Spain was lovely, but Blagdon Village feels like home

WITH a great social life, a beautiful apartment and the whole of Europe near enough to explore, Spain offered Maggie and Brian Balchin an idyllic retirement. And the out-going couple entered wholeheartedly not only into the ex-pat but also the Spanish lifestyle.

But when Brian died suddenly on an extended holiday in Canada 18 months ago, Spain stopped feeling like home for Maggie. “I’d never liked the heat so we used to go on long summer breaks to cooler climates,” said Maggie. “My first grandchild, Maddy, had just been born back in the UK and, although the medical system in Spain was excellent, I knew I would probably need surgery on an on-going back problem. As a former nurse, I wanted the security of the NHS.” And so Maggie made the decision to go against the grain and, rather than retiring abroad, move back to the UK. “I know a lot of people dream of retiring abroad and we were lucky, Brian was a very successful businessman and we were able to enjoy a good lifestyle,” said Maggie, who’s 70. “But there were more reasons to come back than to stay.” Keen to return to Taunton in Somerset, her family home for 25 years, Maggie explored her options carefully.

“I had a strict requirement list,” said Maggie. “I wanted an apartment so there were no stairs, lift access, a nice neighbourhood and to be part of a community.”

Maggie had seen Blagdon Village, an exclusive development for the over 60s in the sought-after area of Haines Hill, advertised.

“Brian and I were aware of the retirement villages concept from trips to Australia and we’d always said it would be great if there were similar places in this country. Now I’d found one and it was in Taunton which I already knew and where I had lots of friends.”

Maggie visited the site in July last year and, after looking round the two bedroom show apartment in Middleway House, reserved it on the spot.

“I just knew it was the perfect place for me,” said Maggie. “It ticked all the boxes as well as having lots of facilities and a real community feel.”

Maggie sold her apartment in Spain and has now moved into her second floor apartment with views over Taunton.

“It’s everything I hoped it would be,” said Maggie. “Some people struggle to adjust to apartment living after being in a family home but I’d already made that adjustment in Spain. I’ve joined a Bridge group in Taunton, made new friends in Blagdon Village and seen lots of Maddy.

“Some people are surprised I moved back from what they see as the perfect life in Spain but this feels like home.”

Blagdon Village is a lifestyle village exclusively for the over 60s in Middleway, Taunton. Apartment and cottages are available priced from £205,000 to £360,000. For more information call into the sales office between 10.30am and 5pm, ring us on 01823 336192.

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