Planning Ahead For A Perfect ‘Forever Home’

The power of foresight helped a retired couple when choosing their forever home in the beautiful location of Ringwood.

Keith Sleeman (71) and Sue Neal (68) dreamed of downsizing to a bungalow after a series of health problems led to the couple putting their three-bedroom Christchurch home on the market. After suffering from a heart attack in 2013, it soon became clear that having an upstairs bathroom and no downstairs facilities was no longer suitable for retired Keith, who struggled to use the stairs.

A search around the Dorset area led the couple to New Forest Glades – a picturesque bungalow development from RoyaleLife, a leading bungalow provider for the over-45s. Set near the picturesque village of Hurn, just five miles north of the bustling coastal town of Christchurch, New Forest Glades offers a safe and welcoming community with modern, fully furnished bungalows.

After falling in love with a two-bedroom bungalow, Keith and Sue accelerated their housebuying process using RoyaleLife’s innovative 100% Home Part Exchange scheme.

It was only after their successful move and while happily settled in their new home however, that the true benefit of buying a RoyaleLife bungalow came to light. Keith explains: “We were the fifth residents to ever move in, and we soon got to know people easily and made some fantastic friends. Not long after moving in, I unfortunately had a second heart attack and the community rallied around me to, not only support myself, but also Sue. I can’t walk or do DIY as much as I used to and our neighbours are always on hand to help – it’s how life should be.”

Sue added: “The help we received when Keith was unwell was incredible. Even the staff at RoyaleLife couldn’t do enough for us. For example, there was a time when Keith was particularly unwell and collapsed outside our home. One of the builders who was working on the development’s leisure facilities rushed over and helped him to safety. We were so thankful for his kindness.”

A former carer, Sue has also played a huge role in New Forest Glades’ close-knit community and is often seen helping out a disabled neighbour with odd jobs and by delivering home cooked meals. Other neighbours also lend a hand to walk her dog around the development’s pet-friendly pathways.

Keith said: “This was our last move – and it had to be right. Without the help of the New Forest Glades staff and the warm welcome from the RoyaleLife community, we wouldn’t be where we are today. It has truly been a wonderful experience.”

Robert Bull, CEO of RoyaleLife said: “For many residents, making the decision to start afresh and move somewhere completely new can be a daunting experience. However, the community spirit at RoyaleLife developments is truly incredible to see. There is a huge outpouring of support between households which optimises the core message of why we build RoyaleLife communities.

“We are thrilled that Keith and Sue have settled in so well and hope they have many happy years at New Forest Glades.”

New Forest Glades is showcasing its latest bungalows for sale at an open weekend on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 February. Find out more at [email protected].

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