Meet Becky Francis: Our Cranleigh Coves Lifehost

Lifehosts are an integral part of our communities, bringing our homeowners and tenants together to make the most of independent later living.

For this instalment in our ‘Meet the Lifehost’ series, we speak to Becky Francis, our newest Lifehost at our brand new Renaissance Cranleigh Coves community.

Cranleigh Coves recently opened its doors and Becky has been there since the beginning, welcoming homeowners and tenants to their new homes in the community.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to be a Lifehost?

I was a self-employed corporate flight attendant for 28 years, working on many different private aircraft based all over the world. After that, I wanted a quieter job in the country, near to home so took the position of Host at the main restaurant on the Goodwood Estate. After my stint at Goodwood, I was fortunate enough to be employed by Shanly Homes in Sales and from there I joined the Renaissance Sales team in Haywards Heath and later Rustington communities. I then took the opportunity to focus on my own building project but always knew that I wanted to come back to Renaissance. So when I heard about Renaissance Cranleigh Coves I applied for the role of Lifehost. 

How would you describe Renaissance Cranleigh Coves?

The building has a lovely comfortable feeling. Having worked across other Renaissance communities in previous years, it's apparent that the company really has listened to homeowners feedback and wishes and this development is the result. It is a privilege to work here. I’m fairly local to Cranleigh, so I chose it originally for the location, since then I’ve rediscovered this beautiful area, it’s just gorgeous. Cranleigh Coves has a great atmosphere, it’s friendly, ambient and very homely. 

What’s the community like so far?

We currently have five homeowners that have moved in, two couples and one lady and we have another couple and their sister in-law moving in to one of the chalet bungalows and another apartment at the end of this week. Coffee mornings have been going really well already, and we’ve had homeowners that haven’t moved in yet attending them which is lovely to see. 

What are your plans for the community?

Getting into the Summer, I definitely want to start organising events and activities outside on the patio. This week, depending on the weather, I’m thinking of hosting our coffee morning outside in the garden and using the lovely outdoor furniture. Once more of the homeowners have moved in, I’m also really looking forward to organising a few prosecco evenings.

Lots of people are moving in over the next couple of months, the next lady to move in is renting and bringing along her lovely dog! Once we have more people living here, and the community grows, l will be able to organise interesting events. Already, one of the homeowners here has mentioned that he’s looking forward to hosting events in the communal lounge for the community! 

Do you have any recommendations for things to do in Cranleigh?

I live 20 miles away, but I used to live just down the road, so I know the area well. There’s so much on in Cranleigh, and lots for later living. The U3A here is very active and there’s a swimming pool in the leisure centre which offers aqua classes for over 60s. It’s the biggest village in the UK and it's geared very much towards the arts and artistry; we have the Cranleigh Arts Centre which has a cinema and is just a short walk from the community. There’s also fantastic walks around here, it’s a bus ride from Guildford and Horsham and there’s great pubs with good places to eat. Everything you could possibly want is here.

What are you most excited for in your role?

I’m looking forward to creating a friendly atmosphere here and getting to know the homeowners more. I really love my job and I know going forward this is going to be a great community! I’m definitely looking forward to organising and being a part of the community events, spending time with the homeowners and keeping this building running smoothly.

Renaissance Cranleigh Coves offers those who live there a sociable and independent lifestyle in the heart of one of England’s biggest villages.

With only a handful of apartments remaining contact our friendly team today to book your tour! Call us on 01483 319 034 or email [email protected]