Strictly Our Story

Roni and Dennis Nightingale Smith originally met on the dance floor as members of the same dance school, where they were part of the ballroom formation team, dancing to the legendry Victor Sylvester and making regular appearances on BBC TV’s original Come Dancing. Roni and Dennis were then married to their respective partners and eventually retired from competitive dancing to focus on bringing up their children. Twenty seven years later, both sadly widowed, they re-met by returning to the same dance school. Subsequently the silver-toed couple started seeing each other and eventually hooked up to form their own partnership.

Today they are happily married and until recently, were living in Bournemouth. It was while they were on a mission helping to find a new home for a 93 year old friend of theirs, that they discovered Grove Place, which they thought was pretty much perfect for their aged, but very independent friend.

Roni continues the story,

“Once we had crossed the threshold of the Grove Place Manor House, Dennis and I looked at each other and thought, this is paradise! What are we doing, hanging onto our home in Bournemouth, when there are places like this where we can have less responsibility, and live in these fantastic surroundings. 

So we have rather beaten our friend to it, selling up Bournemouth and moving in here this year, and frankly, have not drawn breath since.” 

From day one, the outgoing couple embraced life at Grove Place, loving all the facilities, especially the swimming pool and the 23 acres of private grounds surrounding their apartment. 

Roni is also heavily involved in the Residents Committee, and enjoys helping to plan events both at Grove Place and outside the village. Last month she took part in the Romsey Town Summer Carnival, dressed up 1920’s style, following the parade in the Grove Place mini bus.  

And the 93 year old friend? Roni and Dennis are telling her to get a move on, she is missing all the fun!

Prospective 60 year plus residents can choose between a 1 bedroom bungalow and 1, 2 up to 3 bedroom apartments, ranging from £175,000- £499,999. All the properties are linked to the 24-hour care team, who will provide assistance at the push of a button. 

There are regular monthly Open Days at Grove Place, where all are welcome to tour the village and sample Grove Place hospitality.  

Call Sue on 023 8074 3595 for more information or to arrange your personal village tour, or browse the website www.groveplace.co.uk to learn more about Grove Place.