A fresh start
Living at a McCarthy Stone development has given Barbara and Stelios more opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors
If the secret to happiness is keeping busy, Barbara and Stelios have cracked it. Between their passion for travel, music and good company, the couple have a true zest for life – and it’s only grown stronger since moving to Portland Grange, a McCarthy Stone development in Leek, Staffordshire.
“I look at our apartment as a home within a house,” says Stelios. “We’ve got our own front door and we feel safe, plus we’re part of a thriving community. There’s even room for Barbara’s piano!”
“I’ve met a lady here who plays the organ and a gentleman who plays the piano. I’m really looking forward to singsongs in the communal lounge,” adds Barbara. Life well lived Portland Grange is just a stone’s throw from the Peak District, which is great news for this pair of nature lovers. “From here, it doesn’t take long to get to the Roaches, the last rocks in the Pennine chain,” explains Barbara. “It’s a beautiful place and we’re very lucky to have it on our doorstep.”
Barbara also enjoys the outdoor spaces within the development. “I’m part of a gardening club,” she says. “We recently had a competition to see who could grow the tallest sunflower!” As well as her horticultural undertakings, Barbara volunteers at the local theatre, while Stelios teaches backgammon and is a regular at the weekly coffee mornings.
In this tight-knit community of like-minded people, social events are commonplace, and have helped the couple make friends for life: “You’ll venture out and end up stopping to chat to five different people along the way,” laughs Stelios. “It’s such a welcoming environment.” Happy days Barbara and Stelios are extremely satisfied with their decision to move. “Some people mistakenly think this is a care home, but it couldn’t be more different. We go out such a lot and lead a really varied life,” they say. Looking forward, Stelios is excited to visit loved ones in Greece, and Barbara can’t wait for theatres and choirs to flourish again. “We’re here to relax, take it day by day and make the most of our free time,” she says – and no doubt, that will involve lots of adventure!
If, like Barbara and Stelios, you’re ready to begin a new, exciting chapter, you can buy or rent a one- or two-bedroom apartment at the Portland Grange development – or explore what’s available at the many other McCarthy Stone developments across the country.
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