Sonia’s not the retiring type

Sonia Harle bought a McCarthy & Stone retirement apartment at Reynard Court in Foxley Lane, Purley, for an easier way of life, despite the fact that she is still working two days a week.

Miss Harle, 63, is a former paediatric nurse who was working at Great Ormond Street Hospital when the first separation of Siamese twins took place 18 years ago. She still works part time because she believes it keeps her mentally alert.

Miss Harle said: "You don’t have to be retired to live in a McCarthy & Stone retirement development - in my case it would be more accurate to describe Reynard Court as ‘age-exclusive’. I find that this type of housing fits in very well with my life because it gives me a combination of security and independence. I can get on with my life but there’s support if I need it.

"Some people think that retirement developments are a kind of old folks’ home where we’re all cut off from the world but that’s not the case at all."

Reynard Court is a development of one- and two-bedroom apartments, specially designed for people of 60 and over with shared facilities including a laundry room, a guest suite and a landscaped garden. A resident house manager oversees the running of Reynard Court and is a friend and neighbour to the residents.

Each apartment is connected to video surveillance at the main entrance, enabling residents to check who’s outside, using their own TV sets, before they let visitors in. For personal security, there is a 24-hour Careline system installed in each apartment.
Miss Harle said: "There are several reasons I made the move to Reynard Court. I have back problems and couldn’t cope with the stairs in my old house in Norwood and at Reynard Court there is a lift to all floors; I wanted to move while I was still young enough to move easily; all my friends live centrally in London so I wanted somewhere central with good public transport links; and I was also influenced by people I know who live in McCarthy & Stone developments and recommended the company to me."

She values her independence but also enjoys the community spirit at Reynard Court.

She said: "I’ve only been here six months but I feel as if I’ve been here forever. I feel completely at home. If I’m here I can go down for tea or coffee in the lounge. Reynard Court is a very friendly place."

Apartments at Reynard Court are priced from £184,950.

For further information, visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk.