"For the first time in 24 years, I truly feel as if I’ve retired"

For Chris and Jane Sherlock, the thought of moving to a later-living community was never something that was actively discussed and for Jane in particular, the thought of a retirement community wasn’t something she would have considered. Whilst discussing the potential of moving over a family Christmas dinner, the subject of Lichfield Bonds quickly became a conversation topic. Though this nearly caused Jane to choke on her food, such were her reservations - six months later they were settling into their new Pegasus home.

Well-versed in moving home owing to Chris’ career, the idea of leaving their four-bedroom detached house in a nearby cul-de-sac was not intimidating to Chris; it was wife Jane who needed convincing. “All too often people making a move at this later stage of life is down to a negative trigger,” Jane explains, “but any move we made had to be of our choosing, not because we were pressured to. We wanted that element of choice.”

“We’d never lived somewhere like this before. It was a real leap of faith and really quite daunting. However after our first viewing to Lichfield Bonds I was convinced and I think my first words to Chris after we left were ‘let’s get a deposit down today - get the house on the market!’”

In the lead up to their move, Jane and Chris came along to a few of the community events hosted by the Pegasus Homes team. This way they were able to meet other residents and get a feel for life at Lichfield Bonds.

“Where we lived previously, you could go entire days without seeing anyone,” says Chris. Jane adds: “Living in Lichfield Bonds you’re part of a community, in an ideal location.”

Beyond Lichfield Bonds, you’ll find Stowe Pool on one side of the community and the city centre on the other - both within walking distance. “An early morning walk around the pool as the mist rises off the lake, with the cathedral in the background, is worth seeing.” says Chris. “For the first time in 24 years, I truly feel as if I’ve retired.”

Like many people, Jane in particular had a particular preconception of what a later-living community might be like - conjuring up pictures of a nursing home. What she found here at Lichfield Bonds is totally different.

“Everyone here is friendly and put a lot of effort into making newcomers feel welcome, which is supported by the excellent in-house team. There are various events and activities hosted by the team which you can opt in or our of, depending on your preference. People look out for each other but otherwise go about their daily lives much as they please. There is a good atmosphere and it feels like a happy place to live.”

A word of advice from Chris when considering moving to a later living community - “Keep an open mind and you’ll never go far wrong.

And be careful what you discuss over Christmas Dinner as you never know where it will lead!”

Homes at Lichfield Bonds are available to purchase from £315,000.

www.pegasushomes.co.uk/lichfield-bonds
01543 657260
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