When Trevor Worrell aged 67 years downsized to a one-bedroom flat in retirement development Marlowe Lodge in Croydon through My Future Living it feels like he has finally found a community where he belongs.
After taking early retirement aged 40 from his job as a technician officer for London Underground, Trevor stayed living in Clapham for many years so he could be close to his father and look after him.
Originally from St Andrew in Barbados, Trevor enjoyed living in Clapham as it was an easy commute to his job.
However, after 30 years, he felt it was time to slow life down and move to a smaller place which didn’t need so much maintenance and made the tough decision to relocate and rent an apartment in a retirement development in Croydon.
Being within an easy distance to Gatwick airport was important as he used to travel a lot to see family and friends in Barbados.
Trevor comments: “I don’t travel so much now since covid, but I am so happy here it suits me well. There are 24 of us at the development and we all know each other very well, which means there’s always a friendly face around and I feel like we’ve got our very own little community.”
In the summer months, the residents of Marlowe Lodge gather in the beautifully landscaped gardens, around the oversized table for drinks and use the lawn for games of croquet.
As a single man, Trevor enjoys the company of the other residents. He says, “There’s always something going on and I never feel like I live here on my own. We have film night and fish and chip night in the communal lounge every Friday.”
Trevor enjoys the benefits of an assured tenancy through My Future Living which gives him peace of mind as he has protection from eviction and can stay in his home for as long as he wishes (providing he sticks to the terms of his tenancy). Plus the freedom to give the required notice and leave at any time if he wants to.
Trevor says he’s got everything he needs nearby: “There’s a doctor’s surgery next door, a barbers two doors down and the local supermarket is just opposite. I don’t need to venture far but there’s a bus stop close by which is handy when I want to go out for the day and visit my social club in Clapham, where I am still a member”
Trevor adds: “I don’t have any plans to leave Marlowe Lodge as I feel happy and settled. This place ticks every box for me plus I feel like I have my friends around me and the communal lounge is a lovely welcoming place to sit and chat to whoever is passing. “
To find out more about renting a home in a retirement development visit: www.myfutureliving.co.uk
