Marjorie Takes the Plunge

Marjorie Moss, a new resident at Grove Place, near Romsey, likes nothing better than taking an early morning swim in the private heated pool. A fit 84 year old, having been selected for Olympic training at a mere 11 years of age, Marjorie finds the spa and leisure facilities just one of the many benefits of moving into her bungalow at this award-winning retirement village.

“I am going for everything here,” comments former head teacher Marjorie, “I have joined a card group, like the flower arranging, enjoy film nights, and rarely miss Sunday lunch in the restaurant.” 

Marjorie, who hails from Liverpool, where for the last few years, she had enjoyed living in a spacious apartment, realised life was going to get more difficult, and lonely. After losing her second husband to illness, discovering most of her friends had given up driving, and with both of her own sons stationed abroad, made the decision to re-locate to be near to her stepson and his family who live in Winchester.

She chose a one bedroom bungalow, and since moving in before Christmas, has established a new circle of friends, which she regularly spends time with in the Grade 1 listed Manor House.  This Elizabethan mansion, which is located in the centre of the village, and just a couple of minutes stroll from Marjorie’s bungalow, is where many of the impressive facilities are located; billiard room, library, film and TV room, elegant sitting rooms with a help yourself coffee and tea station, meeting rooms for crafts and pastimes, a chef-run restaurant and cosy honesty bar. 
As Marjorie said, “When I feel like a bit of company, I pop over to the Manor House, or as I still drive, go and visit my stepson and his family in Winchester, but equally, they rather enjoy coming to me and having the full roast in our restaurant!” 

Adjacent to the mansion is the brand new purpose built health and leisure centre with Marjorie’s regular haunt, the indoor heated 15 x 5 metre swimming pool, along with relaxing Jacuzzi, fully equipped gym, hair salon, treatment room and registered nurse run care services. 

The majority of the properties have private outside terraces and balconies, with an individual private parking space close by, and residents have use of the beautiful grounds with gravel path walks, a sensory garden, and rural meadowland.

There are still a few 1 bedroom bungalows and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments ranging from £175,000-£499,999. All the properties are linked to a 24-hour care team, who will provide assistance at the push of a button.  

To attend the next Open Day, obtain a brochure, or make a private appointment to view one of the interior designed show homes and take a tour of the village, call Sue or Sally-Anne at Grove Place on 02380 743 595. www.groveplace.co.uk