and three-bedroom houses in Canon Woods Close. As well as a bistro and bar, communal facilities including an activity room, treatment room, and homeowners’ lounge.

Homes are available to buy in the Sherborne over-55s community from £130,000 with the Platinum Skies Shared Ownership option. Find out more at Platinumskies.co.uk..

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