Given that it’s a five minute journey from Parklife HQ, it was probably long overdue that we ventured out to Westwood Park to meet some park home residents and get their views on the lifestyle they’ve chosen.
We visited Richard and Sandra Fitzjohn in their Omar Middleton and sat down for coffee with this retired couple, who downsized in December 2015 and haven’t looked back.
The first notable point was that, before moving into their lodge, Sandra was dead against the idea. However, she now thinks it’s “the best thing we’ve ever done.” Having a spacious driveway, manageable front garden and a rear garden incorporating a raised, covered decking area, two sheds, and a summer house all add to the appeal of this quiet rural location.
On a tour of the interior, the Middleton didn’t disappoint. En-suite facilities, utility room, and vaulted ceiling in the lounge contribute to a feeling of quality and space, further enhancing the relaxed vibe.
The park is small and neat, giving residents the opportunity to look out for one another and offer help when it’s required. The site owners visit periodically and even threw a “street party” in the Covid-19 era, bringing a big cake and some bubbly. A sing-song ensued.
The couple have made alterations to the layout and décor of the unit, to suit their requirements, and, while it was always very attractive and well-appointed, it now has the special, personalised touch, giving added satisfaction. This work included taking out a wall, enabling an office to be incorporated into what became a spacious bedroom. Ceramic tiles were their choice for their bathroom and they clearly have the skills required to maintain the lodge and present it to its immaculate best.
They have mains services connected and we found the environment certainly warm enough on a mild autumn day. Their bills are a fraction of what they were pre-down sizing, so the report keeps getting better!
If there is one downside to the arrangement, it’s the 10% commission charged by the operators when the lodge is sold. But as Richard and Sandra aren’t planning to sell, they feel they can live with that.
It was extremely impressive to hear how the people in residence at the park have bonded into a community that extends beyond the mere fact of occupying the same bit of living-space. Dog-sitting, help with lodge maintenance, keeping a weather eye out for the wellbeing of neighbours – these things combine and count towards a persuasive argument for this quiet, comfortable, secure lifestyle.
