CASE STUDY: JOY & COLIN

A chance meeting with a stranger in a French bar led an expat couple on the path to their new life back in the UK

Joy, 75, and Colin,78, who now live in a luxury RoyaleLife bungalow on the Kent coast, had been living in the South of France for 15 years before they began to wonder about returning home. Joy had been struggling after a fall and Colin was recovering from chronic heart failure that had left him unwell.

Although their home near Cannes was lovely, and the couple had made many friends, they wished they could be closer to their son and old friends back in Essex – something that became even more important during the coronavirus pandemic.

While they debated the issue, the couple bumped into a stranger in one of their local bars. He was English and when he heard about Joy and Colin’s plight, he confided in them about the lonely life he was leading after the loss of his wife, highlighting the importance of having a strong support network and home comforts.

No sooner had they said their goodbyes, the couple realised they had made their minds up. It was time to go home!

The couple were determined to find a property back in England that not only met their requirements but would allow them to continue to live within a welcoming community. Like many expats now thinking of returning to the UK, the couple didn’t want to give up on the quality of life they had enjoyed while living abroad.

It was then that they discovered RoyaleLife, the leading UK bungalow provider for the over 45s.

Joy said: “We wanted a home that would meet our needs, but that also had the fantastic community focused lifestyle that we loved in France. So, after seeing an advert for RoyaleLife, we made contact immediately and were put in touch with sales and site supervisor who suggested we look at the brand new Reculver Rise development in Herne Bay.”

Colin said, “There was a two bedroomed property she wanted to show us, and we joined a private virtual tour that very afternoon. We were shown every inch of the house, even down to opening every single door and cupboard. There wasn’t anything that we didn’t know. Even the views from the rooms, which overlook the stunning development. We also had a tour of the outside grounds, which are breathtaking.”

Joy added, “We put an offer in and it was accepted – the happiness and relief brought us to tears.”

Since moving, the couple have been getting to know the area and enjoying life’s little pleasures. Reculver Rise is a stunning development on the Kent coast with panoramic sea views. Residents have access to a range of facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, coffee lounge and tea gardens. Local coastal walks lead directly from the development and there is plenty to do nearby including cycling, fishing, sailing and golf.

Excellent transport links mean Joy and Colin can be in Canterbury in half an hour or even London within 90 minutes.

“We love driving out and exploring. We have a little walk. We sit and have a coffee. Just the simple pleasures of life. There are so many lovely places very close by,” said Joy.

For more information on RoyaleLife visit royalelife.com