Your House, Your Home Sandra's Journey to Retirement Living at The Sterling, Kaiapoi

If you ask Sandra what makes a house a home, she doesn’t hesitate: “A warm, inviting place where you can welcome friends and family.” Intentionally or not, Sandra has just described her villa at The Sterling Retirement Village in Kaiapoi.

Despite having only lived here for several months, Sandra’s place already feels like home. Tucked neatly away down a delightful laneway, Sandra’s villa is nestled spaciously between similar homes, filled with like-minded neighbours.

“The neighbours are so lovely,” exclaims Sandra. “I’ve got to know them very well. I see many of them when I’m out walking, or when I’m at yoga or singing. I walk my friend’s dog from up the road, most days. If I’m unwell, my neighbours drop things off for me. Everybody here is so supportive.”

This support is key for Sandra, who made the move into The Sterling, Kaiapoi Retirement Village on her own.

“Moving in to a retirement village was such a big decision and I honestly couldn’t get my head around it for quite a long time. I ummed and ahhed so much! But I kept coming back here to The Sterling. The staff were just so lovely every time I visited, and they never lost their patience with my indecision. I’m so glad I made the call and ended up where I am.”

Having come from a four-bedroom home with a large garden, there was a lot that Sandra had to sort through and decide on, but she says the process of down-sizing was actually very freeing. “You don’t need a lot of stuff when you live somewhere like The Sterling and it’s really nice to come to a smaller home and feel comfortable and warm. I brought all my favourite furniture with me and it’s slotted in here just perfectly.”

Around her furniture, Sandra has filled her spacious villa with meaningful mementoes, eye-catching art, beautiful soft furnishings and classy touches that emanate an innate sense of style. It’s spotlessly clean, delightfully plush and incredibly inviting; a reflection of Sandra herself who is a picture of modern elegance with her stylish outfit and flawless hair and makeup.

“I like decorating,” says Sandra. “And even though the colour scheme was selected before I arrived, I was able to put my own stamp on it to make it my home. I have a little garden that I potter in, and everything else is looked after for me. I don’t need to do any maintenance. It’s just fabulous.”

Despite freeing up a lot of time by leaving a large, high-maintenance home, Sandra has managed to keep her schedule full with yoga, singing, walking, reading, gardening and socialising with others at The Sterling. She also has a part-time job in nearby Kaiapoi, and frequently visits family just up the road in Christchurch.

Today, though, Sandra is staying put. She’s pondering switching on the fire and catching up on her reading with a cup of tea. She looks up and waves cheerily at someone walking past with their dog. Outside, the rain is sheeting down. Inside, it’s calm, quiet and warm. It’s home.

If, like Sandra, you like the sound of independent, connected retirement living give our friendly sales team a no-obligation call today on 0508 783 754 or explore thesterling.co.nz to discover everything we have to offer.