When Lynne first considered moving into a retirement village, she never imagined it would be the right fit for her. Having lived in a large four-bedroom, multi-level home with extensive gardens, she was searching for a way to downsize but found herself still looking at houses with double garages and space for a shed. It wasn’t until she visited Oak Tree Cardiff—almost by accident—that she began to rethink everything!
“I had always thought, ‘No, I’m not the sort of person to move into a retirement village,’” Lynne admits. “I never even considered it. I thought it wasn’t for me because I like my own company, and I’ve never been bored in my life. But then I attended a meeting here, and it really made me stop and think—why was I so against it?”
By December 20, 2023, she had begun looking into it seriously, realising that everything about Oak Tree suited her situation. Lynne was initially drawn to the independence and privacy the village offered. “Everything here is completely flat—not a step in the whole place—which is perfect for me,” she explains. “And I have my little dog, Angela, who has settled in beautifully. She knows where all the other dogs live and makes sure to leave her scent behind every time she walks by!”
Her move happened quickly. From first considering Oak Tree in December, she received the keys to her new home on February 23rd and officially moved in on March 4th. “It all happened so fast, and it surprised everyone who knew me. But to tell you the truth—it was the best thing I ever did.”
Since moving in, Lynne has found a wonderful balance between social engagement and personal space. “There are always people around, but no one is intrusive. If I need help, someone is always there. For example, the first week I moved in, I had trouble getting my car into the garage because I was used to a double garage with big doors. My neighbour Pat across the road noticed and came over to help. Every time I pulled up, he was there, making sure I was okay. Another neighbour even takes my bottles and cans to the recycling bins for me – something I never liked doing myself.”
Lynne has also embraced the activities available in the village. “I go to exercise sessions every morning, which is something no one ever expected from me! It’s a great way to start the day and gets me out of bed. Angela comes along and watches—she’s happy as long as we’re all moving!”
While she enjoys her independence, Lynne appreciates the community events and social gatherings. “I go to the monthly birthday lunches and occasionally to happy hour, about once a week. I like that I can join in as much or as little as I want. It’s perfect for someone like me who enjoys company but isn’t overly social.”
Lynne particularly loves the size and layout of the village. “With only 56 houses, it’s small enough that you know everyone, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s completely flat, so it’s easy to walk around, and because we have individual villas, we all have our privacy. If someone ever needs help, there’s always someone around to lend a hand.”
Lynne also appreciates the peace of mind and comfort that comes with knowing your neighbours and being surrounded by people at a similar stage of life. “If I had bought another house, I wouldn’t have known anyone on my street, and would have been living in an empty neighbourhood during the day. Here, there’s always someone around, which is reassuring.”
Reflecting on her decision, Lynne couldn’t be happier. “I’m really loving it here. The people are kind, the environment is welcoming, and it’s a place where you can be as involved or as private as you like. Moving to Oak Tree Cardiff was absolutely the right decision for me and Angela!”