We changed pace and found a NEW LIFE
‘A bonus of living by the sea is the uplift in our health’ Want to take things a bit slower? These women explain how switching from the fast lane gave them a new perspective
‘I went from staring in estate agents’ windows to living the dream’ Cathy Rentzenbrink, 46, had wanted to move for a long time but could she really uproot her family?
‘Iwas born in Cornwall and lived there until I was five, but when the tin mines closed, we moved to Yorkshire so Dad could get a job at Selby coalfield. Then, in 2000, my parents retired back to Falmouth and every time I visited them with my husband, Erwyn, and young son, Matt,
I’d think “why aren’t we living here, too?” It was such a beautiful place and we’d be able to afford a house rather than the flat we had in London.
Work was one reason for our city life, as both Erwyn and I had office jobs. But by 2017, I’d become a freelance writer and Erwyn started a business selling
stamps, which meant we could work anywhere. Yet we were still scared of uprooting, especially because Matt, then seven, was happy at school and had lots of friends. But then Dad got pneumonia and I went straight to be with him. It was a terrifying few days and even when he was on the mend, I didn’t want to leave. So, back in London, I asked Erwyn, “Why don’t we move to Cornwall?”
ALL CHANGE
Luckily, Erwyn was keen. He liked the idea of being near the sea and having more room for his business. Matt was upset to be leaving his friends, but two of his pals were also moving away, so that sweetened the pill. I’d always spent my visits to Falmouth staring in the estate agents’ windows. Finally, we found a lovely house up the road from the park I played in as a child. We even had sea views from our bedroom window. I already had an author friend who lived in Cornwall and she introduced me to new writer friends.
Now, two years on, we’re all loving our new life. An unexpected bonus is the uplift in our physical health. In London, we lived next to the M4. I never minded the noise and couldn’t see the pollution but, since our move, Matt’s nose no longer runs and Erwyn hardly needs to take the allergy medicine that was a daily dose in London. My skin is clearer and we are all fitter due to walking on the Cornish hills every day. Matt, now nine, has new friends, and he and his granddad have built a magnificent treehouse from salvaged wood in my parents’ garden.
SIMPLE PLEASURES
Life does feel slower, but in a good way. People are much less attached to their smartphones and the scenery is stunning. I run along the sea front and note the ever-changing colours of the sky depending on what’s happening with the weather. I love being with my parents, too – the simple pleasures of time spent together without the stress of having to travel to see them. They also give us so much support with Matt and even do all our gardening. I feel so lucky to be with the people I love in this tranquil spot.’