CASE STUDY – MANDY LEWIS

A widow from Kent has been offered a fresh start in life after leaving her home of 50 years to lay roots at a Reculver bungalow development

Mandy Lewis, a grandmother of eight from Herne Bay, had lived on the same street in the picturesque seaside town since moving there with her parents in 1970, and then choosing to buy a home with her husband, Graham, just down the road at the age of 19.

However, after many happy years of marriage, Mandy was suddenly faced with a new chapter in life after being diagnosed with cancer in 2015, followed by the death of her husband in 2018, and later, the death of her beloved father in 2020.

“After living on the same road for 50 years, I felt that the time had come to make a change. With that in mind, my sights were soon drawn to RoyaleLife’s Reculver Court, less than two miles away,” said Mandy.

“I had first heard of the development after my friend moved in three years ago, and I even considered moving there with my husband. With us both in work however, we felt the time just wasn’t right. It was after his passing that my friend urged me to visit – and the rest is history.”

After retiring from her 29-year-role as a health care worker, Mandy visited Reculver Court, a luxury bungalow development for the over 45s, before the nation was plunged into its first lockdown.

Hoping for a good community feel, Mandy was pleased to discover that the development not only had its own coffee lounge, but also a swimming pool and tea gardens.

Mandy said: “The location was fantastic. Being by the sea is so calming and provides a great space for my grandchildren to enjoy when they visit.”

After falling in love with the two-bedroom Tingdene home, Mandy began the moving process – opting for the Home Part Exchange scheme.

When choosing Home Part Exchange customers purchase a bungalow through RoyaleLife in exchange for the current market value of their home. Any additional funds will be given to the buyer as cash. For example, a £475,000 home exchanged for a £300,000 bungalow will give the buyer £175,000. Bungalows are furnished with luxury items to make the move that much easier.

Mandy added, “This was a fantastic option for me, and despite the pandemic my move only took three weeks from start to finish. RoyaleLife were incredible with taking the pressure off and providing support every step of the way. This is definitely my home for life. My neighbours have been wonderful, and I feel so settled.”

Robert Bull, CEO of RoyaleLife said,“Our beautiful communities provide a fantastic opportunity for those starting their next chapter in life. Not only do we offer beautiful homes in some of the nation’s most stunning locations, our innovative schemes such as Home Part Exchange means our residents can be assured that they not only experience a quick move, but they can also receive the financial benefits that come with the initiative.

“On behalf of all of us from RoyaleLife, we wish Mandy many happy years in her new home.”

Reculver Court currently has two properties left. Opening soon is Reculver Rise, situated just a stone’s throw away. Both developments offer luxury homes with fantastic leisure facilities. Prices at Reculver Rise start from £375,000.

For more information visit royalelife.com