Knowing he wanted to be part of a community, but with lockdown and travel restrictions in place, Mr Kelly shares his experience of finding his new property in a virtual world and gives an insight into owner life at Audley Ellerslie.
"I’d moved to a Somerset village to be closer to my grandchildren in North Devon, but my son's busy family life meant that I didn't see them as much as I would have liked.
I was living in a very small village on my own, with just a few houses and families with young children. I became lonely and this was exacerbated by the Covid-19 lockdown.
I wanted to be part of a community and needed to move to make that happen. I did extensive searches and made reservations in the absence of not being able to travel, due to Covid restrictions."
"That's when I found Audley Ellerslie – I met Rachael, the sales manager, and knew it would be the right place for me. It ticked all the boxes as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, a conservation area and the village sitting within period buildings. Furthermore, I would be moving closer to my sister.
Rachael made me a personalised, virtual tour of the village and apartment. Nothing was too much trouble and she answered a tsunami of my questions. She also found out details of the local cycling club for me.
She knew that I didn’t know a soul at the village and before I had even moved in, she put me in touch with another prospective new owner. We had many shared interests and were fellow Rotarians in different clubs.
He introduced me to The Malvern Rotary Club. Now, we’re on Zoom with the Rotary club or the investment club. Coincidentally, he lives just a floor below me in the main house.
He has become a great friend. We see each other most days, to have a coffee or eat dinner in the restaurant. We both have a love of travel and talk about where is next on the list. In the meantime, I enjoy getting out on the Malvern hills on my bike, on a solo or club ride. Walking on the Malvern Hills is another great bonus, as well as the short walk into town.
The community at Audley Ellerslie is very strong and there is a great ambience at the coffee mornings or dinner. Plus, the use of the gym and pool is great for maintaining fitness.
I really feel for people that have been affected by Covid. Loneliness can affect your mental health, happiness and life expectancy. I feel that retirement should be enjoyed, and not a lonely existence.
Moving to Audley was a good move, and my only regret is that I did not do it earlier."
There are many benefits to living at an Audley retirement village, read more experiences from our owners on Audley Stories.
We're here to help 7 days a week. Book an appointment to visit an Audley village, safely and at your convenience. In line with government guidance, our sales offices will remain open for private appointments during the lockdown period.
